Top 20 Lakes around Guttannen

The lakes around Guttannen are set amidst a rugged, high-alpine, and glacial landscape, many of which are significant hydroelectric reservoirs. They offer a unique combination of dramatic natural beauty, impressive engineering feats, and diverse outdoor activities.

Visitors frequently enjoy Tannensee for its beautiful landscape and potential for a 'wild highland feeling' or bathing. Melchsee-Frutt is also very popular, offering a wide range of outdoor activities on a high plateau. Additionally, Totensee (Grimsel Pass) is appreciated for its scenic views directly on the alpine watershed.

The landscape around Guttannen's lakes is predominantly high-alpine, rugged, and sparse, characterized by impressive glacial formations and stark mountain scenery. You'll find a mix of natural mountain lakes and large reservoirs, often with views of glaciers and hydroelectric infrastructure.

Yes, the region offers extensive hiking opportunities. You can find various trails, from challenging mountain hikes to more moderate routes. For detailed options, explore the Mountain Hikes around Guttannen guide, which includes routes like the 'Thousand Steps Trail – Gelmersee loop'.

Yes, Melchsee-Frutt is a high plateau lake offering a wide range of outdoor activities suitable for families, including hiking and enjoying mountain views. Tannensee is also considered family-friendly, offering a beautiful landscape for relaxation. The thrilling Gelmerbahn funicular ride to Gelmersee can also be an exciting family experience.

Gelmersee is famous for its striking turquoise waters and the thrilling Gelmerbahn, Europe's steepest funicular, which transports visitors to the lake. From there, you can embark on an approximately two-hour challenging hike around its perimeter, offering magnificent views.

Grimselsee is a large reservoir in the Grimsel Arena, set in a stark, high-alpine landscape with glaciers and hydroelectric power plants. You can find hiking trails, including parts of the historic mule trail from Grimsel Pass, and a hotel with majestic views of the Lauteraarhorn and the lake situated at the dam wall.

Räterichsbodensee is another reservoir in the Grimsel region, known for a renowned hand-painted mural called 'Mélisande' on its dam wall. It's also part of scenic hikes descending from Grimsel Pass towards Guttannen, offering views of rock climbers on the glacier-sanded slopes.

While many high-alpine lakes are very cold, Tannensee is noted for offering a 'liberating bathing experience' depending on the weather. Always exercise caution and check local conditions before attempting to swim in any mountain lake.

The region offers various cycling routes, including challenging mountain biking trails. You can explore options like the 'Furka Pass – Grimsel Pass loop' or the 'Lake Geschinen – Reckingen Wooden Bridge loop'. More details can be found in the MTB Trails around Guttannen guide.

Visitors particularly enjoy the dramatic natural beauty, the serene high-alpine environment, and the diverse outdoor activities available. The combination of stunning mountain views, clear waters, and impressive engineering structures like the hydroelectric dams and the Gelmerbahn funicular are frequently highlighted.

While many trails in the high-alpine region can be challenging, some areas like Melchsee-Frutt offer more accessible paths. For specific easy routes, you can check the Mountain Hikes around Guttannen guide for options like the 'Start of the Old Grimsel Pass – Innertkirchen loop' which is rated as easy.