Lake Klöntal in the canton of Glarus is a true gem. Find out about the magical places around the lake and great hikes.

Text and pictures by Marc Gottwald

Lake Klöntal sparkles green and blue, surrounded by gigantic mountains. It almost looks as if it is an opal forged into the idyllic mountain landscape of the Glarus Alps. Appearances are not deceptive. The mountain lake is a jewel of nature with many opportunities to discover magical moments. In this Klöntalersee guide, you will discover everything about the most beautiful places and the best hikes in the region.

1). At the dam walls of Lake Klöntal

Over the past millennia, the Swiss Alps have been altered by landslides and erosion in a continuing process. This also happened in Klöntal when a landslide dammed up the water of the river and created a natural lake. Although the rocks are considered stable today, Lake Klöntal is monitored by the federal government. This is because rockfalls into the lake could trigger massive floods.

Since 1908, however, dams have been built at Lake Klöntal to produce electricity. Therefore, the Swiss lake can no longer be called a 100% natural lake. However, it has lost none of its beauty.

One of the most beautiful places in my eyes is right by the dam wall. On the one hand, there is a beautiful vantage point behind the Rhodannenberg restaurant where you can take the perfect picture. On the other hand, the lake with its boats is always a great photo motif. Of course, it’s also a perfect place for a picnic.

If you want to park in summer, you should not park at the Rhodannenberg restaurant unless you are going to the restaurant. A daily fee of 7.50CHF is charged, even if you only park for 30 minutes. A better alternative is to use the parking spaces on the lakeshore or at the Güntlenau campsite (for a small fee).

In summer, this place is a great highlight, especially in the morning and evening hours. Because not only the atmosphere is breathtaking, the pictures are also perfect with the reflection of the mountains.

2). Lake Klöntal Camping Güntlenau

The campsite is ideal for people who would like to spend a few days at Lake Klöntal. But day trippers also get their money’s worth. Because in front of the campsite there are large meadows on the shore where you can rest and enjoy the great view over the mountains and the Swiss lake. You can even cool off with a refreshing swim. Whats better way than to do this on a hot summer day?

If you want to camp, you can bring your tent or camper van. As demand is very high during the summer holidays, early booking is recommended. By the way, there is a second campsite on the Klöntalersee (Camping Vorauen), which is also very popular.

3). Köntalersee Riettürli

One of the most magical places on the Klöntalersee is the Riettürli on the northern side of the lake. There is a bench and a few parking spaces directly on the road. The view over the lake and the massive rock faces cannot be described. A feeling of infinite power comes to you here.

Yes, this idyllic spot really is a place of power. Especially in the early morning hours, you still have complete peace and quiet and can often enjoy a perfect reflection of the mountains, some of which are still covered in snow.

4). Summer lake side hike Klöntal Rhodannenberg to Klöntal Vorauen

A two-hour hike takes you from the Klöntal Rhodannenberg bus station along the left south shore of the lake (hiking trail) to Klöntal Vorauen. The beautiful lakeside hiking trail offers plenty of variety and romance with lake views, forest, bays and waterfalls.

You can take the bus back to the car park or to Glarus. The Klöntalersee can also be circumnavigated, but the northern side with the road is very busy in summer. I therefore recommend doing the whole circuit in spring or autumn, when it is dry and has not rained much (due to potential rock falls).

Incidentally, ice used to be mined from Lake Klöntal in winter and sometimes even shipped to France or Germany. The last time this happened was in 1953- Furthermore in the 17th century it was suspected that there are large, productive iron deposits around Lake Klöntal. That’s why a lot of forest was cleared for firing. It was soon realised that the iron reserves at Lake Klöntal were less lucrative than had been assumed.

5). Hike from the Klöntalersee lake to the romantic mountain village of Chäserenalp (including waterfall).

A great and almost unknown hike leads from the Klöntalersee via the mountain village of Chäserenalp to Webern. Parking is available near the Plätz bus stop, although in summer it is recommended to travel by public transport. The relatively leisurely hike leads through a forest to Alp Klönstalden. In the summer months there is a good chance of seeing many cows here. They move on upwards around July.

After about an hour you reach the romantic mountain village of Käsern. You have the feeling of having landed in another world. The wooden houses exude a lot of charm. A mountain tavern offers meals to guests (please check opening times). After refreshments, the last 30 minutes are spent walking towards the waterfall. This is the steepest part of the hike. As soon as you arrive at Alp Webern, a wonderful mountain backdrop including a waterfall awaits you! A great reward and the perfect place to recharge your batteries.

The hike takes around 1.5h each way.

Conclusion Klöntalersee

Lake Klöntal is a magical place with many different facets. A region where dreamers and romantics get their money’s worth. For the perfect moments, I especially recommend visiting the lake between spring and autumn. Because although the region is beautiful in winter, the valley receives no sun for about three months from November to February. Also, the lake is basically frozen in winter.

When driving back to Zurich a great stop is at the Läderach Factory Outlet Store in Bilten.