A picturesque circular hike from Arosa to two crystal-clear mountain lakes: the Schwellisee and the Älplisee.

From Innerarosa, the trail first runs parallel to the Hörnli Express for a bit before turning left to the Schwellisee lake. Then the trail climbs a little, you pass by the lonely Arve, which is a protected nature reserve, and climb through the Chlus. This is a somewhat exposed passage that is well secured with a steel rope. Once you have mastered this hurdle, the magnificent Älplisee soon awaits you. The way back leads in the direction of Schafälpli and across alpine pastures to the Alpenblick mountain restaurant and back to Innerarosa. There are several places to stop for a bite to eat.

If you prefer to extend the trail and not to do the circular trail then I highly recommend you to further hike up towards Totsee and Rothorn. From there you can either go to Lenzerheide with the cable car or back to Hörnlihütte and then take also there the Hörnliexpress down to the village.

Photography tips: I highly recommend you to come early in the morning and latest by 11AM since around lunchtime the wind rises and the fantastic reflection at Älplisee is gone. You will be stunned how amazing the reflection of the alpine panorama is!

Circular route: Duration: 2:30h Distance: 8km Ascent: 385m Descent 385m