Limmernsee Hike with Overnight at Muttseehütte, in Glarus
Limmerensee Lake - Muttsee Hut SAC
- Last Updated: March 28, 2024
It’s quite a challenge to single out the ultimate hike in Switzerland from the plethora of options available, but the Limmernsee Hike undoubtedly holds a special place atop my list of favorites.
It’s actually a dam and not a lake, but you can call it whatever you want; this place is unbelievable.
I went here solo right before the season ended, and to summarize my highlights, I saw a dreamy lake surrounded by white peaks. I saw a frozen lake and a wandering vivid red-colored fox.
If you want to go for a little adventure, I can’t recommend this hike enough. Go for it; it’s totally worth it. If you camp in the wild, just be careful not to leave your spoons outside with food, or you might end up with half-eaten remains from the resident foxes.
Table of Contents
Limmernsee Hike: General Details
Limmernsee can be reached on your own in multiple ways, the easiest and most accessible one is the one I’m writing about in this article.
- Highlights: Limmerensee Lake, Muttseehütte SAC, Muttsee Lake, w/ luck Foxes, Alpine Ibexes (Steinbock), Marmots and Alpine Chamois (Gämsen).
- Duration: 1 day (2 days if you stay overnight).
- Accommodation: If you sleep there you can stay at the Muttsee Hut or camp.
- Price: CHF 42.5 – 154 (details in the following section)
- Outfit: Mid-altitude mountain gear (details in the following section)
- Best Months to Hike: June-October (The cable car is usually only open from half June to half October).
- Cable Car Operation Hours: Monday-Friday 07.00 a.m. – 12.00 p.m. / 1.30 p.m. – 6.00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 07.00 – 18.00 (non-stop)
For up-to-date information and reservations check all the info on the Muttsee Hut Official Website.
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Limmernsee Hike: Technical Details
- Type: Loop or Out and Back Trail.
- Pre-Hike:
- Distance: 6,2 km – Starting at Linthal, Glarus Train Station, and finishing at the Luftseilbahn Tierfed cable car station.
- Duration: 1h20min.
- Incline: 50m.
- Altitude: Lowest point: 750m at the Linthal Train Station. Highest point: 800m at the Luftseilbahn Tierfed cable car station.
- Limmernsee Hike:
- Distance: 11,8 km – Starting and ending at the Luftseilbahn Kalktrittli cable car station
- Duration: 5 hours of moving time.
- Incline: 700m.
- Altitude: Lowest point: 1,862m at the Limmernsee Lake. Highest point: 2,562m close to the Muttsee Hut.
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate. It’s generally easy but if you do it in October as I did you might find snowy and icy patches, which if you don’t bring trekking poles or crampons might be dangerous.
How to do the Limmernsee Hike?
Planning this hike is relatively straightforward, but it requires a few considerations. First, ensure the cable car is in operation. If you plan to stay overnight, make a reservation at the Muttsee Hut beforehand.
Otherwise, start your journey in Linthal, Glarus. Find the Tierfed Luftseilbahn Cable Car station, take the ride up the hill, pass through the power plant tunnel, and you’ll reach the lake/dam. Climb to the Muttenchopf viewpoint, then return via the mountain’s rear to the cable car station. Descend to the base station and head back to Linthal for your return journey.
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What clothing and equipment should i bring to do the Limmernsee Hike?
To ensure a safer and more comfortable journey in this mid-altitude mountain hike with some rocky sections, certain specific equipment is indispensable, especially if you’re staying overnight or doing it on a cold day:
Essentials:
- Breathable T-shirt (Tech or Merino)
- Waterproof Jacket (Gore-tex or H2O Technology)
- Puffer Jacket
- Shorts or Pants
- Hiking Shoes or Trekking Boots
- Backpack: 25-35 liters
- Gloves: One Layer (preferably merino wool for breathability and comfort)
- Sunglasses: Category 4 UV protection.
- Cap: Or a beanie and buff if it’s cold.
- Hiking Merino Socks: One Layer (preferably merino wool for breathability and comfort)
- Sunscreen: Ensure you have a minimum of SPF 50.
- Trekking Poles: For the entire hike.
- Low Gaiters: For peace of mind if there’s gravel.
- Swimming Clothes: (if you’re staying overnight or going for a swim)
Dry-fast Towel: (if you’re staying overnight or going for a swim)
Camping and Extras:
- Cooking, Camping Tent, Sleeping Mat, Sleeping Bag
- Headlamp
- Victorinox Swiss Multi-Tool or Victorinox Hiker Knife
- Change of Clothes
Other Things:
- First-Aid Kit
- Drinks, and Snacks: Bring enough of it especially if you’re doing it in two days.
- Thermos
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How much does it cost to do the Limmernsee Hike?
To provide you with an estimation of the expenses associated with doing the Limmernsee hike, I have provided a detailed breakdown of the costs involved. Firstly, you need to consider whether you will be going in your car or by public transport. Additionally, other supplementary expenses require careful consideration.
Transport (from Zurich):
- Train (Zurich HB – Linthal – both ways with Half-Fare Travel Card): CHF 30
- Car (Diesel – 200kms both ways): CHF 30
Drinks, and Snacks: CHF 15-20 (pp)
Estimated Total (per person):
- Scenario 1:
- Solo,
- Public Transport,
- 1-day hike without overnight,
- Price Breakdown: CHF 30 (Train), CHF 15 (Cable Car), CHF 20 (Food, Drinks and Snacks).
- Total: CHF 65
- Scenario 2:
- Solo,
- Public Transport,
- 2-day hike with overnight at Muttsee Hut,
- Price Breakdown: CHF 30 (Train), CHF 15 (Cable Car), CHF 15 (Drinks and Snacks), CHF 94 (Half Pension Overnight).
- Total: CHF 154
- Scenario 3:
- Group of 4
- Private Car,
- 1-day hike without overnight,
- Price Breakdown: CHF 7,5 (Gas/4), CHF 15 (Cable Car), CHF 20 (Food, Drinks and Snacks).
- Total: CHF 42,5
How to get to the Luftseilbahn Tierfed cable car station on the Limmernsee Hike?
By Train & Hike:
From Zurich HB to the Linthal Train Station: 1h33min.
From Linthal Train Station to the Luftseilbahn Tierfed Station on foot: 1h32min.
If you don’t want to hike to the cable car station you can also call for a taxi, here is a local taxi number: Taxi Edy Keller +41 79 431 66 66
By Car:
From Zurich to the Luftseilbahn Tierfed Station: 1h30min.
Where to sleep on the Limmernsee Hike?
You can camp freely and pitch your tent at Muttenchopf (the viewpoint overlooking Limmernsee Lake) or wherever you choose. Alternatively, if you don’t have a tent, you can secure a bed at Muttsee Hut/Muttseehütte, an SAC (Schweizer Alpen Club) mountain hut.
They offer varying prices for club members, along with discounts for youths. The nightly rate includes half pension, including dinner, and breakfast, as well as access to bathroom facilities.
For the latest information and reservations, please check the Muttsee Hut Official Website.
Limmernsee Lake: Curiosities
Name Origin: The Limmernsee, or Limmerensee Lake, derives its name from the Limmerenbach, the stream that once flowed through the area.
Location: Situated in the Glarus Alps, the Limmernsee is located in the southernmost part of the political municipality of Glarus Süd, in the Swiss canton of Glarus. It rests on a plateau above the Muttsee, near the Kistenpass.
Formation: The Limmernsee was created in 1963 when the entire area of the Limmerenboden was separated by the construction of the 122-meter-high arch dam Limmern.
Purpose: Serving as a reservoir for the pumped-storage power plant of the Kraftwerke Linth-Limmern, the Limmernsee plays a crucial role in energy generation.
Dam Structure: The dam consists of 553,000 m³ of concrete and features a double-curved arch design. It includes provisions such as a high-water spillway and a discharge outlet to manage water levels.
Accessibility: Access to the Limmernsee is facilitated by the air cable car Tierfehd-Kalktrittli operated by Kraftwerke Linth-Limmern AG. The cable car journey takes approximately 7.5 minutes, covering a height difference of 1053 meters.
Surroundings: Surrounded by towering peaks and glaciers, Limmernsee offers a picturesque setting for outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing. Nearby attractions include the Muttsee Cave and the newly constructed dam at Muttsee.
Recreational Activities: Visitors can enjoy fishing in the lake, hiking along designated trails, or exploring the surrounding natural beauty. The area is also a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
Via Glaralpina: The Limmernsee serves as a base for the Via Glaralpina long-distance hiking trail, providing opportunities for sustainable nature experiences across the canton of Glarus.
My Experience on the Limmernsee Hike
This was one of my final hikes before departing Switzerland in 2021, and it unquestionably topped my list as the number one hike I wanted to experience before leaving, alongside the Aletsch Glacier Trail and the Oeschinensee Lake Loop.
I made a reservation at the Muttseehütte to catch the sunrise and sunset. Remember: Cable cars often close early in Switzerland, so staying overnight is essential to experience these natural wonders.
From Linthal to Tierfed Cable Car Station
As I arrived in Linthal, I followed Google Maps to the Tierfed cable car station, which took about an hour. The journey was quite nice, with cows feeding along the path and lush greenery surrounding the lovely Swiss farms and houses.
Upon reaching the cable car station, I realized I had just missed the last ride, so I had to wait for the next one. This gave me some time to figure out how to purchase the gondola ticket, which turned out to be an entirely automated process with no one around to help. But, it was pretty easy once I got the hang of it.
From the Kalktrittli Station to the Limmernsee Lake
After reaching the Kalktrittli station, I finally embarked on my hike through the dam tunnel towards the Limmernsee. After passing through the right door, I put on the required orange reflective jacket (that was inside a box) and ventured into the tunnel for about an hour. Eventually, an opening on the right led me to the top of the dam wall, which forms the picturesque Limmernsee lake. After spending some time there, I went back in and eventually emerged into the valley right next to the lake.
After enjoying some time by the lake’s shore, I began my ascent towards the Muttenchopf viewpoint in hopes of witnessing the sunset. However, to my surprise, the lake began to fall into shadow well before sunset, limiting my photo opportunities. Nevertheless, the view from the top was still breathtaking.
During my ascent, I encountered two Swiss tourists on their first Tinder date, who happened to have a drone. We bonded over photography and filming, capturing the moments until the sun dipped below the horizon. Given that it was already October, there was some snow on the trail to the viewpoint, making the trek challenging without crampons or additional gear. As a result, capturing someone at the lower viewpoint for a photo remained a distant dream.
Muttseehütte Overnight and Hike back to Kalktrittli
At sunset, an amazing, vivid fox appeared. The owners of the hut informed us that it’s somewhat of a mascot for the hut since they feed on the compost bin behind it, and sometimes there’s an entire family. I then wandered around the hut to capture some shots before the sun disappeared, strolled all the way to the Muttsee Lake, and returned inside a bit late for the 7 p.m. dinner. After spending some time indoors with the Swiss couple, I eventually retired for the night to ensure I would be awake for sunrise.
Just before sunrise, I woke up to the alarm and stepped outside. The entire valley was slowly waking up from its night slumber, and as the light started to filter in, I launched the drone. The scene before me was breathtaking, perhaps one of my favorite shots ever. I remained near the hut, piloting the drone for a while, and after capturing some more camera shots, I bid farewell to my Swiss friends.
As they descended towards the tunnel, I hesitated slightly, as I had heard warnings that the return path through the back of the mountain was covered in snow and ice, and I didn’t have crampons. Nevertheless, I forged ahead. Along the way, I passed by the tent of the guys I had photographed during the previous sunset. They mentioned that something had eaten their spoons, and we concluded it was likely the fox I had seen earlier. So, if you camp out here, be sure not to leave food outside or risk ending up with destroyed equipment.
Continuing my journey, I reached the snowy section and began my descent, proceeding with caution as it was slightly perilous. Along the way, I spotted some apex excrements, which was a hopeful sign, but my search yielded no luck this time around.
After some time, the snow subsided, allowing me to enjoy the last kilometers without it until I reached the cable car station again, exiting through the left of the two doors I mentioned in the beginning.
Descending in the cable car, I was pleasantly surprised to find the Swiss couple waiting for me, offering to drive me back to Zurich. This saved me a train ticket and a lot of time. So, a big thank you to them for their kindness and hospitality.
Finally, we arrived in Zurich and the weekend was over, what a blast!
Have you had the opportunity to hike to the Limmernsee Lake? If you have, I would love to hear about your experience. Please share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.
Thanks for reading through, and I hope you have fun on this adventure. I will share more of my favorite shots below, enjoy!
Photo Gallery
From Linthal to Tierfed Cable Car Station
From the Kalktrittli Station to the Limmernsee Lake
Muttseehütte Overnight and Hike back to Kalktrittli
