Sightseeing
This lake is famous for it's stunning colours. AND for how you get there: you take the famous Gelmerbahn up to this lake (see seperate pinpoint about Gelmerbahn) and once you're up there you can do the amazing hike around the lake. (details about the hike are also in a seperate pinpoint)
🚶♂️ Hiking Around the Lake
Once you’re at the Gelmerbahn top station, you’ve got a few options:
Loop hike around the lake: There’s a roughly 4.5 km circuit around Gelmersee with big mountain views, rocky terrain, and a very alpine feel — plan about 2–3 hours if you take your time.
Longer hikes: If you’re up for more, you can combine paths to places like Kunzentännlein or hike up from the valley instead of taking the funicular.
The trails here aren’t stroller-friendly and often have narrow, rocky sections where good boots and surefootedness really help.
🥾 Other Options & Experiences
Hike from Handegg: If you want a workout, you can hike up from the valley to Gelmersee (~2 hours one-way) and take the funicular down, or vice-versa. It’s a great way to mix views with movement.
Gelmerhütte SAC: There’s a mountain hut called Gelmerhütte higher above the lake (about 2,412 m) that’s popular with hikers in summer — perfect if you want a longer mountain day or a hut stay.
Picnics & relaxation: Even if you only walk partway around the lake, there are plenty of big flat rock slabs perfect for a picnic and soaking up the alpine scenery.
📌 Practical Tips
No food at the top: There are no restaurants right at the lake or funicular station, so bring snacks and plenty of water with you.
Season: The Gelmerbahn and most summer hikes are typically open June through mid-October, depending on snow and weather.
Public transport + walk: You can reach the funicular base from Meiringen or Oberwald by PostBus (stop “Handegg, Gelmerbahn”), though services aren’t super frequent.
Link to the Website:
