Best lakes around Linthal are found in the Glarus Alps of Switzerland, a region characterized by dramatic mountainous terrain. This area serves as a gateway to several alpine lakes, offering a variety of natural and man-made water bodies. The landscape provides a picturesque backdrop for these features. Each lake presents unique characteristics and attractions for visitors.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Linthal.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Cold lake great for cooling feet and a great place to take a break with a view of the glacier and the mountains
1
0
The Muttsee (formerly Mutten See, Muttensee) is a reservoir on the Muttenalp in the southernmost part of the municipality of Glarus South in the canton of Glarus in Switzerland.
2
0
In 1957, the newly founded Kraftwerke Linth-Limmern AG (KLL) began to realize the power plants that had been planned since the beginning of the 1940s by the Nordostschweizerische Kraftwerke (NOK), into which the Muttensee was to be integrated.
2
0
Until 1917, the official name was "Mutten See", then the spelling "Muttensee" appeared. From 1963, the spelling "Muttsee" appeared. The Hühnerbühl is now known in dialect as Hüenderbüel.[3] The kidney-shaped mountain lake was about 1000 meters long and 400 to 500 meters wide. On the Muttenalp plateau known as Hühnerbühl, it covered an area of about 42 hectares. The height of the lake surface was given as 2442 m until 1899, and 2448 m from 1900 to 1962. In the southeast, the lake was drained by a stream, which after a few hundred meters, at about 2400 m, disappeared into the Muttsee cave in the karst subsoil of the Muttenalp.[6] A little to the south, from about 2450 m, the Muttenbach collected the snow water from the Latten via various small tributaries.[5] It led this into the Limmernbach via the Mörthal and the Ochsenblanken.
2
1
The lake is registered in the cantonal landscape register as a landscape of regional importance.[4] In the karst area of the Muttenalp there are - in addition to the Muttsee cave and the Muttsee hut - various other small lakes, most of them distributed southwest of the Muttsee over the Hüenderbüel. The largest neighbor, the Ober See, lies north of the Muttsee at 2474 m. It is the only lake on the Muttenalp that is connected to the Muttsee via its outflow.
2
0
The lake is located at the crossing from Linthal-Tierfehd over the Kistenpass to Brigels. It lies in the 2.95 square kilometer basin of the Muttenalp above the Hüenderbüel. The alp is surrounded by high mountains such as Nüschenstock (2892 m) in the west, Rüchi (2849 m) in the northwest, Hinter Sulzhorn (2737 m) in the northeast, Ruchi (3105 m) in the east and Muttenstock (3088 m) in the southeast. The arena opens to the southwest. It drops steeply over the Muttenwand into the Limmerental and over the Muttenchopf (2482 m) to the Limmerensee.
2
0
As part of significant expansion measures for the power plants between 2009 and 2017, the dam built in 1963 was replaced by a concrete dam wall. This has a length of 1054 meters, making it the longest dam wall in Switzerland. The water level reaches a height of 2474 m when fully filled. This makes the Muttsee the highest reservoir in Switzerland, with a capacity of more than 10 million m³. The highest reservoir under the supervision of the federal authorities is the Viderjoch reservoir in the Silvretta Arena, which lies at 2664 m.[1][2] Since 2021, the largest alpine photovoltaic system in Switzerland has been under construction on the dam wall.
3
0
For families, Glattalpsee is an excellent choice, offering a circuit that is feasible for all ages and easily accessible via the Glattalp-Bahn. Klöntalersee also provides family-friendly amenities like designated barbecue and picnic areas, and opportunities for swimming in its clear waters.
The region offers a diverse range of hiking trails. For high-alpine experiences, consider routes around Limmernsee and Muttsee, such as the challenging Muttsee Hut Circular Trail or the trek from Limmernsee to the Muttseehütte. For easier walks, the circuit around Glattalpsee is a great option. You can explore more hiking routes in the Hiking around Linthal guide.
Yes, several lakes offer stunning natural features. Oberblegisee is a natural monument known for the striking contrast between its shallow waters and the steep southern wall of the Glärnisch. Klöntalersee is famed for its fjord-like appearance and reflections of the Glärnisch and Dejenstogg mountains. Griesslisee, a secret glacier lake, offers a beautiful viewpoint on the Klausenpass.
The best time to visit largely depends on your desired activities. Summer (June to September) is ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and most hiking, though some high-alpine trails might still have snow early in the season. Klöntalersee is particularly popular in summer. For winter activities like ice skating (when conditions allow) or serene snowy landscapes, the colder months offer a different charm.
Yes, swimming is possible in some lakes. Klöntalersee is a popular spot for swimming, though its glacial waters are notably cold, reaching around 22 degrees Celsius on the hottest days. Oberblegisee is also a beautiful and quiet mountain lake for cooling off.
Absolutely. The region features impressive reservoirs that are engineering marvels. Limmernsee is a striking reservoir created by the 122-meter-high Limmern Dam, a testament to sustainable energy. Further up, Muttsee Reservoir boasts the longest dam wall in Switzerland and is known as the country's highest reservoir, offering insights into hydropower generation.
Beyond hiking, you can enjoy various outdoor activities. Klöntalersee is excellent for stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, and fishing in summer. For cycling enthusiasts, there are numerous routes for gravel biking and road cycling around Linthal, offering scenic rides through the alpine landscape.
Accessibility varies by lake. Glattalpsee is easily accessible with the Glattalp-Bahn cable car. Limmernsee can be reached from Linthal by an aerial tramway (funicular) to Kalktrittli, followed by a hike. Klöntalersee is generally well-accessible, making it a popular destination for day trips.
Yes, for those wishing to stay overnight, Klöntalersee offers lakeside campgrounds such as Güntlenau and Vorauen for an immersive experience. For high-alpine hikers, the Muttseehütte near Muttsee provides an opportunity for overnight stays, allowing you to fully experience the serene mountain environment.
Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty and tranquility of the lakes. The clear, cold waters and dramatic mountain backdrops, especially at Klöntalersee, are often highlighted. The contrast at Oberblegisee and the impressive engineering of Muttsee Reservoir are also highly appreciated. The komoot community has shown strong appreciation, with over 280 upvotes and 250 photos shared for these spots.
When visiting high-altitude lakes like Limmernsee or Muttsee, be prepared for alpine conditions. These areas are best suited for experienced hikers, often requiring sturdy hiking boots. The weather can change rapidly, so layered clothing is recommended. In early summer, you might encounter snow fields and muddy sections. Always check local conditions before heading out.
While the high-alpine lakes like Muttsee are more remote, with facilities limited to mountain huts like Muttseehütte, more accessible lakes like Klöntalersee offer amenities. You can find places to eat or grab refreshments in the villages and towns surrounding the more popular lakes, or at designated picnic and barbecue areas.


Still not found your perfect lake around Linthal? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.