Goscheneralpsee Lake Tour

Hiking Göscheneralpsee: A Spectacular Turquoise Lake Loop in Uri

Tucked away at the very end of the rugged Göschenertal valley lies a spectacular alpine landscape that feels a world away from the busy Swiss lowlands. The Göscheneralpsee loop is a premier mountain hike that circles a striking, turquoise-blue reservoir. 

Surrounded by sheer granite walls, roaring glacial waterfalls, and the glittering expanse of the Uri Alps, this trail packs the absolute best of Switzerland’s high-alpine beauty into a highly rewarding half-day adventure.

Quick Facts

• Distance: ~9 kilometers (5.6 miles)

• Duration: 3.5 to 4 hours

• Elevation Gain: +/-450 m (1,475 feet)

• Difficulty: Easy/Moderate (SAC T2 mountain trail requiring sure-footedness)

• Best Season: Late June to October (depending on weather conditions).

• Note that this route can be done in either direction.

Best Time to Visit & Alpine Wildlife

Because this trail sits nearly 1,800 meters, timing the trip is key to your enjoyment. The high-alpine hiking season typically runs from late June to October (check the bus timetables:

• Summer (July & August): This is prime hiking season. The winter snow has melted from the paths, the weather is at its warmest, and the glacial streams are running at full capacity.

• Autumn (September & October): As the temperatures cool, the crowds thin out a little, and the valley changes color. The high-moor vegetation shifts to striking shades of gold and deep amber, contrasting brilliantly against the turquoise water of the lake.

Flora & Fauna along the Trail

The Göscheneralp is a protected high-moor ecosystem teeming with life if you know where to look:

• Alpine Flora: In early summer, the meadows explode with color. Look for the deep blue gentians, vibrant pink alpine roses (Rhododendrons), and the fluffy heads of cotton grass waving in the boggy wetlands at the back of the lake. Note that the wetland path near Goscheneralp is sometimes closed.

• Local Fauna: Keep your eyes on the high boulder fields and listen for the sharp, whistling alarms of alpine marmots basking on the sun-warmed rocks. If you look way up toward the rocky ridges of the Winterberg massif, you might spot agile chamois or ibex navigating the sheer cliffs, despite all the human activity.

Route Summary

• The journey begins at the Berggasthaus Dammagletscher, next to the Göscheneralp PostBus terminal (1,792m).

• The Dam Crossing: The hike starts immediately with a walk across the massive, broad crown of the earth dam. With the vast turquoise waters to your right and the plunging green valley to your left, it is an awe-inspiring way to start.

• The South Shore: Reaching the southern side, you follow the red-and-white mountain trail markers. The path instantly gets wilder, leading you up through boulder fields, alpine meadows, and over footbridges spanning rushing glacial torrents.

• The Valley Floor (Chelenalptal): At the far western end of the lake, you drop into a pristine high-moor nature reserve. You will cross the roaring Chelenreuss river, stepping into a massive natural amphitheater where the valley splits & raw nature takes over.

• The Northern Climb & Viewpoint: Heading back east along the northern shore, the trail climbs back up a rocky terrace. A brief, steep side-trail takes you up to the ultimate Aussichtspunkt (Viewpoint) - the perfect perch to look down across the entire lake before a gentle downhill stroll leads you right back to your starting point.

Glaciers, Peaks and Waterfalls on Display

What makes the Göscheneralpsee trail so captivating is the sheer scale of the landscape surrounding you. As you move around the loop, the perspective changes constantly, offering front-row seats to some of Central Switzerland's finest natural features:

• The Damma Glacier (Dammagletscher): Dominating the horizon to the west, this magnificent glacier pours down the high bowls of the mountains. Its melting ice feeds the milky-blue waters of the reservoir below.

• Towering Peaks: The skyline is guarded by a ring of imposing granite giants. Look out for the jagged pyramid of the Dammastock (the highest peak in the Uri Alps at 3,630 m), the sharp Winterberg massif, and the rugged walls of the Fleckistock and&Stucklistock framing the northern sky.

• Thundering Waterfalls: Because you are hiking through a glacial basin, the mountainsides literally run with water. You will cross and hear the roar of the Dammareuss and Chelenreuss waterfalls, which cascade down from the high ice fields in dramatic, white-water torrents.

Engineering in the Wilderness: a History of the Dam

As you stand atop the massive barrier at the start of the hike, you are walking on a monumental piece of Swiss engineering history. Completed in 1960 after several years of intense construction, the Göscheneralp dam (Göscheneralpsee) is an earth-fill embankment dam rather than a concrete wall, designed to blend seamlessly into the rugged alpine topography.

The creation of the reservoir altered the landscape significantly. Before the waters rose, a small, vibrant mountain farming village known as Hinteralp sat in the basin. The construction forced the relocation of its residents, and the old village, including its small chapel and alpine pastures, was completely submerged beneath the turquoise water. 

Today, the dam stands 155 m high and holds back roughly 75 million cubic meters of water, serving as a vital source of clean, renewable hydroelectric power to the region.

Route Extensions: From Big Day-Outs to Multi-Day Treks

If you find yourself back at the dam wall with energy left to burn, you don't have to board the PostBus just yet. There are two fantastic ways to extend this journey:

• Down the Valley to Göschenen: Instead of taking the bus back down, you can extend your tour on foot by tracking the historical valley trail down to the village of Göschenen. 

• Leaving the reservoir behind, the trail descends alongside the rushing Göschenerreuss river. You'll pass through idyllic pine forests, past high-alpine bogs, and beneath roaring waterfalls on a scenic downhill journey that adds roughly 2.5 hours and 11 Km to your trek, dropping you right at the Göschenen train station.

• The Five SAC Huts Circular Route: Seasoned mountaineers looking for a multi-day epic can use the lake loop as a springboard for the famous Göschener 5-Hut Trail (5-Hütten-Weg). This challenging, high-alpine route connects five distinct Swiss Alpine Club huts surrounding the valley: Dammahütte, Chelenalphütte, Bergseehütte, Voralphütte and Salbithütte (see other article). 

• This route transforms your trip into a rugged itinerary over technical mountain passes and granite boulder fields, complete with cozy overnight stays beneath the stars. Note that prior reservations are strongly advised and that VF kit will likely be needed.

Post-Hike Feast: Food Options at Göscheneralp

After navigating rocky mountain paths, there is nothing better than a hearty Swiss meal. Luckily, you don't have to go far to refuel:

• Berggasthaus Dammagletscher: Located right at the trail's end and the bus stop, this traditional mountain guesthouse is the perfect place to celebrate a successful hike. Sit out on their sun terrace to enjoy spectacular views back up the dam. Their menu features classic, rib-sticking alpine fare like Älplermagronen (Swiss alpine macaroni with cheese, potatoes, and onions served with applesauce), rich cheese fondues, local dried meats (Plättli), and fresh, homemade fruit tarts.

• Kiosk Göscheneralp: If you are cutting it close to the PostBus departure time or just want a casual bite, the small kiosk near the parking lot offers quick refreshments. Grab a cold Swiss soda (like Rivella), local beers, ice cream, or a quick snack to enjoy while you wait for your ride back down to the Göschenen train station.

This hike and similar ones was carried out multiple times by the Author (see other articles), but in this direction on the 11th of September 2023. Contact me by email for photos or to ask questions.