Best lakes around Zervreilasee are situated in a high-mountain alpine environment at an elevation of 1,862 meters in the canton of Graubünden, Switzerland. This reservoir is surrounded by the peaks of the Adula Alps, many rising above 3,000 meters, including the Zervreilahorn. The area is known for its expansive waters, granite formations, and high moor areas. The Zervreilasee dam, completed in 1957, contributes to electricity generation.
Last updated: October 1, 2026
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Start at the Vals cable car. The gondola is free in summer. A simple but beautiful hike through the raised moor. At the Zervraila reservoir, return to Vals by scooter. These can be rented at the restaurant at Lake Zervraila. You return to the cable car parking lot.
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Zervreilasee at 1862 m The Zervreilasee, also spelled Zerfreilasee, is an artificial lake in the municipality of Vals in the canton of Graubünden. The lake is located at the end of the Valsertal valley between the peaks of Fanellhorn, Zervreilahorn, and Frunthorn at an altitude of 1862 meters above sea level. The lake was named after the village of Zervreila, which was flooded by the dam. The Zerfreila reservoir is fed, among others, by the Canalbach, the Hornbach, the Finsterbach, and the Valser Rhein, the latter also flowing back again after the dam. The gravity dam, located on the northeastern shore of the lake, was built in the 1960s and is 151m high. The length of the Zervreilasee is around four kilometers, depending on the water level. Text / Source: Schweizersee.ch https://www.schweizersee.ch/zervreilasee/
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Kraftwerke Zervreila (KWZ), Vals Kraftwerke Zervreila AG (KWZ), based in Vals, was founded on May 17, 1952, as a partnership. During the construction years 1953-1958, around CHF 285 million were spent, the majority of which flowed to the country's construction industry and the machinery and apparatus industry. Large and small commercial enterprises in the catchment area of the concession municipalities benefited from a multitude of diverse orders and work assignments. During the period of highest employment, up to 1,500 people were employed on the KWZ construction sites. The commissioning of the facilities took place in 1958. Text / Source: Kraftwerke Zervreila AG, Vadianstrasse 59, 9000 St. Gallen https://www.kwz.ch/ueber-uns/geschichte/
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The free hiking bus comes here on the weekends in the summer months at 5.30 p.m. (after prior notification by telephone) and drives back to Vals. Please see the notices for exact dates or ask at the tourist information office in Vals.
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Open 365 days, 24 hours!
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This is effectively an above-average beautiful high-altitude trail. Prepared in winter.
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The name of the highlight doesn't really reveal itself to me, but the view of the Zervreilastausse is very nice, especially with lots of water in it.
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The Zervreilasee area offers diverse hiking trails. A popular option is the 3-Lakes Hike, which starts from Zervreilasee and explores Guraletschsee and Ampervreilasee, known for their stunning alpine scenery. For a more accessible route, consider the Zervreila–Frunt–Gadastatt Trail near Vals, which is about 1.5 hours long and offers spectacular views. Another option is the St. Anna Chapel on Frunt loop, providing picturesque views of the lake and chapel.
Yes, several trails are suitable for families. The Zervreila–Frunt–Gadastatt Trail near Vals is considered family-friendly, with highlights for children including the dam and the old settlement of Frunt with its small chapel. The St. Anna Chapel on Frunt loop is another easy option. You can find more options in the Family-friendly hikes around Zervreilasee guide.
The region is characterized by a dramatic alpine environment. You'll find expansive waters, striking granite formations, and high moor areas. The surrounding peaks of the Adula Alps, including the distinctive Zervreilahorn, create breathtaking panoramic views, often reflected beautifully on the lake's surface. Keep an eye out for rich alpine flora and potential marmot sightings.
The reservoir road to Zervreilasee is typically accessible from June to October. This period offers the best conditions for hiking and enjoying the alpine scenery, with pleasant temperatures and clear trails. Winter hiking is also possible on prepared trails, but access might be limited.
Yes, the Zervreilasee dam is a significant structure, completed in 1957. It's 151m high and played a crucial role in sustainable electricity generation, though its construction led to the flooding of the original village of Zervreila. You can walk across the dam, which offers great views. Another notable structure is the Bridge Over Zervreila Reservoir, a 150-meter-long bridge crossing the southern bay of the lake.
Beyond hiking, the Zervreilasee area is excellent for cycling. You can explore various routes for road cycling, such as those found in the Road Cycling Routes around Zervreilasee guide, or touring bicycle routes detailed in the Cycling around Zervreilasee guide. These guides offer routes of varying difficulties, from moderate to difficult.
While specific public transport details can vary, the region is generally accessible. During summer months, a free hiking bus sometimes operates on weekends, offering transport back to Vals from locations like the Bridge Over Zervreila Reservoir. It's advisable to check local notices or inquire at the tourist information office in Vals for exact dates and schedules.
Visitors frequently praise the spectacular views and the serene alpine atmosphere. The wide and accessible Zervreila Dam is a highlight for many, offering panoramic vistas. The diverse flora and fauna, especially along trails like the Zervreilasee Dam to Frunt Trail, also contribute to a memorable experience.
Yes, as part of the popular 3-Lakes Hike, you can discover Guraletschsee, a beautiful high-lying tarn known for its blue and green tones and cottongrass in the moor area. Further along, you'll find Ampervreilasee, a small, dark-colored mountain lake nestled at the foot of the Guraletschhorn, and Selvasee, fantastically embedded in the landscape and known for its crystalline waters.
While specific cafes directly on all trails are not detailed, the region around Zervreilasee does have options. The Vals–Gadastatt Gondola leads to the Gadastatt Panorama Restaurant, which is a good spot for refreshments. Additionally, the Selvaalp, near Selvasee, is known for producing multi-award-winning alpine cheese, suggesting local culinary offerings.
While the lakes offer stunning views, they are high-mountain lakes fed by alpine meltwater, meaning the water temperatures are generally very cold, even in summer. Wild swimming is not explicitly promoted, and visitors should exercise caution and be aware of the cold temperatures and potential currents.
The Zervreilahorn is a distinctive peak often likened to the Matterhorn of Graubünden. It majestically overlooks Zervreilasee from its southwest side, contributing significantly to the dramatic alpine backdrop and providing iconic reflections on the lake's surface. It's a prominent feature in many of the panoramic views from around the reservoir.


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