There is nothing impressive about the Arnen dam, a simple embankment dam built in 1942. It is the lake it holds that makes all the charm of this place which invites you to go hiking. |
The dam holds the small Arnon lake (Arnensee), at 1542 m altitude, in a preserved nature. 1.5 km long, you can go all around it, partly in the forest and partly on the shore. The road to the lake starts in Feutersoey, above Gstaad. |
On the eastern shore, the trail around the lake runs through the forest and views of the lake are quite rare. Anyway, the forest is beautiful and the walk is enjoyable! |
On the eastern shore, the trail around the lake runs through the forest and views of the lake are quite rare. Anyway, the forest is beautiful and the walk is enjoyable! |
The northern half of the path along the west coast crosses the forest, with breakthroughs that offer superb views, as here from this bridge over one of the many streams that feed the lake. |
The narrow access road starts from Feutersoey, above Gstaad, and leads here. It is private and subject to a charge (CHF5.00 including parking) and is open from May to October. There are also parking spaces on the other side of the dam. |
Leaving the forest, we discover the southern shore of the lake, an area where many hikers settle down for a picnic or just to relax and enjoy the view. |
We are here in the middle of nature, far from mass tourism, even if Lake Arnen is a rather popular destination. |
The path bends northwards to go towards the dam, first following the west shore of the lake. It is on this route that you will have the most beautiful views. |
The road leading to Lake Arnen stops in the vicinity of the restaurant. Behind us, it goes up to the small campsite, lined with a number of parking spaces. In front of us starts the path that goes around the lake, first through the forest on the eastern shore. |
Lake Arnen is fed by numerous streams, including this one. At the other end of the lake, it gave its name to the Tschärzistal, the valley you followed to reach the dam. The Tschärzisbach (or Aigue Courbe, "Curved Water") flows into the Sarine at Feutersoey, where the road to Lake Arnon starts. |
For a few hundred metres, the path bordered by forest runs along the lake shore. The walk is bucolic, the view is magnificent, the air is invigorating, enjoy! |
For a few hundred metres, the path bordered by forest runs along the lake shore. The walk is bucolic, the view is magnificent, the air is invigorating, enjoy! |
For a few hundred metres, the path bordered by forest runs along the lake shore. The walk is bucolic, the view is magnificent, the air is invigorating, enjoy! |
This beautiful, unique house on the path is sure to make you dream... |
For a few hundred metres, the path bordered by forest runs along the lake shore. The walk is bucolic, the view is magnificent, the air is invigorating, enjoy! |
For a few hundred metres, the path bordered by forest runs along the lake shore. The walk is bucolic, the view is magnificent, the air is invigorating, enjoy! |
For a few hundred metres, the path bordered by forest runs along the lake shore. The walk is bucolic, the view is magnificent, the air is invigorating, enjoy! |
Here, the path leaves the lakeside, climbs a little and goes into the forest. Another few hundred metres and it will reach the dam and the road to Feutersoey. |