After climbing past the Brünig Pass along the route that connects the Bernese Oberland region to central Switzerland, there is a moment when the view widens to a valley of indescribable color. It is the surface of Lake Lungern, which reflects shades that range from turquoise to emerald and deep green, while the mountains form a poetic frame.
We are between Lucerne and Interlaken, in an Alpine valley shaped by glaciers during the major Quaternary glaciations. The lake accompanies the small village of Lungern, characterized by traditional houses adorned with flowering balconies, sloping roofs, a church with a slender spire, and meadows dotted with wooden barns.
But, to be completely honest, it is the water that represents the true protagonist: its quality reaches levels high enough to be potable (note, it is still not advisable to drink it), while in summer the temperature can reach up to 23 °C, a decidedly unusual value for an Alpine basin. The lake level, among other things, varies over the year because the basin also serves a hydroelectric function. This means that in spring the volume is generally lower, while in the summer months it increases thanks to dam management. Yes, it is a landscape that changes continuously.
Origin, Formation and Legends of Lake Lungern
Lake Lungern sits in a basin carved by the great Alpine glaciers thousands of years ago. At the end of the last glaciation, the retreat of the enormous ice masses left behind a natural depression that, over time, filled with waters coming from mountain torrents and the valley’s springs.
Yet the current appearance also tells a significant page of Swiss history in the 20th century: between 1921 and 1922 a dam was built for hydroelectric power production. The project entailed raising the water level by about 14 meters, deeply transforming the ancient landscape. Some agricultural lands ended up under the lake, while the town had to adapt to a new shoreline configuration.
The color so intense, however, comes from a combination of several natural factors. The extraordinary clarity of the water, the bottom, the alpine light, and the presence of tiny mineral particles reflect tones that change throughout the day. In the morning pale green hues prevail, at midday turquoise reflections appear, and by evening the lake takes on a deeper appearance.
Around it there are also folk tales handed down by valley inhabitants. Ancient traditions speak of spirits tied to springs and mountain torrents, symbolic figures created to explain the power of nature, the sudden floods, and the roar of waterfalls. Although part of the local oral heritage, these stories continue to feed the allure of the territory today.
What to Do and See During the Visit
The best way to appreciate Lake Lungern is to follow the circular trail that accompanies its perimeter. The route measures about 9.5 km, with a modest elevation change, and alternates between dirt paths, boardwalks, short paved segments, meadows, woods and open views of the surrounding mountains. The entire trek takes roughly two and a half hours, although many prefer to take it more slowly, stopping at viewpoints or at the numerous picnic areas equipped with tables and barbecue stations.
Along the route one of the most evocative corners of the entire valley appears: the Dundelbach Falls, which plunges about 150 meters through two successive drops. A short path leads to the lower observation point, while a steeper stretch allows reaching the upper drop, from which there is a splendid view of the lake.
Photography lovers rarely skip a stop at the Schönbüel Belvedere. From here Lake Lungern reveals its sinuous shape nestled among the ridges of the Obwalden region. It is one of Switzerland’s most famous panoramas, frequently gracing calendars, postcards and promotional campaigns devoted to the Alps.
During the summer the Lungern lakeside is one of the most frequented spots. The small sandy beach, rather rare in an Alpine setting, welcomes families, couples and groups of friends. There is even a 56-meter water slide, as well as floating platforms, a trampoline, children’s playgrounds, well-kept lawns, a kiosk and facilities.
The water also invites you to experience the lake from a different perspective. Pedal boats, rowing boats and stand-up paddle boards allow you to move away from the shore slowly, while the presence of regular winds favors sailing and windsurfing. A nautical school organizes lessons for both beginners and more experienced sailors.
Those who wish to extend the excursion can take the Lungern-Turren cable car. In a few minutes the valley gives way to alpine pastures and panoramic trails that lead to higher altitudes, offering an even broader perspective on the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Where It Is Located and How to Get There
The crystal-clear Lake Lungern belongs to the canton of Obwalden in central Switzerland, along the axis that connects Lucerne to Interlaken. Its location is particularly favorable for those planning a route through the Swiss Alps, thanks to rapid connections by road and rail.
By car, simply follow the A8 motorway to the Lungern exit, where public parking is available near the lakeside, the campsite, or close to the railway station. Those who prefer the train can use the Zentralbahn, a scenic line connecting Lucerne and Interlaken that traverses valleys, forests and alpine passes. The Lungern and Kaiserstuhl stops lie a short distance from the shores, a feature that allows you to start the hike just minutes after stepping off the train.
Among mountains, crystal-clear water, meadows, waterfalls and small Alpine villages, Lake Lungern encloses a large part of Switzerland’s most authentic soul: a place able to surprise without artifices, thanks to a beauty shaped by time, geology and the balance between man and nature.
