Schwellisee Trail

The Schwellisee Trail is considered an advanced natural singletrack. While some classify it as 'Black', the voted difficulty is often 'Red'. You'll encounter sections ranging from S1 (mostly easy with short pushing) to S2 (requiring good fitness and advanced skills), and even short S3 sections (demanding very good fitness and advanced skills, possibly with pushing). Riders should have at least 'practiced' or 'experienced' skills to navigate it successfully.

The trail features predominantly natural singletrack. You'll ride along a breathtaking ridge line, through alpine meadows, and over smaller ridges. Expect rocky sections, technical switchbacks, gully crossings, and parts with loose gravel and stones. There are also short climbs where you might need to push your bike.

The trail offers spectacular high-alpine views and panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains. A key highlight is the idyllic Schwellisee lake, which the trail circles clockwise. You'll also pass near the Alteiner Waterfalls and a reservoir. The absence of trees at higher altitudes provides expansive mountain solitude. On longer tours incorporating this section, you might encounter up to four mountain lakes.

For access to the Schwellisee Trail, parking is generally available in Arosa. Specific parking areas near the Hörnli Express gondola or other lift stations are good starting points, as the trail is often accessed via the Hörnli Trail or other routes from the valley.

Yes, the Schwellisee Trail is generally dog-friendly. However, as it's a shared trail with hikers, it's essential to keep your dog on a leash, especially in busier sections or near livestock. Always ensure your dog is well-behaved and that you clean up after them.

The best time to mountain bike the Schwellisee Trail is typically during the summer and early autumn months, from late June to September. During this period, the snow has usually melted, and the weather is most stable. Always check local conditions and weather forecasts before you go, as high-alpine trails can be affected by early or late season snow.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to ride the Schwellisee Trail itself. It is part of the public trail network within the Bike Kingdom Arosa Lenzerheide. However, if you plan to use mountain lifts for access, you will need to purchase a lift ticket.

Yes, the Schwellisee Trail is a key section within the extensive Bike Kingdom Arosa Lenzerheide. It officially covers 58% of the 'Schwellisee' route and also integrates into longer routes like the Hörnli Trail (31%) and the 'Arosa Lenzerheide Rundtour' (43%). You might also find yourself on sections of the 'Arosa-Ochsenalp Rundtour' (26%) or the 'Mittelbünden-Panoramaweg Stage 1' (21%).

While the trail itself is in a high-alpine, wild area with limited direct amenities, you'll find options at the start or end points, particularly near lift stations or in Arosa. The Restaurant Alpenblick is one highlight that might be accessible depending on your exact route variation.

The Schwellisee Trail itself is a segment that circles the lake, but it's typically integrated into longer loop routes within the Bike Kingdom Arosa Lenzerheide. The Komoot tour provided for this trail is a loop, starting and ending near the Hörnli Valley Station.

This trail stands out for its blend of natural technical challenges and incredible scenic beauty. It offers engaging moves with a mix of flow sections and rocky parts, all set against spectacular high-alpine views, especially around the Schwellisee lake and along the ridge lines. It's a rewarding experience for those who enjoy natural singletrack and is a highlight within the broader Arosa Lenzerheide network.