Talalpsee

Talalpsee is a small mountain lake above the village of Filzbach, in the municipality of Glarus Nord, Canton Glarus, Switzerland. It sits on the Kerenzerberg terrace high over Lake Walen at roughly 1,085 m above sea level. With a surface of just 3.2 hectares, it is a compact, easy-going destination rather than a grand alpine lake, framed by meadows and slopes. It is also known as Talsee.

Where is Talalpsee?

The lake lies above Filzbach on the north shore of Walensee, in the Glarnerland region. It has no natural outflow, and pike are the fish living in it. A nature trail links the lake with the hamlet of Habergschwänd.

How do you get to Talalpsee?

The simplest route combines a chairlift ride with a short walk:

• From Filzbach, walk about 10 minutes from the Sportzentrum bus stop to the Kerenzerbergbahn chairlift.
• The ride up to the Habergschwänd top station (about 1,278 m) takes around 20 minutes.
• From there it is roughly a half-hour walk to the lake.

You can also hike downhill. Habergschwänd to Talalpsee to Filzbach is about 5.7 km, takes around 1 hour 40 minutes and drops almost 650 m. It is graded T1 (easy) and runs mainly from May to October. At the top station you can rent a scooter for the 7 km ride down to Filzbach.

What can you do at the lake?

A loop around the shore takes about 25 minutes. There are two official fire pits with firewood supplied and spots for swimming, and a restaurant and cafe stand by the water. It suits a family picnic, a barbecue or a relaxed break mid-hike. Nearby trails open views toward Walensee and the Churfirsten range.

When is the best time to visit?

Late spring to autumn works best, when the chairlift operates and trails are clear of snow. On hot days you can take a dip, while autumn brings quieter paths. In summer, arrive in the morning if you want a fire pit. In winter, access needs different preparation, so check conditions locally first.

Frequently asked questions

How big is Talalpsee? It covers 3.2 ha at about 1,085 m above sea level. Walking all the way round takes around 25 minutes.

Can you swim there? There are designated bathing spots on the shore, and the lake is a popular summer outing for families.

Is there food at the lake? Yes, a restaurant with a cafe stands on the shore. You can also use the official fire pits and bring your own food.

How do you get back to Filzbach? Take the chairlift from Habergschwänd, walk the trail downhill (about 1 hour 40 minutes from the top station) or ride a scooter rented at the top.