Chapfensee

Chapfensee is a mountain reservoir at roughly 1,030 m above sea level, above the town of Mels in the canton of St. Gallen, in the Heidiland region of eastern Switzerland. It dates from the 1940s, yet it looks like a natural alpine lake, and the land around it is a protected nature reserve.

What will you find at Chapfensee?

The lake sits among forest and moorland that shelters rare plants and woodland communities. It still has a working purpose: a pressure pipe carries its water down to the power plant at Plons, and the reservoir was completed in 1946-1947. Despite that, the shoreline feels wild, which is why families, cyclists and anglers all come here.

How do you get there?

The easiest approach is from Mels up the Weisstannental valley to the hamlet of Vermol, where there is a car park. From there you continue on foot. A stage of the Via Alpina also passes through Vermol and the lake on its way from Mels to Weisstannen. For a bigger day out, walk up from Flums via Sässliwiesen and the Alp Cafröa pastures, then descend to Mels. That route is around 15 km with about 840 m of climbing and takes roughly six hours, so it suits fit walkers.

Which walk around the lake is best?

Heidiland Tourismus recommends a circuit of about 4.3 km that takes around 1 hour 20 minutes. It starts and ends at the Vermol car park and is graded easy (stamina 2 on a scale of 6). The highest point is 1,128 m and the lowest 1,017 m, and the path passes a protected moor. A shorter loop from Parmort covers about 2.7 km. Refreshment stops are available at Vermol, by the lake and at Wildenberg.

What else can you do here?

• Fishing. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and draws anglers.
• Barbecue. Fire pits are set up along the shore.
• Swimming. Some visitors swim in summer.
• Nature trail. Heidiland Tourismus offers a digital trail in the Actionbound app, guided by a jay called Edi, explaining the lake's wildlife and why it is protected.

When should you visit?

Summer and early autumn are best, when trails are clear of snow and the Weisstannental is green. In winter access can be harder, so check current conditions with Heidiland Tourismus before you set off.

Frequently asked questions

Is Chapfensee a natural lake? No. It is a reservoir completed in 1946-1947, though it blends into the landscape so well that many visitors do not notice.

How long does the walk around the lake take? The circuit from the Vermol car park is about 4.3 km and takes around 1 hour 20 minutes.

Can you swim and fish here? Yes. The lake is known for rainbow trout, and some people swim in summer. Because it is a nature reserve, keep to the rules and leave the shore tidy.

Is the walk suitable for children? Yes. The loop is easy, and the app-based nature trail works well for families.