Top 5 Lakes around Stausee Gigerwald

The Stausee Gigerwald area is known for its impressive 147-meter-high arch dam, which impounds the Tamina river, creating a reservoir often described as 'blitzblau' (lightning blue). It's nestled between rugged rock faces that rise nearly 2,000 meters, offering a dramatic natural backdrop. The historical Walser settlement of St. Martin at the far end of the reservoir also provides a glimpse into traditional alpine life.

Yes, the Gigerwald Dam is accessible for walking and driving, offering spectacular views. It's a significant part of the Kraftwerke Sarganserland (KSL) hydropower production. Guided tours of the dam and the Mapragg power station are available upon request, providing insight into the energy production process.

Yes, at the western end of the reservoir lies the tranquil Walser settlement of St. Martin. This historical village is considered a magical place where time seems to stand still, offering a glimpse into traditional alpine life. A road along the southern shore of the lake, passing through several tunnels, leads to St. Martin.

The area around Stausee Gigerwald is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy scenic drives or cycling along the Gigerwald Reservoir Lakeside Road, which features illuminated tunnels and offers breathtaking views. There are also numerous hiking opportunities, from easy walks to more challenging routes. For specific hiking options, you can explore Easy hikes around Stausee Gigerwald.

The reservoir is reachable via Bad Ragaz through the Taminatal. From Vättis, a mountain road and a post bus route (during summer weekends) lead to the dam. A narrow, publicly accessible road runs along the southern shore of the lake, passing through several tunnels to St. Martin.

Yes, the Gigerwald Reservoir Lakeside Road is a popular choice for cycling, offering views of the reservoir and leading towards St. Martin. Be aware that this road has several illuminated tunnels. For more cycling routes in the area, check out Cycling around Stausee Gigerwald.

The area is generally best visited during the warmer months when the mountain road and post bus route to the dam are fully operational. The road along the southern shore to St. Martin is closed in winter due to avalanche danger. Recent renovations on the dam mean the reservoir is expected to be refilled in the spring of 2025, which could be an ideal time to visit.

From viewpoints like Gigerwald Reservoir, on the dam, you can expect panoramic views of the 'blitzblau' reservoir and the dramatic, rugged mountain backdrop. The journey along the lake, such as the Gigerwaldsee Panorama Towards St. Martin, also offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges.

Yes, the broader region around Stausee Gigerwald offers various running trails. While some are more challenging, you can find routes that suit different fitness levels. For detailed running options, refer to the Running Trails around Stausee Gigerwald guide.

The Gigerwald Reservoir Lakeside Road features several illuminated tunnels. While you don't strictly need your own light, it's advisable to have one, especially for cyclists, as some tunnels can be dark and narrow. Traffic to St. Martin from the dam is often one-way, with specific time windows for travel in each direction, so check local signage.

The Stausee Gigerwald is located within the Calfeisen Valley, which is known for its natural beauty and serves as a catchment area for the reservoir. The valley offers a scenic approach to the lake, with routes like Calfeisental to Gigerwald Reservoir providing a relatively easy ascent on asphalt, popular for biking and hiking.