Flueseeli

Flueseeli – a hidden mountain lake above Lenk in the Bernese Alps

Flueseeli is a small alpine lake sitting at roughly 2,045 metres above sea level, tucked into a side valley above the village of Lenk in the canton of Bern, Switzerland. It lies at the very end of the Simmental valley, at the point where the road stops and the only way onward is on foot. Flanked by rock walls on one side and gentler slopes on the other, the lake stays hidden until the very last stretch of the climb — a moment many hikers describe as the real payoff of the trip.

Where exactly is Flueseeli?

The lake sits in the Bernese Alps at the foot of the Wildstrubel massif, above Lenk. Its approximate coordinates are 46.40964 N, 7.4988 E. It is worth noting clearly that this lake belongs to the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland, not to France or any other country, despite occasional confusion with unrelated names found online.

How do you get to Flueseeli?

Most hikers start near the restaurant by the Simmenfälle waterfalls, where cars can be parked. From there, an alpine track leads toward Siebenbrunnen, the spot where the Simme river rises and gives the whole valley its name. Beyond that point the path steepens considerably, running along narrow, partly exposed sections that are secured with fixed ropes in places. This is no longer a casual stroll — it is a genuine mountain hike that calls for a reasonable level of fitness and comfort on exposed terrain.

How long does the hike take and how demanding is it?

The climb from Simmenfälle to Flueseeli typically takes around three hours one way, covering just under five kilometres with an elevation gain approaching a thousand metres. It ranks as a moderately to fairly demanding mountain trail, better suited to hikers with some experience than to casual walkers. Plan for a full day out and start early, especially in summer, when weather in the higher reaches of the Alps can turn quickly.

Is there anywhere to stay overnight at the lake?

Yes — on the northern shore of Flueseeli stands a small, unstaffed hut, the Fluhseehütte, run on a volunteer basis by a local association devoted to the lake. Accommodation is basic, with no catering or standard tourist facilities, but it allows visitors to spend a night surrounded by mountains, far from any crowds. Access to the hut, like access to the lake itself, is realistically limited to the summer months, once the trail is clear of snow and ice.

What should you know before setting out?

In summer, the meadows around the lake burst into green, flowering pasture, against which the water of Flueseeli takes on a striking, vivid colour. Many visitors call it a well-kept secret, still relatively unknown outside the circle of seasoned mountain hikers. Sturdy hiking boots, trekking poles, and enough water are essential — there are no supply points along the trail beyond the starting area at Simmenfälle.

Frequently asked questions

Is Flueseeli suitable for a family walk? Not for the full route — the final stretch is steep and partly rope-secured, which makes it difficult for young children or anyone without hiking experience.

Is there a restaurant at the lake? Not directly at Flueseeli — only the simple overnight hut. The nearest restaurant is at the trailhead, near Simmenfälle.

When is the best time to hike there? During the summer months, when the trail is fully passable and free of snow. Outside that window, reaching the lake can be considerably harder or simply not feasible.

Is the trail well marked? Yes, the route from Simmenfälle via Siebenbrunnen to Flueseeli is signposted as a mountain trail and appears in regional hiking guides for the Lenk area.