The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Oberer Murgsee

While the immediate vicinity of Oberer Murgsee offers a few dedicated dog-friendly hiking trails, the wider region provides a good selection of routes suitable for you and your canine companion. Our guide features 3 such routes, ranging from moderate to difficult.

You and your dog will encounter a diverse range of landscapes. The region is known for its green, hilly nature, picturesque alpine lake scenery, and dramatic mountain backdrops like Mürtschenstock. Trails often traverse lush pastures, shady forests, and even gorges, with the Murgbach river and its captivating waterfall adding to the natural beauty.

Most of the dog-friendly routes in this guide are rated as moderate to difficult, requiring good fitness. For a moderately challenging option that still offers beautiful scenery, consider the Haltli Manor – Forest Playground loop from Glarus Nord, which covers about 10.5 km with manageable elevation changes.

Yes, several dog-friendly routes in the broader region are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. Examples include the challenging Lake Oberblegi – Alp Oberblegi loop from Schwändi or the moderate Näfels-Mollis railway station – Forest Playground loop from Näfels-Mollis.

The region is rich in natural highlights. You'll likely encounter the stunning Murgbach waterfall, which plunges into the lower Murgsee. The area around the lower Murgsee is also a protected pine reserve, often compared to the wilderness of Canada. Oberer Murgsee itself is the highest of the three Murg lakes, offering clear waters and reflections of the surrounding peaks.

Yes, the quaint Murgseehütte, a privately run mountain inn, is located directly on the shore of Oberer Murgsee. It provides opportunities for dining and overnight stays, making it a convenient stop for hikers and their dogs. It's advisable to check their specific dog policies in advance.

The komoot community highly rates the hiking experiences in this region, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 1600 ratings. Reviewers often praise the stunning alpine lake scenery, the well-marked paths, and the overall natural beauty that makes for a rewarding outing with their dogs.

The warmer months, typically from late spring to early autumn (May to September), are ideal for hiking around Oberer Murgsee. During this period, the trails are generally clear of snow, and the weather is pleasant for both you and your dog. The lake waters are also inviting for a swim on warm days.

Yes, some routes are accessible via public transport. For instance, the Näfels-Mollis railway station – Forest Playground loop from Näfels-Mollis starts directly from a railway station, offering a convenient option for those relying on public transport to reach the trailhead with their dog.

Parking availability varies by trailhead. For routes like the Lake Oberblegi – Alp Oberblegi loop from Schwändi or the Guppen Mittelstafel – Äneteggen Rest Area loop from Schwändi, you would typically look for parking in or near the starting village of Schwändi. Always check local signage for parking regulations and fees.

The region is home to diverse wildlife. To protect both your dog and local animals, it's crucial to keep your dog under control, preferably on a leash, especially in forested areas, near pastures with livestock, or in protected zones like the pine reserve around the lower Murgsee. This helps prevent disturbances to wildlife and ensures a safe experience for everyone.