Oberer Murgsee

Oberer Murgsee sits high in the Murg valley (Murgtal) in the municipality of Quarten, canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland. Of the three Murgseen lakes it is the highest, at roughly 1,820 m above sea level. Its outflow, the Murgbach, runs down the valley and reaches Lake Walen at the village of Murg.

Where is Oberer Murgsee?

The three lakes – Oberer, Mittlerer and Unterer Murgsee – fill a rugged mountain basin at the very back of the Murgtal. The upper lake lies furthest in and highest up. Beside it stands the Murgseehütte (Berggasthaus Murgsee), at about 1,830 m between the upper and middle lakes. The hut dates back to the days of ore mining in the area.

How do you get to Oberer Murgsee?

Most walkers start in Mornen, in the Murgtal, reached from Murg am Walensee. You can drive (the Bachlaui car park charges a fee) or take a taxi, which must be booked in advance. A Murgsee bus also runs from Murg. There is no mobile signal in the valley, so arrange transport beforehand.

The classic loop leaves Mornen and climbs via Merlen, Gspon, Unter Mürtschen and Ober Mürtschen to the Murgseefurggel pass (about 1,984 m), then drops to the lake. It is graded T2, covers about 14.4 km with around 890 m of ascent, and takes roughly 5 hours.

What is there to see?

A wild cirque with three lakes and a mountain inn on the shore. The hut is supplied largely by helicopter, and it is a welcome stop for a meal before you continue. The lake lies on the Sardona World Heritage Trail (Sardona-Welterbe-Weg), part of the UNESCO Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona. Stage 1 runs from Habergschwänd near Filzbach over the Murgseefurggel to the Murgseehütte; stage 2 continues to the Spitzmeilenhütte. A short climb from the lake leads to the Widersteinfurgglen pass.

When should you go?

The hiking season runs from June to October. The hut is open roughly May to October, so check its current dates before setting out. Winter trips here suit experienced walkers with proper equipment.

Frequently asked questions

Is Oberer Murgsee the highest of the Murgseen? Yes. Of the upper, middle and lower lakes, Oberer Murgsee lies highest, at about 1,820 m.

Can you eat or stay overnight there? The Berggasthaus Murgsee (Murgseehütte) by the lake serves food and is open roughly May to October. Phone: +41 81 511 03 63.

How hard is the hike? The loop from Mornen is rated T2: a mountain trail without demanding technique. Allow about 5 hours and 890 m of climbing.

Where do you park? In Murg am Walensee, where the Bachlaui car park charges a fee. From there, continue to Mornen by taxi or by the Murgsee bus.