The Limmerensee Hike – Switzerland
Welcome to Limmerensee, one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Switzerland and the strangest hike at the same time!
The hike to Limmerensee starts with a 3km walk in what looks like the entrance to the Bat Cave. In fact, to access the lake, you will have to walk through the service tunnel of the Limmerensee dam. It will take about 30 minutes to cross it, and indeed, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Actually, more than that, there’s the beautiful Limmerensee!
View from the top of the Muttenchopf.
To get to this lookout, however, there’s still a bit of a hike – details below.
Also, if you do not want to hike through the tunnel, it’s possible to hike to the Muttseehütte directly from the cable car mountain station. It will take approximately one hour longer than walking through the tunnel, and you can follow the trail marks to the Muttseehütte.
How to get to Limmerensee & Outline of the Hike
- Getting there: There is free parking at the Luftseilbahn Tierfehd – Kalktrittli, where the cable car’s valley station is located. This is where you would need to drive to. By public transport, you would need to take the train to Linthal and then walk to the cable car station from there. The walk is almost 6km, so not a great option, but still feasible if you are ok with that distance.
- Start of The Hike: At the mountain station of the cable car. You will see a small box full go high-visibility jackets. Pick one, we are it and open the small door next to it to enter the Bat cave :)!
- Photography & Scenery value: beautiful alpine lake with turquoise waters surrounded by steep mountains. Like a jewel set in the mountains. Also, a bit of wildlife with Ibexes and Marmots.
- Difficulty: Medium to Hard, depending on fitness. The trail has no particular challenges, but the climb to the top is more or less relentless, and part of the trail is on loose rocks, making it more challenging.
- Tip: Bring a jacket for the walk through the tunnel, even in summer. It’s rather cold in there.
On the Muttenchopf Trail
| Distance | Ascent | Hike Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10.3 KM | 640 Mt. | 5/5.30 Hrs |
As mentioned above, the hike starts at the cable car’s mountain station. Walking through the tunnel is a rather strange experience. It’s cold and humid but well lit. “Funky” lit in places.
Wear the high-visibility jacket you can find at the entrance, as there may be workers driving around. You want to be spotted in there :). At the end of the tunnel, you will find another box where you can store the high-visibility jacket.
The box where you can pick and deposit the high-visibility jackets.
Once you cross the tunnel, the hike is relatively straightforward. There aren’t many other trails going up the mountain from there, so the navigation is easy.
The terrain is steep and rocky in places, with stretches of loose and sharp rocks, so pay attention to those.
As you approach the top of Muttenchopf, the trail will split in two. To the hut on the right and the top of Muttenchopf on the left. Follow the trail to the left, and you are about a 10-15 minutes hike from the top of Muttenchopf and the spectacular view over Limmerensee.
Photos Photography tips for Muttenchopf and the Limmerensee Hike
The main attraction here is the beautiful Limmerensee and its turquoise waters. The lake’s waters offer their best colour when fully lit by the sunlight. So if it is sunny, I recommend being there at around 10:30/11:00 AM or before 5:00 PM in summer. If it is overcast, that would not matter. This place could get crowded, also what people camping on the top of Muttenchopf, so you may need to time your visit accordingly if you want to be shooting alone.
You could also fly a drone here, assuming you are in compliance with local regulations.
Additionally, there are great views throughout the hike and, apart from some wildlife, the lake will be the main subject in most photos.
View from half-way up.
The best views are from the top of the Muttenchopf.
Classic view over the lake
If you are tempted to walk down to that other lookout you can see in the photo above. Don’t. The side of the mountain is steep and very exposed. The terrain is basically loose rock. Essentially, this is a combination for a disaster, so don’t go there.
Late spring and early summer and you may be able to include some flowers in your shots!
Additionally, the top also works great for drone selfies :)
Selfies with a drone!
It’s easy to see Ibex here in this location, too, especially in the early morning. I did see a group of 4 on my hike there, so if you are into wildlife photography.
A surprised Ibex cub staring back at me
One of the four Ibexes I met on this hike.
Video of the Muttenchopf and Limmerense Hike
Lastly, here’s a short video of this hike. Check it out if you want to get a feel for the trail
Map of the Limmerensee Hike
Here is the map of the hike. If you need a GPS track, you can download the .GPX file from the Komoot activity.
Where to Stay
The Muttseehütte is just a 30/45 minutes walk from the summit of the Muttenchopf.
Closer to the other side of the lake, the Kistenpasshutte also offers food and accommodation.
Additional resources
- Check out this other cool hike nearby, the Klausenpass-Griesslisee hike. Also, here are two awesome must-visit waterfalls on each side of the Klausenpass: Stäubifall and Berglistüber
- More awesome lake hikes in Switzerland: Oeschinensee, Gelmersee, Bannalpsee, Triftsee, Glattalpsee, Göscheneralpsee or Mattenalpsee and Gaulisee.
- Check out my main Switzerland page for more info and PhotoHikes in Switzerland.
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