Lungerersee

Lungerersee (Lake Lungern) is a lake beside the village of Lungern in the canton of Obwalden, central Switzerland. It sits below the Brünig Pass on the route between Lucerne and Interlaken, and for a century it has doubled as a scenic spot and a reservoir for hydropower.

What kind of lake is it?

The lake covers roughly 2 km², stretches about 2 km from end to end and reaches a depth of around 68 m. Its surface lies near 688 m above sea level. The Sarner Aa river carries its water on through the Sarnersee and into Lake Lucerne. The lake takes its name from the town of Lungern on its shore.

Why does the water level change?

The lake has an unusual engineering past. In 1836 a man-made drainage tunnel was used to lower the water, freeing up farmland for a commune that had little of it. Streams running into the lake then cut steps into the newly exposed shoreline and eroded fields. In 1921, when the Lungernsee power station was built, the lake was dammed back up and the old tunnel became a pressure tunnel. Today the level rises and falls over the year, so the shoreline looks different depending on the season.

What can you do here?

• Walk or jog around the lake. Obwalden Tourismus describes a loop of about 9.8 km, mostly flat, on gravel roads and paths.
• Take an easy hike with a waterfall. Komoot lists a short, easy circuit of about 5.5 km that passes the Dundelbach waterfall.
• Swim and use the water. The lake is used for swimming, fishing and sailing. It is an alpine reservoir, so expect cooler water than in lowland lakes, with the best chances in midsummer.
• Take photos. The green-tinted water against the valley slopes looks good from the Lungern side and from Kaiserstuhl.

How do you get there?

Trains on the Brünig line stop in Lungern, close to the lake. By car you can drive into the village or park near Kaiserstuhl, where the walk along the shore begins. Lungern lies on the road from Lucerne through Sarnen towards Brienz and Interlaken, so the lake slots easily into a drive across central Switzerland.

When should you visit?

Summer and early autumn suit swimming and walking best. Spring and autumn bring quieter paths and often clearer views of the surrounding peaks. In winter the water level can sit noticeably lower, exposing more of the banks.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in Lungerersee?

Yes, the lake has swimming spots, and sailors and anglers use it too. Water in an alpine reservoir tends to be cooler than in lowland lakes.

How long is the walk around the lake?

The loop is about 9.8 km and mostly flat, so it usually takes a few hours at an easy pace. A shorter version past the Dundelbach waterfall is around 5.5 km.

Can you reach it without a car?

Yes. Lungern has a station on the Brünig line, and the lake is right next to the village.

Why does the water level vary?

The lake serves a hydropower plant. It was dammed in 1921, and the level shifts with water use.