The best walks and hikes around Stausee Garichti

The Stausee Garichti area, situated at 1622 meters above sea level on the Mettmenalp, offers a classic Swiss alpine experience. You'll encounter rugged mountains, wild streams, and expansive alpine pastures. The central feature is the picturesque Stausee Garichti reservoir itself, providing stunning waterscapes. The region is also part of the Freiberg Kärpf wildlife sanctuary, offering opportunities to observe animals like ibexes, chamois, and marmots.

Yes, for those seeking a less strenuous walk or hiking with family, the leisurely circuit around the Stausee Garichti reservoir is an excellent choice. This path takes approximately 45 minutes, offers beautiful forest and mountain views, and features picnic areas with fire pits. The east side of the lake circuit is even stroller-friendly in some sections.

A significant natural landmark is the Kärpfbrücke Natural Bridge, a distinctive 50-meter-wide stone bridge that is a highlight along several routes. Additionally, the region offers magnificent panoramic views of peaks like Piz Sardona and the Tschingelhörner. On clear days, you might even spot the famous Martinsloch from certain vantage points.

Access to the Stausee Garichti area is typically via a scenic cable car ride from Kies up to Mettmen. This cable car journey adds to the overall experience of visiting the region.

Yes, there are several circular routes. A popular moderate option is the Garichti Reservoir – Ängisee loop, which is about 10.2 km long. For a more challenging experience, consider the Leglerhütte SAC – Ängisee loop, a demanding 11.9 km trail.

The trails around Stausee Garichti are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 1000 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the diverse alpine scenery, the opportunities for wildlife observation within the Freiberg Kärpf sanctuary, and the well-maintained paths that cater to various fitness levels.

Absolutely. For experienced hikers, the Leglerhütte SAC – Ängisee loop is a demanding 11.9 km route with significant elevation gain, typically taking over 5 hours. Another challenging option is the Garichti Reservoir – Kärpfbrücke Natural Bridge loop, a 6.09 km trail that is considered difficult due to its terrain.

Yes, many trails in the Stausee Garichti area are equipped with fire pits, making them ideal spots for picnicking and taking a break amidst the beautiful scenery. The lake circuit around Stausee Garichti also features designated picnic areas.

The hiking season typically runs from late spring to early autumn, when the alpine paths are clear of snow and the weather is most favorable. During this period, you can fully appreciate the alpine flora and panoramic views. Always check local weather and trail conditions before heading out, especially in shoulder seasons.

Yes, the Lake Berglimatt – Garichti Reservoir loop is a moderate 7.36 km hike that offers excellent views and takes about 3 hours and 34 minutes to complete. Another moderate option is the Garichti Reservoir – Ängisee loop, which provides scenic vistas of the reservoir and surrounding mountains.

The Stausee Garichti region offers a diverse network of trails, with a total of 12 hiking routes available. These range from easy walks suitable for families to challenging alpine ascents for experienced hikers.