Voralpsee

Voralpsee is a mountain lake in the municipality of Grabs, in the canton of St. Gallen in eastern Switzerland, sitting at 1,123 m above sea level on the Grabserberg, between the Alviergebiet and Churfirsten ranges.

How to get there?

The easiest approach is from Buchs or Grabs: from May to October, a PostAuto (Swiss post bus) line runs directly to the area around the lake. Hikers can also reach it on foot — a popular route climbs from Wildhaus Oberdorf via Ölberg and Gamperfin to Voralpsee and on to Voralp. It's an easy trail (T2 grade), roughly 8.2 km long with 332 m of ascent and 336 m of descent, taking about 2 hours 20 minutes — well marked and manageable for reasonably fit walkers.

What will you see?

Voralpsee is a natural, elongated lake just under 550 m long and about 250 m wide, with a maximum depth of around 12 m. It fills a shallow basin surrounded by meadows and forest, with the peaks of the Churfirsten and the Alvier massif rising in the background — a view that draws hikers and landscape photographers alike. Despite its high altitude, the water warms up to as much as 20°C in summer, making Voralpsee one of the few mountain lakes in the region where swimming is genuinely comfortable.

A kiosk with a small restaurant sits on the shore, serving grilled food, snacks, and drinks, with a barbecue spot nearby that's open to visitors. In recent years the municipality has expanded the bathing infrastructure, adding a bathing jetty and a floating platform that make it easier to get into the water and relax on the lake. A short circular walking path (about 35 minutes) runs around the shore, letting visitors pick their own spot — in the woods, on the rocks, or right at the water's edge. Fishing is also permitted, provided visitors hold a valid fishing licence.

Who is it for?

Voralpsee works well both as a family day-trip destination — thanks to bus access and gentle surroundings — and as a stop along a longer mountain route for more ambitious hikers. The meadows and forests of the Grabserberg are typical Alpine foothill terrain, quieter and less crowded than the well-known trails around Wildhaus or the Churfirsten, which suits travelers looking for some peace.

When to visit?

The season at Voralpsee effectively runs from June to October, when the trails are passable and the bus line operates regularly. The best swimming conditions come in July and August, when the water reaches its warmest. In spring and early autumn the lake tends to be quieter, with fewer visitors, though the water is cooler and public transport runs less frequently.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Voralpsee located? The lake sits on the Grabserberg in the municipality of Grabs, canton St. Gallen, at 1,123 m above sea level, between the Alviergebiet and the Churfirsten.

Can you swim in Voralpsee? Yes, swimming is allowed, and the water can reach up to 20°C in summer. A bathing jetty and a floating platform are available on the lake.

How can you reach Voralpsee without a car? From May to October, a PostAuto line runs there from Buchs and Grabs. It's also reachable on foot via the trail from Wildhaus Oberdorf through Ölberg and Gamperfin (about 8.2 km, 2 hours 20 minutes).

Is there anywhere to eat by the lake? Yes, a lakeside kiosk with a restaurant serves grilled dishes, snacks, and drinks, and there's a barbecue area right next to it.