Limmernsee Hike with Overnight at Muttseehütte, in Glarus

Limmerensee Lake - Muttsee Hut SAC

It’s quite a challenge to single out the ultimate hike in Switzerland from the plethora of options available, but the Limmernsee Hike undoubtedly holds a special place atop my list of favorites. It’s actually a dam and not a lake, but you can call it whatever you want; this place is unbelievable. I went here solo right before the season ended, and to summarize my highlights, I saw a dreamy lake surrounded by white peaks. I saw a frozen lake and a wandering, vivid red-colored fox. If you want to go for a little adventure, I can’t recommend this hike enough. Go for it; it’s totally worth it. If you camp in the wild, which seems to be prohibited now, just be careful not to leave your spoons outside with food, or you might end up with half-eaten remains from the resident foxes.

Table of Contents

A fox at the Muttsee Hut

Limmernsee Hike: General Details

Limmernsee can be reached on your own in multiple ways; the easiest and most accessible one is the one I’m writing about in this article.

• Highlights: Limmerensee Lake, Muttseehütte SAC, Muttsee Lake, w/ luck Foxes, Alpine Ibexes (Steinbock), Marmots and Alpine Chamois (Gämsen).
• Duration: 1 day (2 days if you stay overnight).
• Accommodation: If you sleep there, you can stay at the Muttsee Hut.
• Price: CHF 42.5 - 154 (details in the following section)
• Outfit: Mid-altitude mountain gear (details in the following section)
• Best Months to Hike: June-October (The cable car is usually only open from half June to half October).
• Cable Car Operation Hours: Monday-Friday 07.00 a.m. - 12.00 p.m. / 1.30 p.m. - 6.00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 07.00 - 18.00 (non-stop)

For up-to-date information and reservations, check all the info on the Muttsee Hut Official Website.

View on Google Maps

The Limmernsee at Sunset

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Limmernsee Hike: Technical Details

• Type: Loop or Out and Back Trail.

• Pre-Hike:

  • Distance: 6,2 km - Starting at Linthal, Glarus Train Station, and finishing at the Luftseilbahn Tierfed cable car station.
  • Duration: 1h20min.
  • Incline: 50m.
  • Altitude: Lowest point: 750m at the Linthal Train Station. Highest point: 800m at the Luftseilbahn Tierfed cable car station.

• Limmernsee Hike:

  • Distance: 11,8 km - Starting and ending at the Luftseilbahn Kalktrittli cable car station
  • Duration: 5 hours of moving time.
  • Incline: 700m.
  • Altitude: Lowest point: 1,862m at the Limmernsee Lake.  Highest point: 2,562m close to the Muttsee Hut.

• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate. It’s generally easy, but if you do it in October as I did, you might find snowy and icy patches, which, if you don’t bring trekking poles or crampons, might be dangerous.

View route on Wikiloc

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Limmernsee Hike technical snowy parts

How to do the Limmernsee Hike?

Planning this hike is relatively straightforward, but it requires a few considerations. First, ensure the cable car is in operation. If you plan to stay overnight, make a reservation at the Muttsee Hut beforehand. Otherwise, start your journey in Linthal, Glarus. Find the Tierfed Luftseilbahn Cable Car station, take the ride up the hill, pass through the power plant tunnel, and you’ll reach the lake/dam. Climb to the Muttenchopf viewpoint, then return via the mountain’s rear to the cable car station. Descend to the base station and head back to Linthal for your return journey.

The Limmernsee seen from the dam

What clothing should i bring to do the Limmernsee Hike?

To ensure a safer and more comfortable journey in this mid-altitude mountain hike with some rocky sections, certain specific equipment is indispensable, especially if you’re staying overnight or doing it on a cold day: Essentials:

• Breathable T-shirt (Tech or Merino)
• Waterproof Jacket (Gore-Tex or H2O Technology)
• Puffer Jacket
• Shorts or Pants
• Hiking Shoes or Trekking Boots
• Backpack: 25-35 liters
• Gloves: One Layer (preferably merino wool for breathability and comfort)
• Sunglasses: Category 4 UV protection.
• Cap: Or a beanie and buff if it’s cold**.**
• Hiking Merino Socks: One Layer (preferably merino wool for breathability and comfort)
• Sunscreen: Ensure you have a minimum of SPF 50.
• Trekking Poles: For the entire hike.
• Low Gaiters: For peace of mind if there’s gravel.
• Swimming Clothes: (if you’re staying overnight or going for a swim)
• Dry-fast Towel: (if you’re staying overnight or going for a swim)

Camping and Extras:

• Cooking, Camping Tent, Sleeping Mat, Sleeping Bag
• Headlamp
• Victorinox Swiss Multi-Tool or Victorinox Hiker Knife
• Change of Clothes

Other Things:

• First-Aid Kit
• Drinks and Snacks: Bring enough of them, especially if you’re doing it in two days.
• Thermos

Me and some newly met friends at Muttenchopf with proper clothing

How much does it cost to do the Limmernsee Hike?

To provide you with an estimation of the expenses associated with doing the Limmernsee hike, I have provided a detailed breakdown of the costs involved. Firstly, you need to consider whether you will be going in your car or by public transport. Additionally, other supplementary expenses require careful consideration. Transport (from Zurich):

• Train (Zurich HB - Linthal - both ways with the Swiss Half-Fare Travel Card): CHF 30
• Car (Diesel - 200kms both ways):  CHF 30

Drinks, and Snacks: CHF 15-20 (pp) Estimated Total (per person):

• Scenario 1:

  • Solo,
  • Public Transport,
  • 1-day hike without overnight,
  • Price Breakdown: CHF 30 (Train), CHF 15 (Cable Car), CHF 20 (Food, Drinks, and Snacks).
  • Total: CHF 65

• Scenario 2: 

  • Solo,
  • Public Transport,
  • 2-day hike with overnight at Muttsee Hut,
  • Price Breakdown: CHF 30 (Train), CHF 15 (Cable Car), CHF 15 (Drinks and Snacks), CHF 94 (Half Pension Overnight).
  • Total: CHF 154

• Scenario 3: 

  • Group of 4
  • Private Car,
  • 1-day hike without overnight,
  • Price Breakdown: CHF 7,5 (Gas/4), CHF 15 (Cable Car), CHF 20 (Food, Drinks, and Snacks).
  • Total: CHF 42,5

The cable car station before entering the tunnel

How to get to the Luftseilbahn Tierfed cable car station on the Limmernsee Hike?

By Train & Hike:

From Zurich HB to the Linthal Train Station: 1h33min.

From Linthal Train Station to the Luftseilbahn Tierfed Station on foot: 1h32min.

If you don’t want to hike to the cable car station, you can also call for a taxi. Here is a local taxi number: Taxi Edy Keller +41 79 431 66 66

By Car:

From Zurich to the Luftseilbahn Tierfed Station:  1h30min.

View on Google Maps

The traditional Swiss farms and houses on the way to the cable car station

Where to sleep on the Limmernsee Hike?

You can camp freely and pitch your tent at Muttenchopf (the viewpoint overlooking Limmernsee Lake) or wherever you choose. *According to a recent comment in the section below, wild camping in the area is now reportedly forbidden. Alternatively, if you don’t have a tent, you can secure a bed at Muttsee Hut/Muttseehütte, an SAC (Schweizer Alpen Club) mountain hut. They offer varying prices for club members, along with discounts for youths. The nightly rate includes half pension, including dinner and breakfast, as well as access to bathroom facilities. For the latest information and reservations, please check the Muttsee Hut Official Website.

The Muttsee Hut or Muttseehütte

The Muttsee Hut after Sunset

The Muttsee Hut over a frozen lake

Limmernsee Lake: Curiosities

Name Origin: The Limmernsee, or Limmerensee Lake, derives its name from the Limmerenbach, the stream that once flowed through the area. Location: Situated in the Glarus Alps, the Limmernsee is located in the southernmost part of the political municipality of Glarus Süd, in the Swiss canton of Glarus. It rests on a plateau above the Muttsee, near the Kistenpass. Formation: The Limmernsee was created in 1963 when the entire area of the Limmerenboden was separated by the construction of the 122-meter-high arch dam Limmern. Purpose: Serving as a reservoir for the pumped-storage power plant of the Kraftwerke Linth-Limmern, the Limmernsee plays a crucial role in energy generation. Dam Structure: The dam consists of 553,000 m³ of concrete and features a double-curved arch design. It includes provisions such as a high-water spillway and a discharge outlet to manage water levels. Accessibility: Access to the Limmernsee is facilitated by the air cable car Tierfehd-Kalktrittli operated by Kraftwerke Linth-Limmern AG. The cable car journey takes approximately 7.5 minutes, covering a height difference of 1053 meters. Surroundings: Surrounded by towering peaks and glaciers, Limmernsee offers a picturesque setting for outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing. Nearby attractions include the Muttsee Cave and the newly constructed dam at Muttsee. Recreational Activities: Visitors can enjoy fishing in the lake, hiking along designated trails, or exploring the surrounding natural beauty. The area is also a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers. Via Glaralpina: The Limmernsee serves as a base for the Via Glaralpina long-distance hiking trail, providing opportunities for sustainable nature experiences across the canton of Glarus.

The Limmernsee Dam

The tunnel to Limmernsee

My Experience on the Limmernsee Hike

This was one of my final hikes before departing Switzerland in 2021, and it unquestionably topped my list as the number one hike I wanted to experience before leaving, alongside the Aletsch Glacier Trail and the Oeschinensee Lake Loop. I asked many friends and coworkers if they wanted to join me, but it turned out that none of them could make it. Some were too busy, others were tight on cash, and a few just weren’t interested. So, I ended up deciding to go solo. I made a reservation at the Muttseehütte to catch the sunrise and sunset. Remember: Cable cars often close early in Switzerland, so staying overnight is essential to experience these natural wonders.

The way from Linthal to the cable car station

From Linthal to Tierfed Cable Car Station

As I arrived in Linthal, I followed Google Maps to the Tierfed cable car station, which took about an hour. The journey was quite nice, with cows feeding along the path and lush greenery surrounding the lovely Swiss farms and houses. Upon reaching the cable car station, I realized I had just missed the last ride, so I had to wait for the next one. This gave me some time to figure out how to purchase the gondola ticket, which turned out to be an entirely automated process with no one around to help. But it was pretty easy once I got the hang of it. Once the cable car arrived, it was just me inside, and I rode it all the way up, enjoying the amazing view behind me.

The green surroundings of the hike to the Luftseilbahn station

The Autumn colours in Glarus

From Linthal to the cable car station

The Tödi mountain massif seen from the cable car

The view from the cable car

The Kalktrittli cable car station

The Limmernsee Dam

The Limmernsee Lake

A Panorama of the Limmernsee Lake and the Muttenchopf Viewopint

From the Kalktrittli Station to the Limmernsee Lake

After reaching the Kalktrittli station, I finally embarked on my hike through the dam tunnel towards the Limmernsee. After passing through the right door, I put on the required orange reflective jacket (which was inside a box) and ventured into the tunnel for about an hour. Eventually, an opening on the right led me to the top of the dam wall, which forms the picturesque Limmernsee lake. After spending some time there, I went back in and eventually emerged into the valley right next to the lake. After enjoying some time by the lake’s shore, I began my ascent towards the Muttenchopf viewpoint in hopes of witnessing the sunset. However, to my surprise, the lake began to fall into shadow well before sunset, limiting my photo opportunities. Nevertheless, the view from the top was still breathtaking. During my ascent, I encountered two Swiss tourists on their first Tinder date, who happened to have a drone. We bonded over photography and filming, capturing the moments until the sun dipped below the horizon. Given that it was already October, there was some snow on the trail to the viewpoint, making the trek challenging without crampons or additional gear. As a result, capturing someone at the lower viewpoint for a photo remained a distant dream.

The Limmernsee at sea level

The Limmernsee Lake

The way up to the Muttenchopf viewpoint

The view of the Limmernsee Lake at the Muttenchopf viewpoint

The sunset at Limmernsee

The sunset at Limmernsee

Before sunset at Limmernsee

The dronie of Limmernsee

People wild camping next to the Muttenchopf

A Fox at Muttseehütte in Limmernsee

The Muttseehütte

The fox posing around the hut

Still the fox playing around the Muttsee Hut

Muttseehütte Overnight and Hike back to Kalktrittli

At sunset, an amazing, vivid fox appeared. The owners of the hut informed us that it’s somewhat of a mascot for the hut since they feed on the compost bin behind it, and sometimes there’s an entire family. I then wandered around the hut to capture some shots before the sun disappeared, strolled all the way to the Muttsee Lake, and returned inside a bit late for the 7 p.m. dinner. After spending some time indoors with the Swiss couple, I eventually retired for the night to ensure I would be awake for sunrise. Just before sunrise, I woke up to the alarm and stepped outside. The entire valley was slowly waking up from its night slumber, and as the light started to filter in, I launched the drone. The scene before me was breathtaking, perhaps one of my favorite shots ever. I remained near the hut, piloting the drone for a while, and after capturing some more camera shots, I bid farewell to my Swiss friends. As they descended towards the tunnel, I hesitated slightly, as I had heard warnings that the return path through the back of the mountain was covered in snow and ice, and I didn’t have crampons. Nevertheless, I forged ahead. Along the way, I passed by the tent of the guys I had photographed during the previous sunset. They mentioned that something had eaten their spoons, and we concluded it was likely the fox I had seen earlier. So, if you camp out here, be sure not to leave food outside or risk ending up with destroyed equipment. Continuing my journey, I reached the snowy section and began my descent, proceeding with caution as it was slightly perilous. Along the way, I spotted some apex excrements, which was a hopeful sign, but my search yielded no luck this time around. After some time, the snow subsided, allowing me to enjoy the last kilometers without it until I reached the cable car station again, exiting through the left of the two doors I mentioned in the beginning. Descending in the cable car, I was pleasantly surprised to find the Swiss couple waiting for me, offering to drive me back to Zurich. This saved me a train ticket and a lot of time. So, a big thank you to them for their kindness and hospitality.

The Muttseehütte over a frozen lake

The Muttseehütte at Sunrise

My swiss friends going down to the tunnel

The view of the Muttenchopf and the Limmernsee

The frozen and snowy path on the back of the mountain

An awesome viewpoint almost at the end of the hike

The Sunrise at the Limmernsee Lake

The Limmernsee at Sunrise

A Panorama of the Limmernsee at Sunrise

A panorama of the Muttsee Lake at Sunrise

The Limmernsee Lake at sunrise with snow

The Muttsee Lake at Sunrise

The Muttenchopf viewpoint and the Limmernsee

Snow and more snow on the way down

An awesome viewpoint on the way down to the cable car station

Some hikers on the way to the cable car station

Finally, we arrived in Zurich and the weekend was over, what a blast! Have you had the opportunity to hike to the Limmernsee Lake? If you have, I would love to hear about your experience. Please share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below. Thanks for reading through, and I hope you have fun on this adventure. I will share more of my favorite shots below, enjoy!

Photo Gallery

From Linthal to Tierfed Cable Car Station

From the Kalktrittli Station to the Limmernsee Lake

Muttseehütte Overnight and Hike back to Kalktrittli