Partnunsee

Partnunsee is an alpine lake in the municipality of Luzein, in the Prättigau valley of Graubünden, Switzerland. It lies at roughly 1,868 m above sea level in the Rätikon range, tucked under the limestone cliffs of Sulzfluh and Schijenflue. The hamlet of Partnun, the last settlement at the head of the St. Antönien valley, sits just below it.

What is Partnunsee like?

The lake is small: about 3 hectares, around 410 m long and up to 35 m deep. It lies north-northeast of the village of St. Antönien. The water has a vivid green-blue tint, and on calm days the pale rock walls mirror in the surface. There are barbecue spots on the shore, and in summer you can hire a rowing boat for a couple of francs per person, payable by TWINT.

How do you get to Partnunsee?

The shortest approach starts at Partnun (about 1,760 m) and takes around 25 minutes on foot; from the Sulzfluh and Alpenrösli mountain huts it is roughly a quarter of an hour. Walking up from the PostBus stop at St. Antönien Platz takes about two hours, and from St. Antönien Rüti about 90 minutes. For a full day out, try the loop via the Carschina lakes, Carschinafurgga and Brunnenegg back to Partnunsee: about 12 km, around 5 hours 15 minutes, with a high point near 2,230 m.

By public transport, take the Rhaetian Railway to Schiers or Küblis, then PostBus to St. Antönien. The Bus alpin continues to Partnun on limited dates and requires a reservation. In 2026 it runs daily from 27 June to 16 August and weekends only from 22 August to 25 October; bookings go through the Luzein municipality website.

What else is there to see nearby?

Above the lake rises Sulzfluh (2,817 m), a classic ski-touring objective in the Rätikon with a 360-degree summit view. The standard descent drops through the Gemstobel gorge back to Partnun. At Berghaus Alpenrösli you can rent a trottinette scooter and roll down to the valley. In winter a marked walking trail links St. Antönien Rüti with Partnun.

When should you visit?

Summer and early autumn are best: trails are snow-free and the Bus alpin runs most often. Pack a warm layer, since the air at almost 1,900 m stays cool even on hot days. In winter the area draws ski tourers and snowshoe walkers.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the walk from Partnun to the lake? About 25 minutes at an easy pace.

Can you camp at Partnunsee? Camping and bivouacking are banned at the neighbouring Carschina lakes. Beds are available in the mountain huts and guesthouses at Partnun.

Can you rent a boat? Yes, boats are available in summer and the fee can be paid by TWINT.

How do you get there without a car? Take the RhB train to Schiers or Küblis, PostBus to St. Antönien, then the reserved Bus alpin to Partnun.