The best running trails around Lünersee

The Lünersee area offers nearly 20 dedicated running routes. These range from scenic lakeside paths to more challenging high-alpine trails, providing a variety of options for different fitness levels.

The terrain around Lünersee is predominantly high-alpine, featuring well-maintained paths, particularly on the popular circular route. You'll encounter varied mountain terrain, including sections with steeper ascents and descents, especially near the dam. The routes are set against the dramatic backdrop of the Rätikon Alps, with limestone cliffs and stunning lake views.

Most of the running routes around Lünersee are considered difficult, with 16 out of 17 routes falling into this category. There is also one moderate route available. This indicates that many trails involve significant elevation changes and require a good level of fitness.

Yes, the most prominent circular route is the Around the Lünersee - Brandnertal. This trail circles the entire lake, offering continuous panoramic views. Another option is the Trail circuit above Brand, which provides a different perspective of the surrounding mountains.

The main circular path around Lünersee, known as the Lünersee Rundweg, is approximately 6 to 6.5 kilometers (4 miles) long. Most joggers can complete this circuit in about 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on their pace and stops to enjoy the scenery.

While jogging, you'll be surrounded by the stunning turquoise waters of Lünersee and the rugged peaks of the Rätikon Alps, including Schesaplana. You can also pass by the Douglass Hut at Lake Lünersee, which offers refreshments and panoramic views, and the Totalphütte, accessible via a detour. During summer, the area is vibrant with alpine flowers.

While many routes are rated difficult, the primary Lünersee Rundweg is largely accessible and well-maintained, making it suitable for families with older children or those looking for a less strenuous experience. The option to use the Lünerseebahn cable car also makes the high-alpine environment more approachable.

The Lünersee area is generally dog-friendly, but it's always advisable to keep dogs on a leash, especially given the high-alpine environment and potential for wildlife encounters. Ensure your dog is fit enough for the elevation and terrain, and carry enough water for both of you.

The running routes in Lünersee are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 30 reviews. Runners frequently praise the breathtaking high-alpine scenery, the clear turquoise waters, and the dramatic mountain backdrops that make for an inspiring jogging experience.

You can access the Lünersee trails via the Lünerseebahn cable car, which provides a quick and scenic ascent to the lake, saving you a steep 400-meter climb from the valley. This makes the high-alpine environment readily available for runners.

While the Lünersee Rundweg is popular, exploring routes that branch off towards viewpoints like Schafgafall or Gafalljoch, or longer trails like the Niggenkopfstüble – Glingaweg Trail loop from Brand, can offer a more secluded experience. These often involve more significant elevation gain, leading to fewer people on the paths.

The best time for jogging around Lünersee is typically during the summer months when the alpine flora is in full bloom and the weather is most favorable. Late spring and early autumn can also be excellent, offering cooler temperatures and stunning seasonal colors, though some higher trails might still have snow in spring or see early snow in autumn.