4.7
(1255)
9,791
hikers
226
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Stausee Garichti are set within the Freiberg Kärpf, Europe's oldest wildlife sanctuary, at an elevation of 1622 meters. The region features an alpine landscape with the deep blue Stausee Garichti surrounded by views of the Glarner Alps. The Garichti Forest Reserve encircles the lake, characterized by moorlands, ponds, and diverse tree species like mountain pines and green alders. This area offers varied terrain suitable for accessible walks and longer easy hikes.
Last updated: May 19, 2026
5.0
(1)
13
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
9
hikers
4.69km
01:16
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(3)
31
hikers
7.13km
01:57
110m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
12
hikers
4.21km
01:09
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
11
hikers
3.59km
00:57
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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beautiful valley to spend outdoors
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Walking across the suspension bridge is exciting and varied. However, this section was often closed.
1
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The view into the distance is enchanting. You can quickly reach the city.
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A really nice place where diversity is possible.
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There are many natural spectacles along the Linth river.
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Boat trip possible, there are fish in the lake
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very pretty here, very pretty
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very pretty here, very pretty
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There are 61 easy hiking trails around Stausee Garichti, offering a variety of options for different preferences and fitness levels.
Yes, the region is known for its circular routes. A popular easy option is the leisurely circuit around Stausee Garichti itself, which is about 500 meters long and takes approximately one hour. Another example is the Garichti Reservoir – Wildlife observation platform loop from Stausee Garichti.
Easy hikes around Stausee Garichti offer stunning alpine panoramas of the Glarner Alps, including views towards Tödi and Glärnisch. You'll also explore the Garichti Forest Reserve, characterized by moorlands, ponds, and diverse tree species like mountain pines and green alders. The region's geological significance is also evident in its landscape.
Yes, many easy trails are family-friendly. The leisurely circular trail around Stausee Garichti is stroller and wheelchair-friendly, making it accessible for families with young children. It also features barbecue areas for breaks.
The Freiberg Kärpf, where Stausee Garichti is located, is Europe's oldest wildlife sanctuary. While dogs are generally welcome on trails, it's crucial to keep them on a leash to protect the diverse wildlife, including amphibians like the Alpine salamander, Alpine newt, and common frog, and to respect the protected wild animal sanctuary status.
The area is beautiful throughout the warmer months. Summer and early autumn offer pleasant temperatures and clear views. During winter, from mid-January to the end of February, ice fishing is popular, and some trails may be suitable for winter hiking, though conditions should always be checked.
The area is conveniently accessed by the Kies-Mettmen cable car, which takes you directly to the starting points of various trails. For routes starting further afield, such as the Tschacher Nature Trail – Schwanden train station loop from Schwanden, public transport connections to nearby villages like Schwanden are available.
Beyond the beautiful reservoir itself, you can explore the Garichti Forest Reserve with its unique flora. The Glarus Stone Trail loop from Haslen offers insights into the region's geological history. The Kärpfbrücke Natural Bridge is another notable attraction reachable via a hiking loop from Stausee Garichti.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 1000 reviews. Hikers often praise the tranquil alpine setting, the well-maintained paths, and the stunning views of the Glarner Alps. The accessibility of the trails and the diverse landscapes are also frequently highlighted.
Around Stausee Garichti, you'll find numerous fire pits, perfect for picnicking and leisurely stays. While specific cafes directly on the easy trails might be limited, the Mettmenalp, accessible via the cable car, offers facilities. For routes starting in villages like Mitlödi, such as the Uschenriet – Mülifuer Bridge Over the Linth loop from Mitlödi, you'll find more amenities.
Easy hikes in the region vary in length and duration. For instance, the popular Garichti Reservoir – Wildlife observation platform loop from Stausee Garichti is about 4.3 km (2.6 miles) and typically takes around 1 hour and 18 minutes to complete.


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