Walensee: A Swiss Alpine Gem

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Explore Walensee, Switzerland's stunning alpine lake: Hike scenic trails, cruise turquoise waters, and discover charming lakeside villages.

Walensee, also known as Lake Walen or Lake Walenstadt, is a stunning alpine lake in eastern Switzerland, characterized by its fjord-like scenery and the towering Churfirsten mountain range. The lake offers various activities, including hiking, boat tours, and exploring charming villages along its shores.

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 from Weesen to Walenstadt for breathtaking views of the lake and Churfirsten mountains.
Visit the Seerenbach Falls, one of Europe's highest waterfalls, accessible by boat or a short hike from Betlis.
Enjoy water sports such as swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding in the lake's clear waters.
Check the ferry schedules in advance, especially if planning to visit Quinten or hike between lakeside villages.

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Getting There

Public Transport

To reach Walensee via public transport, start by taking a train to Ziegelbrücke. From Zurich, direct trains to Unterterzen are available, with a journey time of approximately 58 minutes, costing between SFr 17 - SFr 29. From Ziegelbrücke, transfer to a bus (line 650) which runs every half hour to Weesen and Amden. To access other villages around the lake, such as Quinten, ferries are available from Weesen, Unterterzen, or Murg. A day pass for the ferries costs CHF 30.00 with an online discount.
Driving

If driving to Walensee from Zurich, the journey takes approximately 54 minutes, covering a distance of 79.5 km. Parking is available in Weesen (Hauptstrasse 25, 8872 Weesen) and other lakeside villages. Parking fees vary depending on the location. For example, parking is available at Walenseestrasse 8885 Mols. Be aware that some roads, like the one to Betlis, are one-lane and operate with traffic control, allowing passage in one direction for only a few minutes each hour. Raststätte Walensee Bergsboden in Unterterzen also offers parking. Consider parking in Mühlehorn, where free parking spaces are available near the train station and ferry dock.
Ferry

Many locations around Walensee are best accessed by ferry. From Weesen, ferries operate to Quinten. From Betlis, ferries run to Weesen. A ferry from Betlis to Weesen costs SFr 8 - SFr 11 and takes 20 minutes. Schiffsbetrieb Walensee operates these ferries. A one-way ticket from Weesen to Quinten costs SFr 11 - SFr 14 and the journey takes 40 minutes. Keep in mind that bicycles are not transported from Quinten, Au, and Murg. Check the Schiffsbetrieb Walensee AG website for the most up-to-date schedules and fares.

Discover more about Walensee

Walensee, or Lake Walen, is a captivating lake nestled in eastern Switzerland, straddling the cantons of St. Gallen and Glarus. Its name, meaning 'Lake of the Walhaz,' reflects its historical position as a linguistic border in the early Middle Ages. The lake's dramatic landscape features steep, fjord-like shores and the imposing Churfirsten mountains rising sharply on its northern side. Formed by the Rhine glacier, Walensee reaches a maximum depth of 151 meters, making it one of Switzerland's deepest lakes. The lake is fed by the Seez, Murgbach, and Linth rivers, with the Linth continuing its course to Lake Zurich via the Linth canal. The sole island within the lake is the Schnittlauchinsel, situated at its eastern end. Walensee offers a diverse range of activities. Hiking trails abound around the lake, catering to all experience levels. The Walensee Walk, stretching from Weesen to Walenstadt along the northern shore, is particularly popular. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and diving in the lake's clear waters, though the water tends to be colder than other nearby lakes. Boat tours provide a relaxing way to explore the lake, with options for scenic cruises, visits to the Seerenbach Falls, and stops at the car-free village of Quinten. Quinten, known as the 'Riviera of Eastern Switzerland,' boasts a mild, almost Mediterranean climate, allowing for the cultivation of grapes, kiwis, and figs. The village is accessible only by boat or on foot, adding to its unique charm. Other notable locations around the lake include Weesen, a historic town with a fascinating past, and Unterterzen, a resort offering a beach, bathing facilities, and a cable car to Flumserberg.