Mountain waters

Lake Lauenen is located in the middle of a nature reserve and is an idyllic excursion destination for nature lovers and those seeking relaxation. Located at 1,381 m above sea level, surrounded by mountains and forests, the lake offers boat rentals, a circular hike and a beautiful view of the Dungelschuss and Geltenschuss waterfalls. A ranger provides information about the flora, fauna and rules of conduct in the protected area. You can get there by post bus, cable car or on foot. Drivers can use the car park for a fee. 

The Seebergsee lies in the regional nature reserve, on the plateau at 1,831 m above sea level between the Diemtigtal and the Simmental. Around the Chumigalm, hikers enjoy views of Zweisimmen, towards Saanenmöser, the Rinderberg and the Sparenmoos. There are fantastic mountain biking routes galore, too. The lake can be reached by car, taxi or hikers’ taxi (to the Meienberg car park). As in any nature reserve, guidelines must be followed to protect the flora and fauna. The wide range of activities in this pristine mountain landscape will delight nature lovers.

The Sanetschsee lies at an altitude of 2,034 m in a breathtaking high alpine valley north of the Sanetsch Pass. A hike around the dammed mountain lake takes 1.5 hours. Brave swimmers can cool off with a dip in the chilly water, or simply cool their feet. Nearby is the tiny village of Sanetsch, with a chapel, museum, inn and climbing area. The lake is easy to reach via the Sanetschbahn cable car from the Bern side, or via the post bus from Sion – an ideal starting point for hikes like Glacier3000–Sanetsch. A thrilling high alpine experience for outdoor enthusiasts in the Bernese Oberland!

The Saane rises high up on the Sanetsch and flows down the valley to Saanen. Its name comes from the Celtic ‘Seganona’, meaning ‘goddess of the waters’. In the holiday destination of Gstaad, idyllic hiking and walking trails lead through beautiful scenery along the entire course of the river. The family barbecue area in Feutersoey between Gstaad and Gsteig is particularly stunning and makes a wonderful place to relax amid meadows and forests. From here you can enjoy leisurely walks upstream towards Gsteig or downstream to Gstaad. With its turquoise water, the Saane is one of the defining images of the region and the starting point for unforgettable experiences in the great outdoors.

The Chalberhönibach flows through a quiet side valley off the tourist trail. Just 200 m from the Waldmatte restaurant, you’ll come across a lovely barbecue area on the bank of the stream, built by schoolchildren after a flood. A walk upstream leads through pristine natural scenery to beautiful stretches of the stream, and, after 3.5 km, to the source at Gumseeli. The valley can be reached by car via Saanen. Hike alongside the babbling mountain stream, past lush meadows and steep rock faces. It’s a hidden gem for those seeking peace and quiet!

The Tungelschuss is located right beside Lake Lauenen, just 400 m from the car park. From the lake, you have a spectacular view of the waterfall, which collects the waters from the Stieretungel and Chuetungel mountains and hurtles down the rocks to the Lauibach. 

Further into the valley, 2 km south of Lake Lauenen, masses of water plummet down the 180-metre-high Geltenschuss. One section of the hike to the Geltenhütte takes you behind the water wall of the Geltenschuss. No one stays dry! It’s the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day. Colourful flower meadows surround the Geltenschuss – an utterly instagrammable backdrop!