Distelsee

Distelsee is a high alpine lake in the municipality of Obergoms, in the Goms valley of the Swiss canton of Valais. It sits at 2,587 m above sea level beneath the Brudelhorn and covers roughly 4.8 hectares. Only hikers reach it, which makes it a good target if you want mountain scenery without crowds.

Where is Distelsee?

The lake lies high above the upper Goms valley, near the Nufenen Pass road. Its coordinates are about 46.463° N, 8.323° E. The Brudelhorn (2,791 m) rises above the water, and nearby trails lead toward the Gries Pass and the Griessee reservoir.

How do you get to Distelsee?

The usual route starts at the Ladstafel bus stop on the Nufenen Pass road. From there the path heads west up the Lengtal valley, and you reach the lake after about 2 hours 15 minutes. If you want a summit, the Brudelhorn is a final climb of around 200 m beyond the lake.

The full loop over the lake and summit is about 14.5 km and takes around 6 hours. The descent follows the northern slope down to Münster. The Swiss Hiking Federation grades the route T3, meaning demanding mountain hiking that calls for sure footing and good navigation. Parts of the descent are faintly marked, so carry a map or an offline GPS track.

When should you go?

The trail is normally free of snow from about June to September. At this altitude snow lingers in shaded spots and weather changes fast, so start early and check the forecast.

What else do you pass on the way?

One version of the route from Ladstafel also passes the Griessee reservoir, where the Gries wind park stands at roughly 2,500 m. Along the way, wide views of the Valais mountains open up.

What should you bring?

• layers and a rain jacket, since 2,500 m can be cold even in summer,
• sturdy hiking boots,
• enough water and food for the whole route,
• sunglasses and sunscreen, as UV radiation is strong at altitude.

Frequently asked questions

Can you drive to Distelsee? No. You can take a bus or drive to Ladstafel on the Nufenen road, and the rest is on foot.

How long is the walk from Ladstafel? About 2 hours 15 minutes one way to the lake. With the Brudelhorn summit and the descent to Münster, plan on roughly 6 hours.

Is it a beginner hike? No. The T3 grade means you need fitness and experience on alpine terrain.

When is the best time to visit? From June to September, in settled weather and ideally early in the day.