Madseeli

Madseeli (also spelled Maadseeli) is a small alpine lake on the Flumserberg above Flums in the canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland. It sits at 2,188 m above sea level beneath the distinctive Spitzmeilen peak, right beside the Sardona World Heritage Trail and just above the Spitzmeilenhütte mountain hut. It makes a rewarding short detour for hikers who enjoy red rock scenery and a good photo.

Where is Madseeli?

The lake lies in the Glarus Alps within the Heidiland tourist region. Reddish Verrucano rock covers much of the surrounding ground, with gentians and saxifrage growing in the cracks. Spitzmeilen, at roughly 2,500 m, forms the backdrop.

How do you get to Madseeli?

The simplest approach starts at Maschgenkamm. Take the gondola from Flumserberg-Tannenboden up to the top station. From there a level path leads to the Zigerfurgglen pass, and a trail then continues via Calans towards the Spitzmeilenhütte. This stretch runs about 7.2 km and takes around 2.5 hours, with a high point of 2,111 m. Regional tourism sources specifically recommend the short side trip to the lake.

You can also arrive from the other direction. Stage 2 of the Sardona World Heritage Trail leads from the Murgsee hut over the Wissmeilen pass, past Madseeli, to the Spitzmeilenhütte. Wegwandern.ch lists it at about 12.5 km and 4.5 hours, graded T2 (mountain hiking).

What else is nearby?

The Spitzmeilenhütte is a Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hut, and a stop there is considered close to compulsory in the area. For a longer day, Bergfex describes a loop of about 18 km and 6 hours: from Maschgenkamm via the hut, Alp Fursch and Prodalp back to Alp Tannenboden. It is rated difficult.

Why bring a camera?

Red rock, still water and the Spitzmeilen skyline make Madseeli a regular stop for photographers on this part of the Flumserberg. Shots taken from the shore, with the peak reflected in the surface, work especially well.

When should you go?

Plan hikes at this altitude for months when the trails are clear of snow and the Maschgenkamm lift is running. Check current trail conditions and the hut's opening times before setting out, since route descriptions differ in length and duration between sources.

Frequently asked questions

Are Madseeli and Maadseeli the same lake?

Yes. Both spellings of the name appear in the region's tourism material.

How high is the lake?

It lies at 2,188 m above sea level, above the Spitzmeilenhütte.

Where is the easiest place to start?

At the Maschgenkamm top station, reached by gondola from Flumserberg-Tannenboden.

Is the hike hard?

The walk from Maschgenkamm to the hut takes about 2.5 hours and peaks at 2,111 m. Longer loops in the area are rated difficult.