Limmernsee Dam

Limmernsee

Limmernsee is a turquoise-blue reservoir hidden deep in the Glarus Alps, surrounded by wild nature and numerous peaks over 3,000 metres high. All of this combined offers you peaceful days away from the crowds, filled with views of snow-covered summits while you walk across lush green grass and admire the wildflowers. Every now and then, you might spot chamois running around or cows grazing freely nearby. The Swiss Alps — there really isn't much more to add.

Getting Started

The described route takes you through the heart of the Glarus Alps and offers a multi-day adventure at altitudes above 2,000 m. This means you should carefully consider whether you are prone to altitude sickness.

Everything starts at a small, remote car park with space for about 10 cars. From there, you walk back down the access road to the first campsite, which is fully equipped, with basic toilets, drinking water, and a wild mountain stream right next to it. It is about 4 km from the car park, taking around 1–1.5 hours depending on your pace. This is also the lowest point of the trip, at approximately 1,500 m above sea level.

Day 01

After a good night's sleep following the long journey, we can finally get started. Today is all about easing into the hike before heading a little further into the wilderness, surrounded by mountains.

If you pay attention along the way, you will notice waterfalls cascading into the turquoise-blue lake. We will also enjoy views of the vast valley below us, and as the day progresses, the first peaks over 3,000 metres will come into view.

Ruchi (3,107 m) is one of them — the peak beneath which we will spend the night and a summit that can also be added to the itinerary in good weather.

Towards the end, we leave the trail and venture into the wilderness, where we spend the night in the complete silence of the mountains.

Total

• 16 km
• 1000 m ascent
• 100 m descent

Day 02

I hope you are all excited, because today we finally get to see Limmernsee. To reach it, however, we have to tackle a tiring traverse across loose slate terrain and rocky ground at an altitude of around 2,500 m.

But there is no need to worry. The trail is well marked and maintained, so although there will be a considerable drop below us for most of the way, there is no particular reason to fear falling if you stay on the trail.

As we approach Bifertenhütte, the other sharp, snow-covered peaks open up before us. This unforgettable spectacle is accompanied by chamois bounding around in the distance.

From here, we climb towards Kistenpasshütte, which, at 2,729 m above sea level, will be the highest point of our day and the place where we first catch sight of the turquoise Limmernsee reservoir. From there, we descend along a chain-assisted section, after which all that remains is to reach the viewpoint.

Muttenchopf (2,482 m) offers a view that will make even the toughest hikers weak at the knees. Below us lie steep rocky cliffs, and beneath them the calm waters of the reservoir, once an untamed natural lake, Limmernsee. The lake is surrounded by glacial giants that occasionally emerge from the clouds. When all of this comes together, the result is a remarkable landscape filled with the whistling wind and families of chamois.

Total

• 15 km
• 750 m ascent
• 650 m descent

Day 03

In good weather, with a decent level of fitness and sufficient technical skills, you can consider climbing Ruchi (3,107 m). This is a technically demanding route graded T4, requiring experience, an early start, and stable weather conditions, so I would not recommend it to beginners.

Adding Ruchi to the itinerary raises the overall difficulty of the trip to level 4 (Hard). The more difficult sections should be secured, but I would not count on this being the case everywhere, and you should definitely expect some scrambling.

A slightly more realistic goal for less experienced hikers is Muttenbergen (2,956 m), a peak located along the return route, above Kistenpasshütte.

The entire route is relatively straightforward to manage, even if there is a little snow on the slope. The ascent follows loose, crumbly slate scree, and the final section takes you along a pleasant ridge.

The views from the summit offer a unique perspective of Limmernsee together with Muttsee.

However, I would not recommend continuing along the ridge in the direction from which we arrived the previous day. This section requires additional safety equipment and experience comparable to what is needed for the ascent of Ruchi. You will encounter warning signs along the way, and the ridge becomes significantly more alpine in character.

Finally, we head back towards Bifertenhütte, where views open up over the valley we started from.

Total

• 8 km
• 600 m ascent
• 100 m descent

Day 04

Today, all that remains is to make our way back to the cars. There are cows and cattle enclosures waiting for us, so be prepared for muddy, waterlogged paths. But the views make it all worthwhile :).

And finally, it's time to get in the car and head home — until the next adventure!

Total

• 5 km
• 0 m ascent
• 600 m descent