Seewlisee: Uri, Central Switzerland
This hike is one of those memorable-from-start-to-finish type of hikes. It starts with a “thrilling” (see also: terrifying) ride on the old-school, open-air, wooden “cable car” that must have been used to transport cheese and milk to the alpine villages back in the day? One you arrive at the top, the climb begins, and it’s straight up 1000 meters. Sweaty? Yes? But are you surrounded by mountains? Also yes. After 4 km, the trail flattens out, winds around the mountain, passes a pretty little waterfall, and then you are at the Seewlisee. And what a lake. It’s stunning - especially the color of the water. It kept changing as the sun moved through the clouds, and at one point turned an electric blue when the light hit just right. It’s so clear it looks tropical, but feels glacially cold. And the views were simply phenomenal from beginning to end. I’m told there is a mountain hut here…but we got the mountain hut cafe confused with someone’s house, accidentally invited ourselves over for lunch, drank his two beers and ate a delicious toast-in-melty-fondue-cheese meal (which I think was Käseschnitte?).
I loved this hike! It’s terribly marked, so just get yourself Silenen, hop inside the wooden bucket masquerading as a gondola, and ride up to the Chilcherberge mountain station. From there, follow the (first and only) sign up to Seewli. The trail itself is basically straight up for the first 4 km, which means it will be straight down on the way back. Absolutely worth the effort, though! If you have extra energy once you reach the lake, I’ve heard that the hike up to the Seewligrat is a beautiful detour.
Start/end: Silenen (Luftseilbahn Chilcherberge)
Basic Route: This trail is not well-marked. At the top of the mountain station, follow the first sign to Seewlisee. I’d recommend downloading the linked map.
Length and Rating: 10km, 1000 meters up/down, 4-5 hours. Difficult.
**And jokes aside, the wooden gondola will definitely be scary if you don’t like heights, but it felt really safe. Something I’d only trust in Switzerland, though!**
