Barchetsee

Barchetsee is a small glacial lake in the municipality of Neunforn, in the Swiss canton of Thurgau, close to the border with the canton of Zurich. It sits at 464 metres above sea level and has been a nature reserve since 1991. It is not a swimming spot. It is a quiet place to walk, look and listen.

What kind of lake is Barchetsee?

Geologists call it a dead-ice lake (Toteissee). When the glacier retreated, a block of ice remained buried in a hollow, and the water that filled the depression after it melted became the lake. The area belongs to the glacial landscape between the Thur and the Rhine, which is listed in Switzerland's federal inventory of landscapes of national importance (BLN object 1403). Today the lake is almost entirely overgrown with reeds and shrubs, so very little open water remains.

What will you see?

The main attraction is the floating islands: mats of vegetation that have broken free from the shore and can drift across the lake depending on the wind. They are a rare sight in Switzerland. Around the water you will find fens and raised bogs, damp meadows and alder carr woodland. The federal inventory of fens of national importance lists Barchetsee as object 1521, covering 8.81 hectares, most of it in Thurgau and a small part in Zurich.

The cantonal protection order divides the reserve into a core zone, a forest zone, a special-use zone and a recreation zone. A buffer strip towards the surrounding fields is meant to limit nutrient run-off. The goal is to keep the habitat intact for rare and threatened species.

What is the walk like?

A short, flat path circles the lake. Allow 30 to 45 minutes for a full loop. It suits all ages, though it can be muddy or icy in winter. You cannot reach the water, because the shore is overgrown and boggy, so watch the islands and birdlife from the path. Dogs are welcome but must stay on a lead to protect the reserve.

When should you go?

Spring and early summer show the vegetation at its greenest, and the reeds are full of bird song. In autumn the surroundings turn warm colours and morning mist adds atmosphere. Winter walks are fine if you wear boots for the mud. If you want to see the islands move, pick a day with some breeze and good light.

How do you get there?

Neunforn lies in the Thur valley near Frauenfeld in north-eastern Switzerland. The reserve is outside the village itself, so check the route and parking options on map.geo.admin.ch or a hiking app before you set off.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in Barchetsee? No. It is a nature reserve and almost entirely overgrown, so it is not suitable for swimming or entering the water.

How long does the walk around the lake take? Usually 30 to 45 minutes at an easy pace on a flat path.

Can I bring my dog? Yes, but keep it on a lead so the wildlife in the reserve is not disturbed.

Where do the floating islands come from? They are mats of plants that have detached from the overgrown shore and float on the water. The wind pushes them around, so their position changes from day to day.