Lake Walen is a lake in Switzerland, located at the border between the cantons of Glarus and St. Gallen. It is sometimes referred to as Lake Walenstadt. It is among the biggest lakes in the country with an area of 24.1 km2, of which 2/3 belong to St. Gallen. The main rivers flowing into it are Seez and Linth. The Linth continues on to Lake Zurich.
Transport
In the summer the Filzbach Habergschwnd chair lift is in operation, covering more than 100 km of marked trails. It also offers access to a 4 km scooter run and a pleasant toboggan run. In the winter there are 2 chair lifts and one ski lift, offering access to a 7 km sledge run, 4 km of ski runs and a 5 km air board freestyle run.
Summer sports
Summer sports in the area of Lake Walen include biking (mountain biking and cycling), mountain climbing, diving, sailing, beach volleyball, fishing, surfing, water-skiing, boating and many more.
Wonderful biking tours are available in the nearby areas of Amden and Weesen. There are easy routes on the flat terrain of the lakeshore and more demanding ones uphill. Great options are the Amden - Holzli-Fallenbrcke route, the Amden - Kirchstrasse - Bchli - Lehni - Zand - Betlis Fli route and the Amden - Mittenwald - Durschlegi - Unterksern - Brndliberg Weesen route. All involve huge elevation differences. The first is very easy, the second is downhill, and the third is relatively demanding.
Mountain climbing enthusiasts are guaranteed a great time. There are some great sectors for climbing from Weesen to Amden. The one above the gallery tunnels is very popular due to the minimum ascent. It can be climbed in the winter as well. There is a panoramic view of Lake Walen from here.
The Walensee Diving School, based right on the shores of the lake, is among the most renowned diving centers in this part of the country. You are welcome to take diving lessons. The school offers very well developed infrastructure and modern training methods.
This lake is great for sailing, with consistently stable winds. The scenery is majestic the splendid Churfirsten mountain chain, the beautiful shores, the quaint village of Quinten nearby and the slopes, home to pleasant vineyards.
There is a beach volleyball field between Betlis and Weesen, on the sunnier shore of the lake. This is the quintessential summer sport, so wait no further! The field is accessible by public transport, car, bike, or on foot.
A professional instructor will train you to sail on Lake Walen. Skiing and surfing are other options. Enjoy the glide with the pleasant breeze in your face! Of course, pros do not have to take lessons.
Pedal boats, flipper tread-boats, rowing boats and motorboats are available for rent. Families will delight in boating on the lake. This lake is among the least used in the country, so you can really enjoy a peaceful day out.
Winter sports
You must be convinced by now that your kids wont be bored at Lake Walen, but if you arent read on!
Be sure to take your children to the Amden indoor swimming pool at least once. It features a winter garden, sauna, mini-golf, water gymnastics and qualified instructors. The water is clear and hygienic, so you neednt worry about side effects. Another option is the Climbing Practice Hall in Nafels. Here kids can acquire mountain climbing and hiking skills, a nice alternative to the real thing or just a great preliminary preparation. The summer hiking trails in the area exceed 100 km.
After the strenuous exercise you can visit the natural thermal baths in Bad Ragaz near Weesen. You will leave feeling completely reinvigorated.
Families
You must be convinced by now that your kids wont be bored at Lake Walen, but if you arent read on!
Be sure to take your children to the Amden indoor swimming pool at least once. It features a winter garden, sauna, mini-golf, water gymnastics and qualified instructors. The water is clear and hygienic, so you neednt worry about side effects. Another option is the Climbing Practice Hall in Nafels. Here kids can acquire mountain climbing and hiking skills, a nice alternative to the real thing or just a great preliminary preparation. The summer hiking trails in the area exceed 100 km.
After the strenuous exercise you can visit the natural thermal baths in Bad Ragaz near Weesen. You will leave feeling completely reinvigorated.
Culture and attractions
The ancient town of Weesen on the lake has many interesting attractions, such as the Dominican monastery of Our Lady's Sanctuary, the Weesen Museum, the Old Vicarage and Kurfrsten Park. A stroll through this town is like traveling back in time. The museum displays numerous Celtic artifacts and other interesting items. This town hosts many cultural events and festivals throughout the year art exhibits, music concerts, photographic displays and more.
The Amden Museum is a landmark. Its highlight is the permanent exhibition dedicated to matters of geology, such as fissure springs, rock falls and mountain structure.
Seerenbach Falls are a notable natural attraction. They are located 200 m above the surface of Lake Walen east of the town of Betlis. This majestic 40-metre high waterfall plunges into the Seerenbach gorge. This ravine is also the source of the Rin. Masses of water flow 22 m down to the bottom through a chasm. The falls are accessible from Betlis on foot. Betlis offers another attraction, the historical ruins of Strahlegg Castle, which date back to the 1st century B.C. The castle was used as a watchtower by the Romans.
The village of Quinten has just 55 inhabitants, and it is the only Swiss village which cannot be reached any other way except by ship or on foot. It lies at the southern foothills of the Churfirsten mountains. Size aside, it is a very popular tourist destination. Attractions include the Old Post near its harbor and the recently restored Bernhard Chapel. Quinten is car-free and subsists on tourism and wine production. The village nestles between the lake and the mountains, so it is easy to infer that locals nurture a close connection with both. The chapel can host around 60 people. Many young couples have discovered that it is a wonderful place to be married in.
The village of Berchis on the lakeshore features the oldest two-aisled Swiss church, the St Georg Chapel. It is dedicated to Saint George or Saint Jori as he is called in the local dialect. St. Jori also gave his name to the hill on the historical Chur- Zrich trading route, well known back in Roman times.