Lake Obersee above Näfels is considered as one of the hidden gems near Zurich. In just about an hour you can reach the dreamlike mountain lake in the Glarus Alps.

Text and pictures by Marc Gottwald

Journey to Lake Obersee

The road from Näfels to Obersee is a bit adventurous, as it is steep and narrow. At various places no two cars fit through at the same time, then one person has to reverse to the next passing place. According to the law, the descending car has to back up, unless the uphill car is close to a passing place.

At the Obersee mountain inn there are several parking spaces. If they are already full, there are more at the end of the lake.

Unfortunately, it is difficult to get there by public transport. Therefore we recommend you to come by car or take a shared cab. From Zurich it takes you around 1 hour. And then you are at one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland.

Lake Obersee from spring to autumn

In early and late summer you can see grazing cows everywhere, enjoying the dreamlike view of Lake Obersee. Although in spring the snow remains relatively long, the water is usually free of snow from mid-April and spoils the eyes of those seeking peace and quiet with the dreamlike reflection.

Especially photographers get their money’s worth before 10 o’clock. Because then the reflection is very intense, the lake mostly windless. From spring to autumn, the region is also perfect for fantastic hikes. Due to the snow, which can be found in May partly still in the heights, especially the time between June and late September is super for hiking.

In March and April, when the snow melts, many snow avalanches can be seen in the region. Please be careful, alert and avoid hiking along mountain slopes during that time of the year.

Lake Obersee in winter

Also in winter, Lake Obersee is a beautiful place to visit. Compared to the Lake Klöntalersee, which doesn’t get any sun for about three months, the Obersee is more sunny. Often it is also above the fog line in winter. But if there is no sun, it can get very cold.

In winter, the place is also a perfect destination for hikers. Besides the lake circuit, which can usually be mastered with waterproof hiking boots, there are also various hikes to villages like Sulzboden or Vorderahornen.

However, you should refrain from these hikes in case there is too much snow due to avalanche danger. Please check the danger map beforehand.

Best Picture Spots

In recent years, Lake Obersee has become a popular photo subject for photographers and Instagrammers. I’m happy to show you my favorite places here.

If you arrive at Obersee before 10 a.m. and park in the large parking lot, you have the huge chance to see the reflection of the imposing mountain called Brünnelistock. And to be honest with you, it’s indescribably beautiful. After 10 o’clock there is a high chance that the wind will pick up.

Photo spot 1: Lakeside path to the left of the Obersee mountain hotel

Along the shore to the left of the Obersee mountain hotel you have opportunities to capture various angles. Here is also the reflection of the Brünnelistock most intense. Often you are all alone, the tranquility is simply unique.

Photo spot 2 & 3: On the shore path below the quarry

About 80 years ago there was a landslide, which can still be seen very well today. On the lakeside path near the quarry there are two fantastically beautiful photo spots. On the one hand in the direction of the mountain hotel (photo spot 2) and on the other hand to the Bärensoolspitz (photo spot 3), which also shows itself with a stunning reflection before 10 o’clock.

Photo spot 4: Bridge above the stream in the direction of Brünnelistock

Another great photo spot is when you continue to follow the riverside path until you come to a bridge. The combination with the river and the Brünnelistock is really beautiful. Please note, however, that the river is often dried up in summer and only carries water during snowmelt and longer periods of rain.

For your convenience, the spots are shown here on the map:

Picnicking Lake Obersee

If you want to picnic at Lake Obersee, you will get your money’s worth. Around the lake there are various places where you can sit comfortably. There are also benches near the mountain inn and on the small peninsula below the road. Furthermore, you can also find fireplaces on the peninsula.

In addition, there is also the mountain inn to stop at, but it is currently permanently closed (as of 2022).

Swimming

Lake Obersee would be tempting for swimming, however I would not do it due to the invasive plant narrowleaf waterweed. Especially inexperienced swimmers could easily panic when tangled with the plant. To put in the feet, however, nothing speaks against it.

By the way, there is also a swimming pool about one kilometer west of the lake, which is considered as the coldest swimming pool in Switzerland.

Fishing

The lake is a fisherman’s paradise. Especially in the early morning hours, depending on the day, many fishermen can be observed. In the Lake Obersee you can find mainly perch, pike and trout.

Hikes near Lake Obersee

Lake Obersee is a hiker’s paradise and as a must place to visit from Zurich also suitable for families with strollers. Especially the circular hike which takes around 1 hour is perfect and barrier-free (except for the smaller steep part at the bridge). Here there are various places to enjoy the peace and quiet or even cool your feet in the lake. Furthermore you will also find barbecue sites, as described above.

Another beautiful hike takes you from Obersee to Sulz. On the way you will meet dozens of cows in summer and hike along waters and beautiful forests. Sulz is a vacation destination for locals. The houses have neither electricity nor hot water.