Top 20 Lakes around Oberbüren
Lakes around Oberbüren, a municipality in the canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland, offer local recreational opportunities. The region features several smaller lakes and ponds, providing tranquil spots for nature exploration. These bodies of water are ideal for those seeking a peaceful escape within the regional natural environment. The area is known for its accessibility and local charm, making it a destination for easy lake walks near Oberbüren.
Best lakes around Oberbüren
- The most popular lakes is Bettenauer Pond, a lake that is a popular local recreation area, known as "Betti" by locals. This moor pond is almost 500 meters long and 100 meters wide, with a maximum depth of two meters.
- Another must-see spot is Hauptwil Pond, an idyllic pond with a public bath in summer. It features a rest area on the dam and an ice cream stand during summer months.
- Visitors also love Gübsensee East, a popular recreational area with many benches and fire pits. The walk around the Gübsensee is also used extensively by joggers.
- Oberbüren is known for its moor ponds, natural reserves, and reservoirs. Visitors can find a variety of lakes to see and explore, from tranquil moor landscapes to recreational areas with amenities.
- The lakes around Oberbüren are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 400 upvotes and over 60 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
Hauptwil Pond
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Bettenauer Pond
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
Gübsensee East
Highlight • Lake
Showing Translation
Tip by
Hudelmoos Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Espel Biotope
Highlight (Segment) • Natural Monument
In the nature reserve Espel, an amphibious spawning area of national importance, there is the endangered yellow-bellied toad, in addition to other amphibian species. It needs sunny shallow waters for reproduction. The grass snake and the sand lizard also use the structurally rich habitats of the former gravel pit. There are numerous dragonflies flying in the waters in the summer, the gullard or the reed warbler are breeding in the reeds, and butterflies and many other insects fly in the flowery meadows.
In the dry meadows grows the shaggy clapper or the widow's flower. In the border area to the groves one finds the Akelei, in wetter passages the Kuckucks-carnation. Occasionally orchids grow in the area, some the rare marsh root.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Oberbüren.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Passing west of the beautiful Bettenauer Weiher (driving is prohibited all around).
1
0
The Bettenauer Weiher lies in a depression between Wildberg and Uzwil, entirely within the municipality of Oberuzwil, in the Toggenburg region in the Swiss Alpine foothills. The pond's bottom consists of peat soil. The pond includes the smaller peat ponds to the east. The Bettenauer Weiher was originally a moor pond, the origin of which can ultimately be traced back to the formation of a depression between the Wildberg and Vogelsberg mountains during the Würm glaciation, when the entire Toggenburg region was covered by the Rhine glacier. The area around the Bettenauer Weiher is a fen of regional importance. It is part of an amphibian spawning area of national importance. For this reason, the pond has had an amphibian guide structure, a protected road underpass, since 1993. [Source: Wikipedia]
0
0
On the dam of the Hauptwiler Weier (the last of a total of 5 Weiers in a row). There is a nice place to sit here.
1
0
Super nice view of the Hauptwil pond from the rest area on the dam.
0
0
A dream for every photographer... dragonflies, frogs, ....
3
0
Beautiful lake on the outskirts of the city and a fisherman's hot-spot
0
0
Beautiful reservoir and great local recreation area. It also has large fire pit. You can also swim in the lake.
1
2
On the dam of Hauptwiler Weier there are parking spaces and a beautiful viewpoint out to the pond, with nice benches. The small restaurant according to the photo no longer exists, but seasonally an ice cream cart is on site (Vital Gelati, open in good weather from 2 p.m.).
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I find around Oberbüren?
The region around Oberbüren features a variety of smaller lakes and ponds, including tranquil moor ponds like Bettenauer Pond, idyllic reservoirs such as Glattmüli Reservoir, and natural reserves with diverse aquatic habitats like Espel Biotope. These offer peaceful spots for nature exploration and gentle recreation.
Are there any family-friendly lakes in the Oberbüren area?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Hauptwil Pond is particularly family-friendly, offering a public bath in summer and an ice cream stand. The Bettenauer Pond and Gübsensee East are also popular recreational areas with amenities suitable for families.
Where can I go for a relaxing walk around a lake near Oberbüren?
For a relaxing walk, consider the Bettenauer Pond, known for its beautiful natural setting and pleasant walking paths. The Glattmüli Reservoir also offers a serene environment for quiet moments in nature. The Espel Biotope has a small circular path with ample seating, perfect for a gentle stroll.
Are there opportunities for swimming in the lakes around Oberbüren?
Yes, Hauptwil Pond features a public bath that is open during the summer months, making it a popular spot for swimming and cooling off.
What kind of nature observation can I do at the lakes?
The Espel Biotope in Gossau is a nationally important amphibious spawning area, home to endangered species like the yellow-bellied toad. It's an excellent spot for observing amphibians, dragonflies, and various bird species in its diverse habitats. The Hudelmoos Nature Reserve also offers insights into moor ecosystems and their unique flora and fauna.
Are there any historical or cultural points of interest near the lakes?
While the lakes themselves are primarily natural attractions, the Magdenauer Weiher is located near a monastery, offering a glimpse into local history and architecture in conjunction with a natural setting.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
Beyond walking around the lakes, you can explore various outdoor activities. For running, check out the Running Trails around Oberbüren. Mountain biking enthusiasts can find routes in the MTB Trails around Oberbüren guide, and road cyclists can discover scenic rides in the Road Cycling Routes around Oberbüren.
Are there places to picnic or barbecue near the lakes?
Yes, Gübsensee East is a popular recreational area equipped with many benches and fire pits, making it an ideal spot for picnics and barbecues. The Hudelmoos Nature Reserve also provides some resting and barbecue areas.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Oberbüren?
Visitors appreciate the local charm and accessibility of these lakes, often highlighting the tranquil atmosphere and opportunities for gentle recreation. Many enjoy the beautiful walks, the public bath at Hauptwil Pond, and the well-maintained recreational areas like Gübsensee East. The komoot community has shared over 60 photos and given more than 400 upvotes, reflecting a positive experience.
Is there parking available at the lakes?
Yes, for instance, the Espel Biotope has a parking lot conveniently located right next to the biotope, making it easily accessible for visitors.
Can I go jogging around any of the lakes?
Absolutely. The walk around the Gübsensee East is very popular with joggers and is used extensively for this activity.
Are there any hidden gem lakes or lesser-known spots worth visiting?
While not widely known to tourists, the Glattmüli Reservoir is described as an idyllic pond along the Glattburgweg, offering a charming and quiet moment amidst nature. The Magdenauer Weiher also has a more secluded part that provides a quieter experience away from roads.
Most popular routes around Oberbüren
Most popular attractions around Oberbüren
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around Oberbüren? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
