Discover the water world on Lake Walen
Discover the water world on Lake Walen
Lake Walen is considered one of the cleanest lakes in Switzerland. The lake scores points with its unspoilt shores and a coolness that lives up to its name. It is an Eldorado for nature lovers who enjoy water sports. The fjord-like lake and the imposing backdrop of the Churfirsten mountain range make the region around Lake Walen a world of its own. At both ends of the lake, panoramic views of either the Linth Plain and the Glarus Alps or, to the east, the Rhine Valley, the Flums Mountains and the Pizol mountain range shine out. Lake Walen has a mild climate because the sun can warm the spectacular rock faces above the lake extensively. In the village of Quinten, which can only be reached on foot or by boat, kiwis, figs and other tropical fruits grow alongside grapes, which is why the village is also known as the “Riviera Walensee”. Anyone traveling on Lake Walen passes through impressive scenery. The impressive natural surroundings even prompted the composer Franz Liszt to dedicate the piano piece “Au lac de Wallenstadt” to the lake.
The shores of Lake Walen don't look much different today than they did in Liszt's time. They are still best explored from the water. The lake is made for stand-up paddlers and kayakers. But watch out: Local winds can arise very quickly. What kite surfers appreciate can be dangerous for the inexperienced.
On the shores of the lake, you can swim at the many natural bathing spots in summer and enjoy wonderful hikes all year round. The year-round classics on Lake Walen are hikes to Quinten from Weesen or Walenstadt. With good planning, these can be combined with leisurely boat trips to the other side of the lake to Murg. From there, the train will take you comfortably back to your starting point.
Through the “fjord” on a scheduled boat trip Explore Lake Walen and the Churfristen from a boat and let the wind blow around your nose. Schiffsbetriebe Walensee AG operates five scheduled boats that call at ten stations. For example, take the boat from Weesen or Mühlehorn to Quinten, have lunch in one of the lakeside restaurants and then continue on to Walenstadt.
Boats on the Linth Canal Floating from Lake Walen into Lake Zurich in an inflatable boat is great fun for families and groups. Just three minutes from Ziegelbrücke railroad station is the Linth-Boot excursion harbor, where inflatable boats are available for hire.
Bathing on the Gäsi sandy beach, Weesen Bathing area on the edge of the forest with one of the few sandy beaches in Switzerland. At the Gäsi restaurant there is a playground for children, a raft in Lake Walen and various fire pits. In the forest behind the beach is the Gäsi campsite, whose guests also enjoy the beautiful sandy beach. Entry is free of charge.
Windsurfing Walensee Enjoy windsurfing on the petrol-green lake against the picturesque backdrop of the surrounding mountains. You can learn and practise at the Windsurfing Weesen surf station right next to the idyllic “Lago Mio” lakeside restaurant between Weesen and Betlis.
Musical on the Walensee stage With its breathtaking location at the foot of the Churfirsten mountains, the Walensee stage is one of the most beautiful lake stages in Switzerland. 360000 enthusiastic visitors have already attended performances in Walenstadt. The musical “Flashdance - the Musical” will be performed in 2022.
Stand-up paddling in Murg Where the wood shavings used to fly, today a wide range of hospitality is celebrated along with water sports and other adventure activities. The Sagi-Beiz and the Sagi jetty are a popular meeting place. SUP and canoes can be hired here. There is even a giant SUP for groups of up to ten people.
Kite surfing in Unterterzen There is a beautiful bathing beach at the Resort Walensee in Unterterzen. It is also popular with kite surfers. As soon as the wind picks up, surfers wait for the opportunity to get into the water. With a few exceptions, kite surfing is permitted on the whole of Lake Walen.
Biking, hiking and swimming in Betlis This bathing spot is just two minutes from the Betlis boat station. The beautiful path from Weesen along the lakeshore to the bathing area is also a pleasure. You can reach the bathing beach on foot from Weesen in an hour and the road is also ideal for cycling.
Tip: Surfing not on the sea, but on Lake Walen
You can surf on the wake wave behind the wakesurf boat from Wake Walensee in Mühlehorn. The boat is equipped with a surfing system that creates a large, endless wave. Impact protection vests, wetsuits, boards and ropes are provided on site.
Arrival: with the IR Aare Linth to Ziegelbrücke or Walenstadt, with the S4 to Mühlehorn