Visit Lake Lauenen near Gstaad (Lauenensee) – Best way to get there!

Lake Lauenen by Gstaad, ever heard of it?

For sure if you are Swiss you may remember the evergreen song “I gloub, i gangä no meh a Louenesee” (I think I go more to Lake Lauenen) by the Swiss Rock band Span in 1982.

If not, well that’s ok as well but just have a listen to the song. And after that I am sure you would also like to go and visit this idyllic Swiss mountain lake near Gstaad.

Lake Lauenen (or Lauenensee) are actually two lakes at an altitude of 1381m above sea level, and they are located in the middle of the Gelten-Iffigen nature reserve. The lakes are the ideal destination for hikers, bikers, nature lovers and romantics a like.

Where is Lake Lauenen?

The beautiful alpine Lake Lauenensee can be found in the small authentic Swiss village of Lauenen which is close to Gstaad, the famous upmarket Swiss village in the Bernese Oberland.

Switzerland has several villages called Lauenen, therefore make sure you visit the right one! This one is Lauenen by Gstaad.

Lauenen by Gstaad Area Map

Below you will find a map to help you visualise where Lauenen is and all the hikes and bike rides to Lake Lauenen.

Click on the map to get full access.

How best to get to Lake Lauenen – Lauenensee?

If you ask yourself how best to get to Lake Lauenen near Gstaad then carry-on reading. We will cover several options on how to get to Lauenensee including biking and hiking. You can even reach Lake Lauenen by horse-drawn carriage.

Arriving by car

Arriving by car to Lauenensee is very easy. There is a fairly large carpark (payable) only 300 metres from the lake. But be aware that in peak summer season it fills up quickly.

If you use Google maps for directions, use Lauenen by Gstaad and this will show you the correct way. Lauenensee is 2,2km from the village centre of Lauenen towards the mountains (south).

NOTE: As soon as the parking is full at Lake Lauenen, the access road will be closed.

Arriving on public transport

You can arrive by public transport from all over Switzerland to Lake Lauenen. Take a train from your starting location to Gstaad. Then change to the post bus 181 to Lauenen – Lauenensee, which runs seven time a day.

Make sure you are checking the last bus back from Lauenensee to Lauenen or Gstaad. It is around 17h00. Timetable here.

NOTE: Busses to Lake Lauenen from Lauenen only run from mid-May to mid-October. On the map below you will see an overview of the area. The white road is the car and bus road.

Enjoy a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride to Lake Lauenen

This round trip starts at Lauenen Village and will take you through the Nature Reserve “Rohr” in Lauenen itself up to Lake Lauenen which is at an altitude of about 1300m.

What a great and tranquil way to enjoy this beautiful part of Switzerland. Back to Lauenen Village you will take another path where you can enjoy some different views.

Count a good 1h30 in the carriage for the round trip.

For reservations contact the Kutscherei – Reichenbach direct

Different hikes and bike rides to Lake Lauenen (Lauenensee)

Many trails lead to Lake Lauenen. Below you will find some of the most popular hikes and bike rides to the lake from Lauenen or Gstaad.

Hiking or Biking to Lake Lauenen (Lauenensee) from Lauenen

An easy hike to Lake Lauenen would be the one starting at Lauenen village. The trail starts at the Hotel Alpenland Lauenen or if you arrive by post bus from Gstaad, exit at the bus stop Rohrbrücke. Which, by the way, is also right next to the Hotel Alpenland Lauenen.

Whether you are hiking or biking to Lake Lauenen from Lauenen it is the same trail. It is a bit of an uphill at first but once you are at the altitude of the lake it is a fairly level route to Lake Lauenen.

On the path (hiking & biking)

Next to the Hotel Alpenland Lauenen, on the ski lift side, follow the road signposted Lauenensee. All the way up to the Rossfallenschlucht you will be hiking or biking within the Rohr nature reserve which has national importance.

By the way the flat plain in front of the hotel turns into a cross-country ski trail in winter. Definitely worth a trip to Lauenen if you like cross country skiing. 

Back on the trail the steep path snakes up the mountain to the Rossfallenschlucht and reaches the height of the lake. It is now an easy stroll or ride all the way to the lake passing some farmhouses and even one of the oldest chalets in Lauenen by Gstaad.

The chalet is just before the lakes on your right-hand side. What indicates it’s age? Their is a form of wooden cross called a Haiden cross which you can see under the roof. This indicates that the chalet is over 300 years old.

Just before you reach the lake, turn right along a narrow path which will take you around the lake to reach the perfect barbecue site at the far end of the small lake next to the jetty.

Good to know:

• From the Hotel Alpenland Lauenen it is a 4km hike to the far end of Lake Lauenen. You could take the bus back to Lauenen if you do not want to hike back
• For bikers (and hikers) it is a 7.8km round trip back if you return on the same route. We would recommend to bike back on the same road instead of opting for the main road. The main road has car traffic and is not ideal for families.

Biking map to Lauenensee from Lauenen

To get full access to the biking and hiking map from Lauenen to Lake Lauenen – Lauenensee click on the map.

Hiking to Lauenensee from Gstaad via mountain station Höhi Wispile

If you are staying in a Hotel in Gstaad you can make a beautiful roundtrip to Lake Lauenen via the mountain cable car station Höhi Wispile along the Chrinepass and down to Lake Lauenen.

Back to Gstaad you can travel in the comfort of the local post bus which departs from the Lake Lauenen car park. Last bus departure is at 17H11. But check again to be sure HERE.

At the summit (1907m) of the Höhi Wispile cable car is a great playground and a petting zoo with goats, rabbits and other animals.

Make sure you are planning some time to stay here for the kids. I know if we passed by this playground, my two would not be happy so take a coffee at the Berghause Wispile and let the kids explore.

On the Path; when you are ready to leave Höhi Wispile, follow the path along the mountain ridge, where breathtaking panoramic views over the Saanenland and the imposing peaks of the Oldenhorn group will be with you for quite some time.

When you arrive at the Chrinetritt, the hiking trail drops down to the Chrinepass and to the Chrine.

Before you reach Lake Lauenen, you will have one more uphill section to overcome of about 100m. Once this is achieved the trail will guide you via Spitzi Egg down to the idyllic Lauenensee.

Good to know:

• The Gstaad-Wispile Cable Car normally operates from mid-June through to mid-October.
• Guest who spend one night or more in a hotel in Gstaad or within the region will have a beneficial price.
• Special tickets in 2022, CHF 19.– for adults (from 16 years), CHF 9.– for children (6-15 years)
  Without the special ticket count on CHF 32.– for adults (from 16 years), CHF 16.– for children (6-15 years) these are all one-way tickets.

It is a moderate hike of 10km (one-way) with a 140m ascent and a 660m decent to Lake Lauenen.
Good to count three hours for the hike, this is without the time playing at the Wispile playground and dipping your feet in the cold water at the Lauenensee.

At Lake Lauenen – Lauenensee

 Whichever way you choose to get here, once at Lake Lauenen you will love this place in all it’s glory.

The location at 1381 metres altitude will give you the right refreshment during a hot summer day. Regardless of the season of your visit, the beauty of the area will not fail to impress.

Swimming at Lake Lauenen

There are two wooden piers at the smaller of the two lakes close to the restaurant. It is from here where you can go swimming or just dip your feet.

 Boat rental at Lake Lauenen

During the peak summer season, you can rent a boat at the Lauenensee Restaurant. A romantic and fun way to enjoy the scenery around Lauenensee.

Circular hike around Lake Lauenen

If you are visiting Lake Lauenen and arriving by car, you should definitely walk around the Lake. The loop trail is just over 3 km and takes around 1 hour to complete.

The waterfalls near Lake Lauenen – Geltenschuss & Tungelschuss

These falls are at their best just after winter when the melting snow water cascades down the mountains.

With their location just behind Lake Lauenen it is a great option for everyone that wants to hike a bit further and away from the crowds, especially on hot summer days.

Hike to Tungelschuss Fall

This is the closer waterfall to Lake Lauenen and can easily be reached. From the parking lot walk about 400 metres to the falls. The Tungelschuss Fall is very impressive because of its mighty roaring water, especially as the snow melts in spring.

Hike to The Geltenschuss Fall

Only about two kilometres behind Lake Lauenen and directly on the hiking path to Geltenhütte SAC is the Geltenschuss Falls. It is quite a climb to reach the falls but it is short. The falls are at 1800m altitude.

On a hot summer day, hikers can cool off nicely under the waterfall.

Hiking to SAC Geltenhütte via Geltenschuss Falls from Lake Lauenen

This is a great family hiking tip. If you want to sleep in a mountain hut then the Geltenhütte is a great one to start when hiking with children and wanting to overnight in a mountain cabane.

The family-friendly SAC hut is located in the nature reserve Gelten at 2002 altitude.

From the idyllic Lake Lauenen the trail will pass along some wild gorges and the thundering Geltenschuss. This hike is 4km one way with an ascent of 625m.

Because of its fairly short distance from Lake Lauenen, it is also possible to do this as a day hike, should you not wish to sleep at the SAC hut Geltenhütte.

For reservations and more information about the Hütte check out their website.

Lake Lauenen facts & FAQ

• Two Lakes
• Smaller Lake 2 metres deep and a surface of 1.3 ha.
• Larger Lake 3.5 metres deep and a surface of 8.8 ha
• Located at an elevation of 1381m

Is it possible to swim in Lake Lauenen?
Probably the most asked question is whether you can swim in Lake Lauenen? The answer is yes.
Although note that there are no changing facilities around the lakes nor any lifeguard on site.

Are there BBQ places around the lake?
Yes. At the far end of the lake near the restaurant is a dedicated BBQ area with two fire places, tables and benches.

Can you go around Lake Lauenen with a pushchair?
Yes, the circular lake hike is possible with a pushchair.

How long will it take to walk around Lauenensee?
The loop is 3.3 km and will normally take no longer than one hour. But this depends on the speed you are hiking and how many photo stops you make.

You may also like these posts from the Bernese Oberland 

• A Weekend in Gstaad with kids
• Hotel Alpenland Lauenen – The perfect family place to stay
• Bachalpsee – Hike to the Swiss Alpine Lake in Grindelwald First
• +17 things to do in Lauterbrunnen
• Visit Lake Blausee – All you need to know for a perfect visit
• A day at the Hasliberg – Marblerun and Trottibike

I hope that the information provided here will prove itself useful when you are planning to visit Lake Lauenen – Lauenensee.

If I have left anything out or you have a question, please ask your questions in the comments below so that other readers can join in the conversation and benefit from your queries also.

Thank you & Never Forget to Travel

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