Lake Walen (Walensee)

The basics

On the northern side of Lake Walen, below the steep south face of the Churfirsten mountain range, the small village of Quinten is a car-free paradise. It can only be reached by boat from Murg or on foot, and due to the protected location, excellent grapes, figs, and kiwis are grown here. To the west of Quinten, the mighty Seerenbach Falls gush from a cave system and tumble in three cascades almost 1,968 feet (600 meters) down the cliffs. The waterfalls are especially impressive in spring, when the melting snow turns them into a torrent.

Located high up on a sunny plateau and overlooking the northern shores of Lake Walen is the town of Amden. The village with its adjoining ski slopes and hiking trails is often above the clouds, making it a popular holiday destination throughout the year. On the other side of the lake, Flumserberg is the biggest winter sports area in the region consisting of several villages and a huge network of slopes, trails, and cycling paths. Guided tours of Heidiland typically include Lake Walen. Plus, a ferry zig zags across the lake, making stops at the towns along the shore.

Things to know before you go

• Seerenbach Falls is an easy, family-friendly day trip from Zürich; from Betlis, follow a 1.2-mile (2-kilometer) trail that’s suitable for small children and strollers.
• There’s a 4.6-mile (7.5-kilometer) hike along the north shore of the lake with some steep elevation and rocky paths.
• Be sure to check the ferry schedule before heading to the lake since service can be limited, especially during the shoulder season and winter.

How to get there

Lake Walen is located in eastern Switzerland, roughly an hour away from Zürich. There are direct trains from Zürich to Walenstadt, but to get to the village of Weesen, a transfer from train to the bus is necessary in Ziegelbrücke. The boats on Lake Walen run throughout the year, although in winter the service is limited to the route from Murg to Quinten.

When to get there

In order to avoid large crowds, arrive early on the weekends or visit during the week. The most popular times for outdoor activities like hiking are May and June and from September to December. If you plan to hike to the falls, plan to visit in the spring when the melting snow turns them into an awesome sight.

What You Need to Know About Heidiland

This tourist hotspot, located between Lake Walen and Sarganserland in eastern Switzerland, derives its name from Johanna Spyri’s Heidi, a popular children’s book about the life of a young girl in the Swiss Alps. The region offers up both skiing and hiking, as well as wellness activities and golf courses. There are also plenty of Heidi-related attractions including a house in Maienfeld.