Joriseen Lakes Hike

The Ultimate Jöriseen Lakes and Flüela Pass Hike

Starting from the Wägerhus Postbus stop on the Flüela Pass road, you face a thrilling alpine adventure. This demanding loop takes you across rugged terrain, past neon-hued glacial lakes, and tops it off with an optional, extra climb to the high mountain pass at Flüela.

Route Summary

• Distance: Approx. 15 km total.

• Elevation Gain: Approx. 900m or 1,100 to Flüela.

• Duration: 4-5+ hours of active hiking (plus food & photos).

• Difficulty: Medium/Hard T2-3 on the alpine hiking scale.

• Start: Wägerhus bus stop/car park (2,207m).

• End: Wägerhus or Flüela Pass (2,384m).

Gear List

• See my general article on this topic...

Up and Over the Ridge

• Ascent: The trail starts right from the Wägerhus Postauto stop or car park. You climb steadily over high cow pastures and loose scree.

• Winterlücke Viewpoint: Push hard up the steep slope to reach the Winterlücke pass at 2,787m (great photo location).

• Panorama: Standing at the top, you look out over the brilliant Jörigletscher glacier region and the stunning peaks of the Silvretta Massif and Piz Linard.

The Surrounding Peaks

• Flüela Wisshorn - Towering directly over your route at 3,085 m, this massive pyramid of dark rock dominates the western skyline.

• Piz Linard - Looking east across the valley, you will spot the highest peak in the Silvretta Alps, a majestic 3,410m pyramid piercing the sky.

• Silvretta Massif - Looking north, the horizon opens up to reveal a stunning jagged spine of glacier-clad peaks marking the border with Austria.

• Weissfluhgipfel - Scanning to the west over Davos, the prominent peaks are visible in the distance.

Down into the Basin & the Jöriseen

• Descent: From the ridge, you drop down toward the basin alongside the edge of the receding glacier.

• The Jewel Lakes: The famous Jöriseen lakes (there are several) wait below at around 2,533 m. The largest lake glows a milky, vibrant green from glacial flour, while the smaller pools shine a striking deep blue.

• Flat Basin: You walk right between these glittering natural wonders on the high plateau, surrounded by raw stone and rushing meltwater.

Science in the Stone: Alpine Geology

The stark, moon-like basin of the Jöriseen provides a interesting look at ongoing tectonic and glacial forces:

• The Tectonic Collision: You are walking through the Austroalpine nappe system. These crystalline basement rocks were scraped off the ancient African plate and pushed on top of Europe during the creation of the Alps.

• The Flour Effect: The largest lake's opaque, milky-green tint is caused by "glacial flour". Underground meltwater from the retreating Jörigletscher glacier carries extremely fine, suspended silt and calcareous sediment that scatters light.

• The Deep Blue Pools: In contrast, the smaller, crystal-clear lakes are filled exclusively by rain, melting winter snow, and surface water runoff. Lacking glacier silt, they let the light sink deep to show their stone lake bottoms.

• Melting Permafrost: The barren landscape relies on high-altitude permafrost to bind the loose rock slopes together. As temperatures rise, melting ice increases loose rockfall and debris flows into the lakes.

Wildlife of the High Alps

• Keep your ears open for the sharp, echoing whistles of alpine marmots diving into their rock burrows.

• Scan the steep, loose scree fields and jagged cliffs above you to spot nimble chamois grazing.

Scaling the Jöriflüelafurgga Pass

• The Second Climb: Leaving the lakes behind, the trail points upward once again. You make your final steep push to cross the Jöriflüelafurgga pass at 2,723 m.

• The Descent to the Road: From the high saddle, you take the long descent back down toward the highway and your original starting point at Wägerhus.

Grand Finale: Up to the Flüela Pass

• The Final Climb: Instead of calling it a day at Wägerhus, you can push on further. Follow the path climbing up parallel to the mountain road, past another lake…

• The Summit Finish: Your journey ends at the true Flüela Pass summit at 2,383 m, standing right between the Schottensee and Schwarzsee lakes. You celebrate your victory at the historic Hospiz.

Where to Eat?

After conquering c.1,100 m of elevation, you can refuel right at the finish line:

• Flüela Hospiz Restaurant: Located right on the pass summit, this historic mountain lodge serves up hearty Bündner regional specialties like local Hirschsalsiz (venison sausage).

• Sweet Rewards: Treat yourself to their popular Apfelstrudel Hausgemacht (homemade apple strudel with vanilla sauce) while sitting out on the terrace overlooking the lake.

This hike was done by the Author on the 7th of September 2024. Email me for photos or with questions...