Lutersee

Lutersee is a small alpine lake in the municipality of Andermatt, in the canton of Uri, tucked into the Gotthard massif of the Swiss Uri Alps. It sits on the Oberalp side of the valley at roughly 2,357 metres above sea level, a spot most visitors only reach on foot — there is no road leading directly to it.

Where exactly is the lake?

The lake occupies a hollow at the foot of the Grossschijen peak, above the treeline. That means open, rocky surroundings on all sides: no forest, no shade, and nowhere to gather firewood. What it lacks in shelter it makes up for in clarity — the water is glacially clear, as is typical for high-altitude lakes in this part of the Alps.

How big is Lutersee?

Don't expect a vast body of water: Lutersee measures about 350 metres in length and just under 100 metres across. It is compact enough to take in at a glance from the shore, yet large enough to dominate the landscape around it, framed by bare rock and distant summits.

How do you get there?

There are two main approaches. The classic one starts in Andermatt itself: a zigzagging mountain trail climbs steadily out of the village and leads directly to the lake. It is a moderate high-altitude hike, but well maintained and considered manageable for families, with several scenic viewpoints along the way.

The second option starts from the Oberalp Pass, where a gentler trail leads up to the lake; from the Nätschen terminus the walk typically takes around 30 to 40 minutes.

Hikers looking to shorten the climb can take the cable car from Andermatt up to the Schneehüenerstock summit station or the intermediate Platte station, then walk down to the lake from there rather than starting from the valley floor.

What views does it offer?

The lake is as much about the panorama as the water itself. From its shores, the view opens onto the peaks of Graubünden and Ticino, as well as the surrounding Uri Alps. On calm, clear days the surface mirrors the ridgelines around it, which is why the spot is a favourite stopping point on high-altitude routes through the Oberalp and Andermatt area. Not far away, within the same Gotthard massif, rises the Gemsstock (2,961 m), a well-known viewpoint and ski area.

Can you swim in it?

On warm summer days the water can warm up enough for a swim, though given the altitude and alpine setting, it stays cool even in midsummer. This is a wild mountain lake rather than a managed bathing spot, so there are no facilities on site.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to reach Lutersee from Andermatt? It depends on the route and pace, but plan for a hike measured in hours rather than minutes. The cable car to Platte or Schneehüenerstock cuts the ascent considerably.

Is there any shelter from sun or rain near the lake? No. Lutersee lies above the treeline, in open terrain with no trees and no natural shade.

Is there another lake with the same name nearby? Yes — a separate lake also called Lutersee lies in the neighbouring municipality of Hospental, also within the Urserental valley. It is a distinct body of water from the one described here, which belongs to Andermatt.

Can a visit to Lutersee be combined with other sights? Yes. A popular loop continues on to Lake Oberalpsee (2,027 m), allowing hikers to see two alpine lakes on a single outing.