Walensee: A Swiss Alpine Gem

Discover Walensee: A pristine Swiss lake offering stunning scenery, outdoor adventures, and charming lakeside villages.

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Nestled between the cantons of St. Gallen and Glarus, Walensee is an unforgettable Swiss alpine lake that offers breathtaking views and a wide array of activities. Known for its crystal-clear waters and dramatic mountain backdrop, it's a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

A brief summary to Walensee

Local tips

Take a boat trip to Quinten, a car-free village with a Mediterranean climate, accessible only by boat or on foot.
Hike the Walensee Walk along the northern shore for breathtaking views of the lake and the Churfirsten mountains.
Visit the Seerenbach Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Europe, cascading down near Betlis.
Enjoy swimming in the lake's clear waters at popular spots like Betlis, Gäsi, Weesen, and Lago Mio.
Check the Walensee-Schifffahrt schedule for boat tours and special events on the lake.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Zurich, take a train to Ziegelbrücke. From there, change to a train heading to one of the towns along Walensee's southern shore, such as Walenstadt, Murg, or Unterterzen. From these towns, you can access the lakefront and boat services. A single train fare from Zurich to Walenstadt costs approximately CHF 20-40. Boat tickets vary depending on the route, with a day ticket costing around CHF 29.
Driving

From Zurich, take the A3 motorway towards Chur. Exit at one of the signs for the Walensee region, such as Niederurnen or Weesen. Follow the local roads to reach your desired lakeside town. Parking is available in most towns, with hourly rates around CHF 1-3 and daily rates around CHF 10-15. Be aware that parking can be limited during peak season.
Ferry

To reach car-free villages like Quinten, take a ferry from Weesen, Murg, or Walenstadt. Ferry services are operated by Walensee-Schifffahrt. A boat ride from Weesen to Quinten costs approximately CHF 15.70. Check the schedule for the day.

Discover more about Walensee

Walensee, also known as Lake Walen or Lake Walenstadt, is a stunning lake in eastern Switzerland, characterized by its fjord-like scenery and the imposing Churfirsten mountain range. The lake's name, meaning 'Lake of the Walhaz,' reflects its historical position as a linguistic border in the early Middle Ages. Formed by the Seez river, Walensee stretches approximately 9 miles in length and 1.5 miles in width, reaching a maximum depth of 495 feet. The lake is fed by three main tributaries: the Seez, Murgbach, and Linth. The Linth river was diverted into the lake through the Escher canal in the early 19th century and continues its course to Lake Zurich via the Linth canal. Visitors can explore charming villages along the shores, such as Weesen, Quinten, and Walenstadt. Quinten, a car-free village on the northern shore, is accessible only by boat or foot and enjoys a mild, almost Mediterranean climate. The lake is known for its clean water, with swimming spots in Betlis, Gäsi, Weesen and Lago Mio. Walensee offers a wide range of activities, including hiking, water sports, and boat tours. Hiking trails surround the lake, with popular routes like the Walensee Walk along the northern shore. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and diving in the lake's clear waters. Passenger boats connect various docking stations around the lake, providing access to different attractions and villages.