Hahnensee

Hahnensee (Romansh: Lej dals Chöds) is a mountain lake at 2,153 m above sea level, high above Champfèr and St. Moritz in the Upper Engadine, Graubünden, Switzerland. It sits on the border between the municipalities of St. Moritz and Silvaplana, and both the water and its surroundings are protected as a nature area.

What is Hahnensee like?

The lake rests on a high plateau among larch trees, above the St. Moritz ski jump. From the shore you look out over the Engadine lake district and the surrounding slopes. A mountain restaurant of the same name stands beside the water, and it can be reached only on foot, so the setting stays quiet and free of traffic.

How do you get to Hahnensee?

Only walking trails lead to the lake. The shortest approach starts at the small lake of Lej Marsch and takes a little over an hour. From Champfèr or St. Moritz, count on about 1.5 hours; from Silvaplana, about 1 hour 45 minutes.

A well-known option is a lake-to-lake hike: from Champfèr past Lej Marsch and Lej Nair up to Hahnensee, then down to St. Moritz Bad. The full route takes around 2 hours 50 minutes with roughly 400 m of climbing. The grade is moderate and no climbing gear is needed.

What can you do at the lake?

• Walk and picnic. The level shore and larches make a good place to rest after the ascent.
• Eat at the restaurant. It mainly operates in the summer season, so check opening times before you set out.
• Take photos. The view over the Engadine lakes is clearest on a cloudless day.
• Ski in winter. A roughly 9 km run called Hahnensee descends from the Corvatsch area to St. Moritz Bad. It opens only after heavy snowfall.

When should you go?

Summer and early autumn are best for hiking, when the trails are clear of snow. Weather above 2,000 m in the Engadine changes fast, so pack a windproof layer and check the forecast. In winter the area belongs to skiers, and walking access depends on snow conditions.

What else is nearby?

The trail from Champfèr passes several other small lakes, including Lej Marsch and Lej Nair, so a single hike strings together a few bodies of water. If you want a longer day out, add the Corviglia and Val Suvretta area on the other side of town. St. Moritz itself is a convenient base, with good rail and bus links.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive to Hahnensee?

No. The lake and its restaurant are accessible on foot only, from Lej Marsch, Champfèr, St. Moritz or Silvaplana.

How long is the walk?

About an hour from Lej Marsch, roughly 1.5 hours from Champfèr or St. Moritz, and around 1 hour 45 minutes from Silvaplana.

What is the Romansh name of the lake?

Lej dals Chöds. It lies within the municipalities of St. Moritz and Silvaplana at 2,153 m.

Is the lake protected?

Yes. Hahnensee and its surroundings are a nature protection area, so stay on the trails and take your litter with you.