Walensee
4.5
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This beautiful mountain lake offers a scenic environment for relaxation and recreation.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
88 reviews
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Stefan
Herisau, Switzerland4 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
Very strange pricing. Neither GA, half-fare, junior or grandchild cards are accepted.
The only exception is if you buy an Ostwind day ticket plus, the half-fare, grandchild and junior cards are suddenly valid.
When we got on, we showed the cell phone with the open Swisspass that said GA and disabled companion card, the ship's captain didn't look at it and simply said it wasn't valid. After complaining by email, the companion card would have been valid.
The only exception is if you buy an Ostwind day ticket plus, the half-fare, grandchild and junior cards are suddenly valid.
When we got on, we showed the cell phone with the open Swisspass that said GA and disabled companion card, the ship's captain didn't look at it and simply said it wasn't valid. After complaining by email, the companion card would have been valid.
Written February 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mollymoon_26
Bangkok, Thailand1,571 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
Walensee lake is not far from Zurich. Can take train or drive around 1hour. So quite and peaceful. Water in lake is so clean, surrounded by gigantic mountain. Beautiful like picture. Very good for relax, there are also resorts for holiday.
Written November 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SaraMaria_CPH
Copenhagen, Denmark181 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
We explored Walensee by going from Murg to Quinten by boat and then taking the hiking route from Quinten to Walenstadt. Quinten is a small cozy town that gives a great view of the Mediterranean-like lake. The town has a couple of restaurants and local honey/jam for purchase. All in all a very charming, small, car-free town with small windy roads, goats whose bells ring when they move around and lots of flowers.
Outside of Quinten, the hiking route we took did not give us much of a view of the lake as the trees blocked our view, but once at the top of the mountain, you'll see the most beautiful green grass fields, a spot of the blue-green water of lake Walensee, and the magnificence of the mountains behind you. That, and you'll feel really accomplished from taking the hike up there (burn, calories, burn!).
I'll describe the hiking route if anyone's interested in the same route:
Our trip started by taking the train from Zürich main central station to Murg (approx. 1 hour, changing trains once) and then the small boat/ferry service across the water to Quinten (costs around 7,5 CHF for adults for a single ticket, and approx. 12 CHF for return tickets - your half-fare card will not give you a reduced price as it's a private ferry service).
The hike from Quinten to Walenstadt took approx. 4 hours, including a steep climb of approx. 1 hour to reach the highest point of the route. If I were to take the same route again, I would choose to start in Walenstadt and go to Quinten from there (not the other way around as we did). Climbing the mountain is much easier from the Walenstadt side, as there is a dirt road for cars with an easy elevation all the way to the top. From the other side, if you start in Quinten (west) and go to Walenstadt (east), the climb is very steep - so it's a choice whether you prefer to take the steep route up or down.
We are not trained hikers (though in decent shape) and we were able to take this route. It's classified as a "medium" difficulty on official websites, which I agree with. Bring enough water and a few snacks to keep yourself hydrated/happy. Outside of Quinten and Walenstadt, there are no places to get any food on this route and only few places to get water (a few waterfalls and two water springs). We wore hiking shoes, but saw quite a few people in normal sneakers (though they came from the Walenstadt side - again, the easier route). We saw people of all ages take this hike. Not fit for bad knees, wheelchairs, baby carriages or the like.
Outside of Quinten, the hiking route we took did not give us much of a view of the lake as the trees blocked our view, but once at the top of the mountain, you'll see the most beautiful green grass fields, a spot of the blue-green water of lake Walensee, and the magnificence of the mountains behind you. That, and you'll feel really accomplished from taking the hike up there (burn, calories, burn!).
I'll describe the hiking route if anyone's interested in the same route:
Our trip started by taking the train from Zürich main central station to Murg (approx. 1 hour, changing trains once) and then the small boat/ferry service across the water to Quinten (costs around 7,5 CHF for adults for a single ticket, and approx. 12 CHF for return tickets - your half-fare card will not give you a reduced price as it's a private ferry service).
The hike from Quinten to Walenstadt took approx. 4 hours, including a steep climb of approx. 1 hour to reach the highest point of the route. If I were to take the same route again, I would choose to start in Walenstadt and go to Quinten from there (not the other way around as we did). Climbing the mountain is much easier from the Walenstadt side, as there is a dirt road for cars with an easy elevation all the way to the top. From the other side, if you start in Quinten (west) and go to Walenstadt (east), the climb is very steep - so it's a choice whether you prefer to take the steep route up or down.
We are not trained hikers (though in decent shape) and we were able to take this route. It's classified as a "medium" difficulty on official websites, which I agree with. Bring enough water and a few snacks to keep yourself hydrated/happy. Outside of Quinten and Walenstadt, there are no places to get any food on this route and only few places to get water (a few waterfalls and two water springs). We wore hiking shoes, but saw quite a few people in normal sneakers (though they came from the Walenstadt side - again, the easier route). We saw people of all ages take this hike. Not fit for bad knees, wheelchairs, baby carriages or the like.
Written May 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
snsmith27
Basel, Switzerland1,026 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
We opted for a half-day hike starting in Quinten and ending in Weesen. Since Quinten is not accessible by train, we took a ferry from Unterterzen via the Schiffsbetrieb Walensee (a private boat company; approximately 7-8 CHF per person one way). Quinten is situated in the foothills of the Churfirsten mountain range and as a result has a very warm, sub-Mediterranean-esque climate conducive to growing grapes and exotic fruits. From Quinten, we hiked west towards Weesen on a very clearly marked path. The lake and mountain views are stunning! The beginning part of the trail is a little bit of a climb, but definitely worth it! It's not too hard, but definitely not suitable for those requiring wheelchairs or strollers or that have a poor fitness level. About halfway to Weesen, you can take a detour to hike up to Seerenbachfälle, the highest waterfall in Switzerland. It's definitely worth it, but it is slippery and you will definitely get wet. The end of the journey is on a paved path to Weesen. From Weesen there is a bus you can take back to the train station. This hike is beautiful and definitely worth seeing! Bring a picnic and enjoy the stunning views!
Written May 3, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nickvonbich
Malmö, Sweden17 contributions
Mar 2015 • Solo
From Weesen you can drive with a car to the mini town of Betlis, at the lake and at the foot of a massive steep rock. On top of the rock is the town of Amdem. The road to Betlis is worth the trip: a very narrow road that has a regulated time schedule for what direction one can drive when. Park in Betlis and walk to the source of the mighty Rhine River. The reward is an amazing waterfall with spectacular views over the lake.
Written March 1, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucia1616
Zurich, Switzerland17 contributions
Jul 2014 • Friends
Walensee is my favourite stop when returning from Flumserberg or Pizol...Just to lie down in the grass and sunbathe in the summer (or swimming as well) or if there is more time take the boat to Quinten and enjoy the good food in the restaurant with red roof ;-) take the exit to Murg when driving the car at the highway, use one of the parking slots in the village and enjoy the beautiful blue colour of the lake and the mountains all around...just enjoy :-)
Written December 6, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
schekn
Bristol, UK4 contributions
Jul 2018
We went for a hike on the northern side of the lake. This way you have mountains and forest, and get to see magnificent views on the Alps in the south. There are boat cruises available all year round, but they don't go very often, so make sure to check the timetable. We wanted to park at Weesen, take a boat to Quinten, and hike back, but unfortunately part of the mountain had collapsed and blocked the route in the middle. We made the same trip 2 years ago, and it was great! There are camp fireplaces ready with wood on the way, restaurants and coffee shops. I hope they clear the path soon.
Written July 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IssyMoo
Wellington, New Zealand15 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
The most beautiful area I can imagine. Hiking from Quinten to Weesen is breathtaking and almost beyond words. The meadows were filled with wild flowers, the mountains towered above us and the beautiful green forests and emerald lake create an indescribably perfect hike. The waterfall is a must see, and unlike any I have seen before, also very refreshing to stand in the cool mist after a hot hike. The first hour from Quinten is quite steep and requires at least a basic level of fitness and steady footing. The rest is gentle downhill meandering through forests and fields with one or two places to stop for a cold apple juice from a mountain hut, as well as several picnic areas with fireplaces and seating near the waterfall. Make a day of it, take a picnic and cold drinks. This place is perfect.
Written May 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LoveIStanbul
Zurich, Switzerland1,236 contributions
Jun 2017 • Friends
The three towns of Betlis, Quinten (with a population of only 56) and Au on the northern shore of the lake can only be reached by boat, a motor vessel operates throughout the year.
As Walensee is between the steep Churfirsten mountains and the Sardona region the boat trip is a real treat. color of the lake is so beautiful.
As Walensee is between the steep Churfirsten mountains and the Sardona region the boat trip is a real treat. color of the lake is so beautiful.
Written November 26, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
World_Traveler_DR
Palm Springs, CA306 contributions
May 2022 • Solo
A drive around the lake was very interesting. Several quaint small towns to stop in and walk along the lakeside. Drive up to Filzbach for a wonderful view and lunch.
Written May 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am planning to visit the lake by end of july i am worried the temperature could be quiet high? Will i need to consider air conditioning in the accommodation ?
Written May 18, 2022
May I know if the boat trip would have day pass for on and off the boat to different stops? If yes, how much for the adult pass?
Written September 13, 2019
May I know if the boat trip would have day pass for on and off the boat to different stops? If yes, how much for the adult pass?
Written September 13, 2019
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