Lauenen – Lauenensee – Lauenen

The mountain village of Lauenen lies between Gstaad and the imposing Wildhorn. From here you walk up to the Lauenensee, a lake widely celebrated in song. The silence and seclusion on this hike is sure to please. In their 1983 classic, the Span singers sang: "I think I will be going more often to Lake Lauenen". After your hike you are bound to agree with them and want to return here again and again. The route starts by the Hotel Alpenland in Lauenen (1,241 m above sea level). It is worth taking a detour to this charming mountain village, noted for its old, well-preserved chalets and 16th-century church. After leaving Lauenen, you follow the trail uphill through several wooded areas to the idyllic Lauenensee. This nature reserve is of national importance and is reputed to be a place where the natural energies can be felt. This famous lake, subject of many songs, is surrounded by Alpine moorland and untouched mountain scenery. From here, you have a view of impressive waterfalls and the imposing Spitzhorn. Just before you reach the lake, turn right along a narrow footpath and then turn right and around the lake to reach an idyllic barbecue site at the far end. You can take a dip in the cool water from the wooden pier. The way back first takes you along the other side of the lake before you branch off via Fang towards the Rossfalleschlucht, Rohr-Öy. From there you pass the Rohr, a beautiful nature reserve with flat marshland. The trail then makes wide curves as it leads back to Lauenen.