Chüebodensee

Chüebodensee is a small mountain lake above the village of Elm, in the municipality of Glarus Süd, Canton of Glarus, Switzerland. The water covers just 1.4 hectares, yet the surroundings are vast: the lake sits inside the Glarner Freiberg wildlife reserve, also called Freiberg Kärpf. It suits hikers who prefer a quiet alpine meadow to busy trails.

Where is Chüebodensee?

The lake lies high above Elm in the Sernftal valley, in the heart of the Glarnerland. The name comes from the local dialect, and you will see it written Chüebodensee as well as the diminutive Chüebodenseeli. The whole area is protected, so reserve rules apply.

How do you get there?

Start in Elm. The Elm–Ämpächli gondola lifts you to Ämpächlialp, where marked paths lead toward the lake. Around Chüebodensee a network of well-kept trails adds up to roughly 8 km, so you can shorten or stretch the day to match your fitness. One described loop begins in Elm, passes Ämpächli, reaches the nearby Chüebodenalpsee and returns along the same valley. It measures 7.3 km and is rated easy.

What will you see?

Mainly calm high-mountain scenery: a tiny lake among alpine pastures and the rocky slopes of the reserve. Freiberg Kärpf is regarded as the oldest game reserve in Europe, with hunting banned since 1548. That gives you a real chance of spotting mountain wildlife, especially early in the morning.

Is it part of a longer route?

Yes. Chüebodensee appears on the final stage of the Kärpf Trek, a three-day circular hike around the Kärpf massif. That stage climbs steeply from Bischofalp toward the little lake. A separate, shorter option is the Höhenweg Elm, a 5.7 km walk from Obererbs to Ämpächli through the reserve.

When should you visit?

Plan for summer and early autumn, once the snow has gone and the gondola runs. Check the lift timetable and the weather forecast before setting out, because conditions in the high Alps change fast. Bring water, a rain layer and sturdy hiking shoes.

Frequently asked questions

How big is Chüebodensee?

The surface area is 1.4 hectares, so it is a mountain pond rather than a large lake.

Where is the easiest place to start?

In Elm: take the gondola to Ämpächli, then follow the marked paths.

Is the area protected?

Yes. The lake lies within the Glarner Freiberg (Freiberg Kärpf) reserve. Stay on the trails and keep your distance from wildlife.

Can I combine it with a longer hike?

Yes. The lake belongs to the Kärpf Trek, and shorter loops such as the one from Elm via Ämpächli are also available.