Highlight • Lake
Lower Murgsee
Hiking
4.9
(98)
Unterer Murgsee is a captivating mountain lake nestled at an elevation of 1682 meters in the wild and romantic Murgtal, within Switzerland's Canton of St. Gallen. As one of the three Murgseen, it forms part of a stunning alpine landscape in the Glarner Alps, situated south of Lake Walen between the peaks of Hochmättli and Gufelstock. This pristine natural gem is particularly notable for being located within a protected Swiss pine reserve, boasting the largest stand of these ancient trees in the canton.
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking natural beauty surrounding Unterer Murgsee. Hikers are drawn to the picturesque setting, where wide meadows meet rushing streams, creating a serene and wild atmosphere. The collective beauty of the Murgseen, with their clear waters and rugged mountain backdrop, makes the journey to this isolated valley a truly rewarding experience, where every step feels worthwhile.
Before embarking on your adventure, it's helpful to know that the Unterer Murgsee itself lies within a moor landscape and is not directly accessible for swimming. The area around the lake features natural gravel paths, ideal for hiking. Access to the Murgtal typically begins at the Bachlaui parking area, reachable via the A3 highway exit "Murg." While public transport options are limited, taxi services from Murg or Walenstadt offer an alternative for reaching the trailhead.
The warmer months, generally from May to September, are ideal for visiting Unterer Murgsee, especially for those interested in hiking and fishing. The Murgseen are well-known for their trout, and fishing is permitted during this period, with permits available at the Murgseehütte. The area offers an unforgettable nature experience, with its unique Swiss pine forest and the tranquil, wild character of the valley, making it a perfect escape for nature lovers.
For those seeking a comprehensive exploration, the Murgseen-Rundweg is a popular, albeit challenging, circular trail that encompasses all three Murgseen. This route guides hikers through diverse landscapes, including peat meadows and rock gardens, offering varied terrain and stunning vistas throughout the journey.
The experience of visiting Unterer Murgsee is often described as stepping into a Canadian-like wilderness, with its dramatic rock formations, ancient trees, and the ever-present Murgbach river. Hikers frequently comment on the sense of peace and isolation found here, a true hidden gem away from more crowded tourist spots, where the raw beauty of the Glarner Alps can be fully appreciated.
Whether you're planning a challenging multi-lake hike or a more leisurely stroll to soak in the natural beauty, there are many ways to explore the area. Discover a variety of routes and plan your perfect trip to Unterer Murgsee and the surrounding Murgtal with komoot, finding trails suitable for hiking and nature observation.
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Lower Murgsee
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Details
Informations
Elevation 1,750 m
Weather
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Monday 8 June
12°C
6°C
74 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 5.0 km/h
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main hiking routes around Unterer Murgsee, and what is their difficulty?
The most prominent route is the Murgseen-Rundweg, a challenging circular trail that encompasses all three Murgseen. This route leads through diverse landscapes, including peat meadows and rock gardens. While the path directly around Unterer Murgsee is a natural gravel path, the full Murgseen-Rundweg involves significant elevation changes and varied terrain, making it suitable for experienced hikers. For those seeking a less strenuous option, shorter walks focusing on the immediate area around Unterer Murgsee are possible, though the full loop is generally considered demanding.
Is Unterer Murgsee suitable for beginner hikers or families with young children?
While the full Murgseen-Rundweg is challenging, the area around Unterer Murgsee itself offers sections that are more accessible. The path directly around the lake is a natural gravel path, which can be suitable for families or beginners looking for a shorter, less strenuous walk. However, reaching the lake involves a significant ascent, and public transport is limited. Families should consider the overall elevation gain and distance from the trailhead. The wild and romantic setting, with streams and meadows, can be very engaging for children, but supervision is essential.
What are the parking options and public transport connections to Unterer Murgsee?
The primary access point for drivers is the Bachlaui parking area in Murgtal, which can be reached via the A3 highway exit "Murg." Parking can fill up quickly, especially during peak season, so arriving early is recommended. Public transport options are limited; however, a taxi service from Murg or Walenstadt to Murgtal is available as an alternative for reaching the trailhead.
Can I bring my dog to Unterer Murgsee and the surrounding trails?
Yes, the trails around Unterer Murgsee are generally dog-friendly. Many hikers enjoy bringing their canine companions to explore the wild and romantic mountain landscape. However, it's always advisable to keep dogs on a leash, especially in protected areas like the Swiss pine reserve and alpine plant protection zones, to protect local wildlife and flora. Be sure to carry enough water for your dog, as natural water sources might not always be accessible or safe to drink from.
What unique natural features or viewpoints can be found around Unterer Murgsee?
Unterer Murgsee is nestled within a significant Swiss pine (Arven) reserve, which is the largest in the Canton of St. Gallen, and an alpine plant protection area. This creates a unique landscape with ancient trees and diverse flora. The area is characterized by a wild, romantic valley basin with streams, smaller and larger rock formations, and the Murgbach river. The scenery is often compared to the wilderness of Canada, offering stunning vistas of the Glarner Alps and the picturesque lake itself.
Is it possible to swim in Unterer Murgsee?
No, Unterer Murgsee itself is located in a moor landscape and is not directly accessible for swimming. While the clear waters are beautiful to behold, the nature of the lake's surroundings makes it unsuitable for direct water access. The focus here is on hiking and appreciating the pristine natural environment from the trails.
Are there any cafes, pubs, or accommodations near Unterer Murgsee?
The Murgtal is an isolated valley, and direct amenities like cafes, pubs, or extensive accommodations immediately adjacent to Unterer Murgsee are limited. The Murgseehütte, located at the Oberer Murgsee (the highest of the three lakes), offers some services, including patents for fishing. For more comprehensive dining and lodging options, visitors typically need to descend to the villages of Murg or Walenstadt near Lake Walen.
What are the seasonal considerations for visiting Unterer Murgsee, especially regarding winter hiking?
The warmer months, typically from May to September, are ideal for visiting Unterer Murgsee for hiking and fishing. During this period, the trails are generally clear. Winter hiking to Unterer Murgsee is possible but presents significant challenges. The area can experience heavy snowfall, making trails difficult to navigate and potentially requiring specialized equipment like snowshoes or touring skis. Conditions can be harsh and unpredictable, so winter visits should only be undertaken by experienced hikers with appropriate gear and knowledge of avalanche safety.
What kind of wildlife can be observed in the Unterer Murgsee area?
The protected status of the area, particularly the Swiss pine reserve and alpine plant protection zone, supports a diverse ecosystem. While specific wildlife sightings can vary, visitors might encounter various alpine birds, small mammals, and insects. The lakes themselves are known for their fish, including rainbow, brown, and lake trout, as well as arctic char. The tranquil and wild nature of the valley provides a habitat for species adapted to high-altitude environments.
Are there any permits required for activities like hiking or fishing at Unterer Murgsee?
No specific permits are required for hiking the trails around Unterer Murgsee. However, if you plan to fish, permits (patents) are necessary. These are typically available at the Murgseehütte, which is located at the Oberer Murgsee. Fishing is permitted from May to September, and the Murgseen are well-known for their prized Murgsee trout.