Lake Walen

Lake Walen's spectacular surroundings remind one of a Norwegian fjord. It is situated in Heidiland, and the hiker's paradise of the steeply climbing Churfirsten forms its northern border. The deep-blue lake is affectionately known as the "Riviera of Eastern Switzerland" due to its beauty. Magnificent waterfalls and expansive views can be found along the hiking and mountain biking trails that surround Lake Walen.

Around the lake, there are several little communities, each with unique characteristics. Quinten, for example, is a car-free community that attracts a lot of tourists due to its nearly Mediterranean temperature. Some varieties of grape, kiwi, fig, and other southern fruits thrive here because they are well shielded from the chilly north winds. Only by boat or on foot are there ways to get to the town. The tiny community of Betlis is located to the west of Quinten. The massive Seerenbach Waterfall, which is about 720 meters high, is especially striking when the snow is melting or after a significant downpour. Another impressive feature is the Rinquelle, one of Europe's largest limestone springs, which gushes out of the rocks. The popular Walensee Walk begins in the historic small town of Weesen at the western end of the lake and travels along the lake's untamed northern bank to Walenstadt.

The spa town of Amden is located on a sunny hilltop perched high above the lake's northern edge. This alpine village above the mists is a sizable hiking area in the summer, but in the winter it transforms into a warm family skiing area. We should not only mention the lakeside communities of Mühlehorn, Murg, Unterterzen, and Mols on the lake's southern shore, but also the well-known winter hiking and sports destination of the Flumserberg and the adventure paradise of Filzbach/Kerenzerberg.

Location: Heidiland