Walensee: Switzerland's Fjord-Like Lake

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Discover Walensee: A Swiss alpine lake with fjord-like scenery, hiking trails, Mediterranean villages, and refreshing water activities.

Walensee, also known as Lake Walen or Lake Walenstadt, is a stunning Swiss alpine lake located east of Zurich, characterized by its fjord-like scenery with steep cliffs rising from the north shore. The lake offers various activities, including hiking, water sports, and boat tours, and is surrounded by charming villages like Quinten, a car-free village with a Mediterranean climate.

A brief summary to Walensee

Local tips

Check the Walensee ferry schedule in advance, as it varies by day and season.
Visit Quinten, a car-free village, for a unique Mediterranean-like experience.
Explore the Seerenbach Falls, one of Switzerland's highest waterfalls, accessible from Betlis.
Enjoy water sports on the lake, but be aware that the water can be colder than other Swiss lakes.
Hike the Walensee Walk from Weesen to Walenstadt for stunning lake views.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

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Rinquelle

Discover the Enchantment of Rinquelle Waterfalls

Seerenbach Falls

Seerenbach Falls: A Majestic Cascade into Lake Walen

Getting There

Public Transport

From Zurich, take a direct train to Unterterzen. The journey takes approximately 58 minutes and trains depart hourly. From Unterterzen, you can access various points around the lake by bus or boat. A single train fare from Zurich to Unterterzen costs between CHF 17 and CHF 35. Bus fares around the lake are typically CHF 2-4 for short trips. Alternatively, from Flims, take the line 81 bus to Chur, then transfer to a train to Walenstadt. This takes approximately 1 hour 37 minutes and costs CHF 21-40.
Ferry

Ferries operate between various towns on Walensee, including Weesen, Betlis and Quinten. From Weesen to Betlis, the ferry operates 5 times a day and costs CHF 8-11. The journey takes 20 minutes. From Weesen to Quinten, the ferry also operates 5 times a day and costs CHF 11-14. The journey takes 40 minutes. Check the Schiffsbetrieb Walensee schedule for current times and prices.
Driving

From Zurich, the drive to Walensee takes approximately 54 minutes via the A3. The driving distance is about 80 km. Parking is available in various towns around the lake, including Weesen and Mols. Parking Walenseestrasse in Mols offers 8 spaces. Raststätte Walensee Bergsboden in Unterterzen also provides parking. Parking costs vary, but expect to pay around CHF 1-3 per hour. From Flims, the drive to Walenstadt takes approximately 41 minutes via route 13. Driving costs approximately CHF 9-14.

Discover more about Walensee

Walensee, or Lake Walen, is one of Switzerland's larger and deepest lakes, situated between the cantons of St. Gallen and Glarus. Its name translates to 'Lake of the Walhaz,' marking a historical linguistic boundary. The lake's dramatic landscape features the imposing Churfirsten mountain range on its northern side, creating a fjord-like atmosphere, while the southern side offers access to the Flumserberg hiking and winter sports region. Formed by the Rhine glacier, Walensee is fed by the Seez, Murgbach, and Linth rivers. The Linth was diverted into the lake in the early 19th century via the Escher canal. The lake's clear waters are ideal for various water sports, including swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and diving. Divers can explore hidden boat wrecks beneath the surface, though the water is colder than other nearby lakes. Hiking trails abound around Walensee, catering to all levels of experience. The Walensee Walk along the northern shore from Weesen to Walenstadt is particularly popular, offering breathtaking views of the lake, forests, and waterfalls. Quinten, a car-free village on the southern shore accessible only by boat or foot, boasts a unique microclimate where palm trees, figs, and grapes flourish. The Seerenbach Falls, among Switzerland's highest waterfalls, are also a notable attraction, reachable by foot from Betlis. Boat tours are a great way to explore Walensee, with options for round trips and visits to Quinten and the Seerenbach Falls. The lake is also used for corporate events, offering seminars and dinners with scenic views.

Explore the best of what Walensee has to offer

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