Seerenbach Falls

Seerenbach Falls in Betlis (German: Seerenbachfälle) drop down the slope above the northern shore of Lake Walen, in the municipality of Amden, canton of St. Gallen. The Seerenbach creek reaches the lake in three stages of roughly 50 m, 305 m and 190 m. That adds up to about 585 m, which some sources round to 600 m.

What will you see?

The three steps form one long cascade that you can take in almost entirely from below. The middle stage is the showpiece, with water falling freely down a rock face. At the bottom, the Rinquelle joins the lowest stage. It is one of the larger karst springs in Europe, and its outflow creates an extra fourth fall of about 48 m. The water travels through cave passages inside the mountain and only emerges from the cliff beside the last step.

The area belongs to the Sardona Geopark, so the rock walls above the lake are worth a look too.

How do you get there?

Start in the village of Betlis on Lake Walen. A short, signposted path leads from there toward Quinten. The walk to the viewpoint takes about 20 minutes and ends at a small platform at the foot of the third cascade. For a view of all three stages at once, stand by the chapel in Betlis.

In summer a boat links Weesen and Betlis, and you can also walk to the falls from the Weesen side. The falls combine well with a longer lakeside hike to Quinten.

When should you visit?

Water volume depends on season and weather. The falls run strongest during snowmelt and after heavy rain. The Rinquelle is dry on many days but turns into a powerful stream after downpours and in spring. Plan a visit between spring and autumn; hiking sources usually recommend May to October. Check the forecast and aim for a day after rain or during the melt.

Good to know

• Access to the viewpoints is free, and the route needs no special gear beyond sturdy shoes.
• Narrow sections of the path can be slippery when wet.
• Sources disagree on rankings. Some call it the highest waterfall in Switzerland, others put Mürrenbachfall ahead of it. The middle stage alone is above 300 m.
• The falls fit nicely into a full day on Lake Walen: a walk, a boat trip and lunch in a nearby village.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a ticket for the Seerenbach Falls? No. The viewpoints and the path from Betlis are open to everyone.

How long is the walk from Betlis? About 20 minutes one way to the platform. Allow an hour or two for the whole outing, especially if you take a longer route.

How tall are the falls? The three stages measure about 50, 305 and 190 m, roughly 585 m in total.

When are the falls most impressive? During spring snowmelt and after heavy rain, when the Rinquelle adds its water too.