Top 20 Lakes around Ilanz/Glion
Best lakes around Ilanz/Glion, located in Graubünden, Switzerland, offers a diverse natural landscape characterized by its mountainous terrain and numerous bodies of water. The region is known for its clear mountain lakes, which are often nestled within forests or at higher altitudes. These lakes provide various opportunities for outdoor activities and offer distinct natural features.
Best lakes around Ilanz/Glion
- The most popular lakes is Cresta Lake, a lake with crystal-clear, drinkable water nestled among fir trees. Its entire water volume renews within three days due to constant exchange.
- Another must-see spot is Lake Cauma, a mountain lake known for its turquoise, blue, and green hues. This lake is situated within a thick forest and features a small island.
- Visitors also love Lake Bischol, an elongated lake on Heinzenberg at an altitude of 1,993 meters. It is under nature protection and offers views of Piz Beverin.
- Ilanz/Glion is known for spring-fed lakes, mountain lakes, and high-altitude reservoirs. The variety of lakes provides options for swimming, hiking, and enjoying panoramic views.
- The lakes around Ilanz/Glion are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 1,200 upvotes and over 400 photos shared across 5 highlights.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Cresta Lake
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Lake Cresta is only accessible on foot; from the Trin Mulin parking lot (village center), a stroller-friendly hiking trail leads to the natural pool. There is a restaurant at the lake.
Opening hours of the natural pool: During the summer season, depending on the weather, approximately mid-May to mid-September.
Admission to the natural pool: Adults CHF 7, children (6 to 16 years) CHF 3.
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Lake Cauma
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Panoramic view of Lake Cauma
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Muttsee Reservoir
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Lake Bischol
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one of the most beautiful turquoise lakes in Switzerland
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The Muttsee (formerly Mutten See, Muttensee) is a reservoir on the Muttenalp in the southernmost part of the municipality of Glarus South in the canton of Glarus in Switzerland.
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In 1957, the newly founded Kraftwerke Linth-Limmern AG (KLL) began to realize the power plants that had been planned since the beginning of the 1940s by the Nordostschweizerische Kraftwerke (NOK), into which the Muttensee was to be integrated.
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Until 1917, the official name was "Mutten See", then the spelling "Muttensee" appeared. From 1963, the spelling "Muttsee" appeared. The Hühnerbühl is now known in dialect as Hüenderbüel.[3] The kidney-shaped mountain lake was about 1000 meters long and 400 to 500 meters wide. On the Muttenalp plateau known as Hühnerbühl, it covered an area of about 42 hectares. The height of the lake surface was given as 2442 m until 1899, and 2448 m from 1900 to 1962. In the southeast, the lake was drained by a stream, which after a few hundred meters, at about 2400 m, disappeared into the Muttsee cave in the karst subsoil of the Muttenalp.[6] A little to the south, from about 2450 m, the Muttenbach collected the snow water from the Latten via various small tributaries.[5] It led this into the Limmernbach via the Mörthal and the Ochsenblanken.
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The lake is registered in the cantonal landscape register as a landscape of regional importance.[4] In the karst area of the Muttenalp there are - in addition to the Muttsee cave and the Muttsee hut - various other small lakes, most of them distributed southwest of the Muttsee over the Hüenderbüel. The largest neighbor, the Ober See, lies north of the Muttsee at 2474 m. It is the only lake on the Muttenalp that is connected to the Muttsee via its outflow.
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The lake is located at the crossing from Linthal-Tierfehd over the Kistenpass to Brigels. It lies in the 2.95 square kilometer basin of the Muttenalp above the Hüenderbüel. The alp is surrounded by high mountains such as Nüschenstock (2892 m) in the west, Rüchi (2849 m) in the northwest, Hinter Sulzhorn (2737 m) in the northeast, Ruchi (3105 m) in the east and Muttenstock (3088 m) in the southeast. The arena opens to the southwest. It drops steeply over the Muttenwand into the Limmerental and over the Muttenchopf (2482 m) to the Limmerensee.
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As part of significant expansion measures for the power plants between 2009 and 2017, the dam built in 1963 was replaced by a concrete dam wall. This has a length of 1054 meters, making it the longest dam wall in Switzerland. The water level reaches a height of 2474 m when fully filled. This makes the Muttsee the highest reservoir in Switzerland, with a capacity of more than 10 million m³. The highest reservoir under the supervision of the federal authorities is the Viderjoch reservoir in the Silvretta Arena, which lies at 2664 m.[1][2] Since 2021, the largest alpine photovoltaic system in Switzerland has been under construction on the dam wall.
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The original mountain lake has been integrated into the concept of energy generation through hydropower of the Linth-Limmern power plants since 1968.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes around Ilanz/Glion are suitable for families with children?
Both Cresta Lake and Lake Cauma are excellent choices for families. Cresta Lake offers a stroller-friendly hiking trail from Trin Mulin to a natural swimming area, complete with a restaurant. Lake Cauma features a paddling pool and play area for children, alongside boat rentals and a walk around the lake.
Can I swim in the lakes near Ilanz/Glion?
Yes, swimming is popular in several lakes. Cresta Lake has crystal-clear, drinkable water and a natural swimming area (with an admission fee during summer). Lake Cauma is known for its relatively warm water (19-24°C in summer) and is ideal for swimming. However, swimming is not permitted in Lake Bischol as it is under nature protection, but the nearby Pascuminersee allows swimming.
What are the best times to visit the lakes in the Ilanz/Glion region?
The summer season, typically from mid-May to mid-September, is ideal for enjoying activities like swimming at Cresta Lake and Lake Cauma. For Lake Cauma, visiting early in the morning or during the week is recommended to avoid crowds. While summer offers vibrant colors and water activities, some lakes like Lake Cauma are also beautiful in winter, offering a tranquil atmosphere for photos and walks.
Are there any lakes with unique natural features or viewpoints?
Absolutely. Cresta Lake is notable for its constant water exchange, renewing its entire volume within three days, ensuring drinkable water. Lake Cauma is famous for its stunning turquoise, blue, and green hues and a small island in its center. For breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Cauma, visit the Panoramic view of Lake Cauma highlight. Lake Bischol offers wonderful views of the mighty Piz Beverin, often reflected in its surface.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the lakes of Ilanz/Glion?
The region around Ilanz/Glion offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for gravel biking, mountain biking, and road cycling. For gravel biking, explore routes like the 'High Route Mundaun' or 'Rein Anteriur – Vorderrhein loop'. Mountain bikers can tackle trails such as 'Rhine Gorge Mountain Bike: Cuolm Sura'. Road cyclists might enjoy the 'Tour de Obersaxen'. You can find more details and routes in the Gravel biking around Ilanz/Glion, MTB Trails around Ilanz/Glion, and Road Cycling Routes around Ilanz/Glion guides.
Are there any restaurants or cafes near the lakes?
Yes, amenities are available at some lakes. Cresta Lake has a restaurant directly at the lake, and a kiosk on the lido side. Lake Cauma also features a restaurant and facilities, making it convenient for visitors.
How can I access the lakes, and is parking available?
Access varies by lake. Cresta Lake is only accessible on foot, with a stroller-friendly hiking trail leading from the Trin Mulin parking lot. For Lake Cauma, while it's situated deep within a forest, there are access points, and it is generally well-connected, though specific parking details might require local inquiry.
What makes the Muttsee Reservoir unique among the lakes?
The Muttsee Reservoir is unique as the highest reservoir in Switzerland, with its water level reaching 2474 meters when fully filled. It features the longest dam wall in Switzerland, measuring 1054 meters, which was rebuilt between 2009 and 2017. It's also home to the largest alpine photovoltaic system in Switzerland, under construction on its dam wall since 2021, integrating energy generation with the natural landscape.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Ilanz/Glion?
Visitors frequently praise the crystal-clear waters, especially at Cresta Lake, and the stunning turquoise, blue, and green hues of Lake Cauma. The peaceful atmosphere, the beautiful natural surroundings of mountains and forests, and the panoramic views, such as those of Piz Beverin from Lake Bischol, are highly appreciated. Many also enjoy the tranquility of lakes like Cauma in winter.
Are there any lakes where dogs are welcome?
While specific dog-friendly policies can vary, many natural areas in Switzerland welcome dogs on leash. It's always best to check local signage or specific lake regulations before visiting with your dog, especially around designated swimming areas or nature protection zones like Lake Bischol.
Are there any easy walking trails around the lakes for beginners?
Yes, the region offers accessible walks. The trail leading to Cresta Lake from Trin Mulin is stroller-friendly, making it suitable for an easy walk. Walking around Lake Cauma is also a popular and relatively easy option, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace.
What kind of terrain and elevation can I expect on trails near the lakes?
The terrain around the lakes in Ilanz/Glion varies. Lakes like Cresta Lake offer relatively flat, stroller-friendly paths. However, the region is mountainous, so trails to and around other lakes, especially those at higher altitudes like Lake Bischol (1,993 meters), can involve intermediate to difficult elevations. The Muttsee Reservoir, for instance, is at 2474 meters, indicating significant elevation gain for access.
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