Seerenbach Falls: A Majestic Cascade on Lake Walen
Experience the awe-inspiring Seerenbach Falls, a natural wonder featuring cascading waterfalls and the mysterious Rin Spring on scenic Lake Walen.
Nestled near the village of Amden in the Canton of St. Gallen, the Seerenbach Falls are a mesmerizing display of nature's power and beauty. These falls, among the highest in Europe, plunge a total of 585 meters (1,919 feet) down a vertical cliff face into Lake Walen, creating a spectacle that captivates all who visit. The Seerenbach Falls are actually a series of three distinct cascades. The upper cascade drops 50 meters (160 ft), the middle one, the most impressive, plummets 305 meters (1,001 ft), making it the second-highest free-falling waterfall in Switzerland. The lowest cascade descends 190 meters (620 ft). The falls are formed by the Seerenbach creek as it drains into Lake Walen. At the base of the falls, the Rinquelle (Rin Spring), one of Europe's largest karst springs, emerges from a subterranean river system and joins the Seerenbach. Researchers have explored the Rin Spring's cave system, discovering a 3-kilometer-long canal leading deep into the Churfirsten mountains. The ultimate destination of this water remains a mystery. The falls are easily accessible via a scenic hiking trail from Betlis, a charming village on the shores of Lake Walen. The trail meanders through meadows and past farmhouses, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. For a unique experience, visitors can take a boat from Weesen to Betlis. The best time to visit is in the spring, when melting snow and heavy rainfall ensure a spectacular display of water.
Local tips
- Visit in late spring or after heavy rainfall for the most impressive water flow.
- Take the ferry from Weesen to Betlis for a scenic start to your hike.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the trail can be steep in some sections.
- Pack a picnic to enjoy by the lake or at one of the designated fire pits.
- Stop by the Betlis chapel for a picturesque view of all three stages of the waterfall.
A brief summary to Seerenbach Falls
- Wasserfall, Amden, 8873, CH
- +41582282830
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Zurich or Chur, take a train to Ziegelbrücke. From Ziegelbrücke, walk to the Bahnhof Süd bus stop and take bus 650 to Weesen, See. From Weesen, See, walk to the ferry dock (Hauptstrasse 23, 8872 Weesen) and take the ferry to Betlis. From Betlis, follow the hiking trail to Seerenbach Falls (approximately 1.75 km). Ferry tickets cost CHF 16.20 for adults, CHF 8.10 for children (6-16 years).
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Driving
From Zurich, drive towards Weesen. In Weesen, follow signs to Betlis. Be aware that the road to Betlis is narrow and includes a one-way section with restricted access times (:00-:05 and :30-:35 from Lago Mio to Betlis, and :15-:20 and :45-:50 from Betlis to Lago Mio). Parking is available in Betlis (Parkplatz Amden Betlis), but can be limited. Parking costs vary, expect to pay around CHF 5-10 for a few hours. As an alternative, park in Weesen (Ziegelbrückstrasse 3, 8872 Weesen) and take the ferry to Betlis.
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Walking
From Weesen, it is possible to walk to Seerenbach Falls. Follow the road along the Walensee in the direction of Betlis. The walk takes approximately 1-1.5 hours. This is a scenic route, but it is longer than taking the ferry.
