Klontalersee – The Quiet Beauty in Switzerland
Klöntalersee is one of those places that still feels like a real hidden gem in Switzerland. Most of the time when we visit, we meet almost only locals, which already tells you a lot.
What immediately stands out is the crystal-clear water. On calm days, the surrounding peaks reflect perfectly on the lake’s surface, creating a mirror-like effect that never gets old, no matter how often we come back. Compared to many other Swiss lakes, Klöntalersee feels untouched and peaceful, far away from mass tourism.
For us, it’s the perfect summer escape. It’s our go-to spot for swimming on hot days, and we also love coming here for stand-up paddling, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when the lake is at its calmest. The atmosphere is relaxed, unpretentious, and refreshingly quiet.
In this Klöntalersee travel guide, we’re sharing everything you need to know before visiting based on our own experiences at one of our favorite lakes in Switzerland.
If you’re still planning the rest of your trip, our Switzerland travel guide for first-time visitors covers the best regions, transport, costs, and practical decisions to make before you arrive.
Why Visit Klöntalersee
There are many reasons to visit Klöntalersee, but for us, it comes down to one thing: how relaxed it feels. This lake has been a favorite getaway for locals for generations, and that long history shows in how naturally everything fits into the landscape.
What we really appreciate is the pristine environment. The water is incredibly clear, the surroundings feel untouched, and there’s plenty of space to slow down. In summer, we love coming here simply to relax by the lake, go for a refreshing swim, or spend a few quiet hours without any rush.
Klöntalersee is also a great place if you enjoy being active, but in a very laid-back way. You can go hiking, stand-up paddling, have a picnic, or just walk along the shore and enjoy the views. Nothing here feels forced or overdeveloped.
If you’re into photography, this is a fantastic spot. We’ve taken a huge number of photos here over the years. Depending on the light and weather, the lake looks completely different every time, from deep turquoise to perfectly reflective and calm.
Where Is Klöntalersee in Switzerland?
Klöntalersee is located in the canton of Glarus, in central Switzerland, tucked into a quiet valley surrounded by the Glarus Alps. Despite how remote it feels once you’re there, the lake is surprisingly easy to reach.
From Zurich, it’s less than an hour’s drive by car, so you can easily combine a few days exploring the best things to do in Zurich with a quieter day by the lake.
For us, it’s an effortless day trip that feels much farther away than it actually is. Within a short drive, the scenery changes completely, from city and highways to mountains, forests, and open alpine views.
It’s also one of the quieter options in our guide to more day trips from Zurich, especially if you want to swap busy attractions for swimming, hiking, and a picnic by the water.
The lake lies at the end of the Klöntal valley, framed by steep mountain slopes on both sides. This setting gives Klöntalersee its calm, enclosed atmosphere, with reflections on the water and very little noise. It feels protected and peaceful, especially compared to more open or heavily visited lake regions in Switzerland.
Because of its location, Klöntalersee works perfectly as both a quick escape from Zurich and a relaxed stop if you’re building a longer Switzerland itinerary.
How to Get to Klöntalersee in Switzerland
Getting to Klöntalersee is straightforward, especially if you’re coming from Zurich. Despite its quiet, remote feeling, the lake is very accessible.
By Car
For us, driving is the easiest option. From Zurich, it takes less than an hour by car, making Klöntalersee a perfect spontaneous day trip. Take the A3 towards Chur, exit at Glarus, and then follow the signs into the Klöntal valley. The drive itself is already beautiful, especially once the mountains start to close in.
There are several parking areas along the lake, but spots are limited. On sunny weekends, parking can fill up quickly, so arriving early is a good idea. If you come in the morning, you’ll not only find parking more easily but also experience the lake at its calmest.
Tip: We recommend parking at the north-eastern end of the lake right by the roadside. This way, you get out of the car and your feet are almost in the water.
By Public Transport
Getting to Klöntalersee with Swiss public transport is also a good option. From Zurich, take the S25 train to Glarus, which takes about one hour. From there, the bus 504 runs directly to Klöntalersee. It is best to get off at the “Rhodannenberg” stop.
The bus ride takes less than 30 minutes and is surprisingly scenic. It’s a relaxed way to arrive and a great option if you prefer not to drive or want to enjoy the views without worrying about parking.
What to Do at Klöntalersee in Switzerland
What we really like about Klöntalersee is how versatile it is. We’ve done all of the activities below, and depending on your mood, relaxed or active, you’ll find something that fits perfectly.
Hiking
Klöntalersee is a great base for hiking. There are easy walks along the lake as well as more demanding trails leading up into the surrounding mountains. What makes hiking here special is the peace and scenery. Even on longer routes, it rarely feels busy, and the views stay impressive the entire time.
Swimming
In summer, the lake is perfect for swimming. The water is clean, calm, and incredibly refreshing on hot days. We come here regularly just to cool off and relax by the shore. It’s one of our favorite summer spots.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Klöntalersee is also excellent for stand-up paddleboarding. The water is usually very calm, which makes paddling easy and enjoyable. Being out on the lake gives you a completely different perspective of the mountains around you.
Picnic by the Lake
There are plenty of beautiful spots around the lake for a picnic. Bringing some bread, cheese, and fruit and enjoying a quiet meal with mountain views never gets old.
Waterfall & Photography
On the southern side of the lake, there’s a long waterfall that changes depending on the season. Combined with the mirror-like reflections, Klöntalersee is a paradise for photography, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
Best Hiking Trails Around Klöntalersee
Klöntalersee Circuit: Easy trail around the lake, with great views and a walk for all ages.
Schwammhöhe: Moderate hike with great views of Klöntalersee and the surrounding mountains.
Rautispitz: Difficult hike to the top of Rautispitz, with a view of the lake and the Glarus Alps.
If you’d rather do a clearly defined mountain route with panoramic ridge views, the Stoos Ridge Hike is a better choice than the relaxed lakeside walks around Klöntalersee.
Where to Stay Near Klöntalersee
There are several options to stay near Klöntalersee, from camping to nice hotels. Camping Klöntal is a popular choice, with campsites right by the lake. If you prefer more comfort, Hotel Rhodannenberg has cozy rooms with a lake view. And various Airbnb options in the area for all tastes and budgets.
If you’d rather keep one convenient base, our guide to where to stay in Zurich can help you choose an area with easy access to the main station or the A3.
Where to Eat Near Klöntalersee
Food options around Klöntalersee are limited, which is part of what keeps the area so quiet and untouched. There are a few local places near the lake, with Restaurant Vorauen being the most well-known. It serves classic Swiss dishes and offers nice views of the surrounding nature.
To be completely honest, we’ve only eaten there once. Most of the time, we prefer bringing our own food. Sitting by the lake with a picnic feels much more natural here and fits the relaxed atmosphere perfectly.
That said, our personal recommendation is simple: bring your own food. There are countless beautiful spots along the shore where you can sit, eat, and enjoy the view at your own pace. For us, a picnic by the lake is just as much part of the Klöntalersee experience as swimming or hiking.
How Much Time Should You Plan for Klöntalersee?
How much time you need at Klöntalersee really depends on how you want to experience it. Most of the time, we spend half a day or a full day here, and that’s already enough to really enjoy the lake.
If you’re mainly coming to swim, relax, paddle, or have a picnic, half a day works perfectly. You can arrive in the morning or early afternoon, enjoy the calm atmosphere, and still head back without feeling rushed.
If you want to combine several activities like hiking, swimming, and spending more time by the water, a full day is ideal. It gives you enough flexibility to slow down and adapt to the weather and your energy level.
Spending a weekend makes sense if you plan to hike multiple trails or simply want to fully disconnect and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. That said, Klöntalersee doesn’t require an overnight stay to be rewarding. Even a short visit feels like a proper break from everyday life.
How Expensive Is Klöntalersee?
Klöntalersee can be very affordable, but how much you spend really depends on your travel style. One of the biggest advantages is that many of the best things to do here are completely free.
Hiking, swimming, relaxing by the lake, and enjoying the views don’t cost anything. If you bring your own food, Klöntalersee can easily be a low-budget day trip.
Accommodation is where prices vary most. Camping is the cheapest option, while hotels or Airbnbs in the area are more expensive. Since we usually visit as a day trip, our costs are minimal.
Eating out is optional. There are a few local restaurants with prices ranging from reasonable to more expensive, but it’s easy to save money by having a picnic by the lake, which we actually prefer.
Klöntalersee is one of the easier places to keep affordable, but our guide to planning your overall Switzerland budget breaks down the much higher costs, including hotels, transport, food, and mountain excursions.
Overall, Klöntalersee works well for all budgets. You can keep things simple and spend very little, or stay longer and add more comfort without losing what makes the place special.
Insider Tips for Klöntalersee
Start Early: To make the most of your visit, start your day early. The mornings are particularly peaceful, and you’ll have the best chance of finding parking and enjoying popular spots without crowds.
What to Bring: Pack essentials like a good pair of hiking boots, swimwear, a camera, and a picnic blanket. Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable bottle, as Swiss tap water is safe to drink and you can fill it before leaving Zurich or Glarus.
Weather: The weather can change quickly in the mountains, so check the forecast before your trip and be prepared for varying conditions. Layers are essential.
Emergency Number: In case of emergencies, dial 112 for assistance.
Eco-friendly Practices: Help preserve the beauty of Klöntalersee by following eco-friendly practices. Carry out all trash, stay on marked trails, and respect the wildlife.
Hidden Gems Around Klöntalersee: Discover lesser-known spots like Obersee, a small lake above Klöntalersee, or the Nüenchamm ridge, which offers spectacular views without the crowds.
Local Events: When the weather gets worse in the fall, and the grass on the alpine pastures becomes sparser, the farmers and herdsmen bring the animals back down to the valley. The return of the cows in the fall is known as the “Alpabzug” and is often accompanied by a festival. So if you make your trip to Klöntal at the end of September, you can watch the traditional Alpabzug.
Best Time to Visit Klöntalersee
Klöntalersee is beautiful year-round, but each season feels very different. When you go depends on what you want to do and how quiet you want it to be.
Spring is a lovely time to visit, especially once the snow starts to melt. The landscape slowly turns green, flowers appear, and the area feels fresh and calm. It’s a great season for hiking and enjoying mild temperatures, although the water is still too cold for swimming.
Summer is the most popular time. This is when Klöntalersee is at its best for swimming, stand-up paddling, and picnics. Warm days and long evenings make it perfect for spending hours by the lake. It’s also when parking fills up fastest, so early mornings are best. At this time of year, you are most likely to see us lying on the shore of the lake.
Autumn is one of our favorite seasons here. The fall colors are stunning, the air is crisp, and it’s ideal for photography and hiking. There are fewer people, and the atmosphere feels especially peaceful.
Winter is very quiet. Klöntalersee turns into a calm, almost untouched winter landscape. It’s beautiful for photography and short walks, but access and conditions depend heavily on snow and weather.
Is Klöntalersee Worth It?
Yes, Klöntalersee is absolutely worth visiting. We would always recommend it if it fits into your itinerary.
What makes Klöntalersee special is the balance. You can be active with hiking, swimming, or paddleboarding, or you can simply slow down and enjoy the peace. It never feels overdone or artificial, and most of the people you’ll meet here are locals, not large tour groups.
Klöntalersee is perfect if you enjoy quiet nature, clear water, and beautiful mountain scenery without the crowds you find at many famous Swiss lakes.
Our takeaway: if you want a relaxed, scenic stop that doesn’t feel touristy, Klöntalersee is an easy yes. Even a short visit leaves you with the feeling that you’ve discovered a small, special corner of Switzerland.
