Tour of Lake Montsalvens Trail
Tour of Lake Montsalvens Trail
4.5
(196)
1,058
hikers
Tour of Lake Montsalvens Trail
02:42
9.32km
230m
Hiking
Hike the moderate 5.8-mile Tour of Lake Montsalvens Trail, a family-friendly loop with lake views and historic landmarks.
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
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2.01 km
La Monse Chapel
Highlight • Religious Site
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Tip by
2.18 km
Monse Avenue
Highlight • Trail
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Tip by
5.59 km
Montsalvens Dam
Highlight • Monument
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Tip by
5.92 km
Lake Montsalvens
Highlight (Segment) • Lake
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Tip by
7.51 km
Montsalvens Lake Suspension Bridge
Highlight • Bridge
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Tip by
9.32 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
4.77 km
1.83 km
1.58 km
1.10 km
< 100 m
Surfaces
3.28 km
2.72 km
1.94 km
1.21 km
130 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (980 m)
Lowest point (800 m)
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Weather
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Sunday 31 May
21°C
11°C
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour of Lake Montsalvens Trail suitable for families or beginners?
Yes, this trail is considered easy to moderate and is very family-friendly, making it ideal for introducing children to hiking. It features minimal elevation changes and is accessible for most skill levels. While some sections can be slippery in wet weather, the path is generally not steep and about one meter wide.
What is the terrain like on the Tour of Lake Montsalvens Trail?
The trail offers varied terrain, including lakeside paths, forest floors, and gentle hills. You'll encounter a mix of unpaved, paved, asphalt, gravel, and natural surfaces. Much of the route is well-shaded, which is pleasant during warmer months.
What are the main points of interest along the route?
You'll discover several notable features, including the historic La Monse Chapel, the impressive Montsalvens Dam (Europe's first double-curvature arch dam), and the scenic Montsalvens Lake Suspension Bridge. Of course, the beautiful Lake Montsalvens itself is a constant highlight.
Where can I park for the Tour of Lake Montsalvens Trail?
Parking is available near the trailhead, often in areas accessible from Charmey or other nearby villages. Specific parking details can vary, so it's advisable to check local signage upon arrival. The trail is also well-served by public transport.
How can I reach the trailhead by public transport?
The trail is noted for its excellent accessibility by public transport. You can typically reach the starting points via bus connections from nearby towns like Charmey or Broc. For detailed timetables and routes, consult local public transport websites.
What is the best time of year to hike around Lake Montsalvens?
The trail is enjoyable throughout many seasons. Summer offers pleasant, shaded sections, while spring and autumn provide beautiful colors. Always check the weather forecast, as some sections can be slippery in wet conditions.
Is the Tour of Lake Montsalvens Trail dog-friendly?
Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep your dog on a leash, especially around wildlife, other hikers, and in areas where livestock might be present. Please remember to clean up after your pet.
Are there any permits or entrance fees required for this trail or the Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut Regional Nature Park?
No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to hike the Tour of Lake Montsalvens Trail or to access the Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut Regional Nature Park. However, visitors are expected to respect local regulations, protect the natural environment, and stay on marked paths.
Does this trail connect with other hiking routes?
Yes, the route covers significant portions of the official "Tour du lac de Montsalvens" trail and also intersects with sections of the "Alpine Panorama Trail" and "Alpes vaudoises-Pays de Fribourg" routes.
Are there places to eat or stay near the trail?
Yes, the region offers various amenities. After your hike, you could relax in the warm waters of the Bains de La Gruyère in Charmey. There are also options for accommodation and dining in Charmey and the wider Gruyères region.
What should I pack for a hike on this trail?
Given the varied terrain and potential for slippery sections in wet weather, sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. Bring water, snacks, sun protection, and layers of clothing suitable for changing mountain weather. A camera is also a good idea to capture the scenic views.
Nearby routes
Trail Reviews
The starting point of the tour is the car park at the valley station of the cable car 🚡. There is a fee, but it's reasonable at 2 CHF for 3 hours. Even if the 240 meters of elevation gain doesn't sound dramatic, the route has some steep sections that can be quite slippery, especially after rainfall like today. It's not a bad idea to take hiking poles with you.
Our first hike this year. Beautiful route that can also be extended as desired. I parked at the valley station. You can pay with coins, cards and Twint. The route certainly requires a good basic level of fitness and a certain level of fitness. Especially for the ascent at the beginning. A great round for dogs, as there are many opportunities to swim or drink along the way. Even the suspension bridge could be easily crossed by my 25kg mix. Unfortunately, there is only a Robidog/garbage can on the entire route at the beginning and at the end. All in all, a wonderful hike with beautiful views. And a lot of variety on the route.
At one point the path is quite blocked due to felling of wood/not yet cleared away
A beautiful and easy hike around the Lac de Montsalvens near Charmey in the canton of Fribourg. The hike starts in Charmey. You cross several wooden bridges or footbridges, a suspension bridge and an arch dam and enjoy beautiful views of the mountains of the Gruyere region. Follow the hiking trail down to the lake. In a constant up and down, the first highlight soon comes, the crossing of a suspension bridge. From then on, the path runs along the shore and reaches the dam wall. An information board tells you that the Montsalvens dam was built between 1919 and 1921. It is 55 meters high, the crown length is 115 meters and the crown width is two meters. It dams the water of the Jaun, Javroz and Motélonbach. Continue on the lakeside path through sparse forest areas, mainly made of conifers. When the stream is crossed at the Centrale hydroélectrique de Charmey, Charmey is already there and the starting point is reached again. After the hike, you can or could still relax in the Bains de la Gruyère in Charmey, including in the bathing area with indoor and outdoor pools and a sauna area.
Very nice hike. Fortunately mostly in the shade! But not directly after rain, because some places were still under water!
This is an enchanting hike around the artificial lake of Montsalvens, a classic family-friendly route that winds through the lake's shores, undergrowth, and hills, with stunning views of the Dents Vertes. The trail is relatively easy.
After little sleep and still a rain shower during the night, Plan B came this morning. Still too slippery for the mountains, but it should be enough for a tour around the lake with a detour into the gorge. Shortly after half past nine we started at the parking lot of the valley station of the Charmey mountain railway. On the right bank of the lake, the path mostly runs in or along the forest. A small suspension bridge for a change. You can usually only see the lake through many trees 😏. A few times you can also make a detour directly to the shore, usually there are already fishermen "full in the seich" 😉. At the dam you have the best view of the lake. Of course, the tour changes to the left side here, but I make an addition and climb umpteen steps down to the gorge (already on the dam wall I briefly considered whether I should let it be 🙄). But down here there are already a lot of people on the move and I turn around relatively early to get back to the tour via the many steps (bubbly ass 😂).