Hike Report – ‘Ahornen-Rundweg’ (SM 823)

Short Description

From Obersee, a family favorite spot for spending a day at the lake to the vacation village of Vorder-Ahornen, this round tour offers great views of the Oberseetal (valley) and the mountains surrounding it, as well as the hundred year old Rauti-Troos nature reserve.

Most of the trail leads across meadows, mountain farms and through forests, respectively, with a short, narrow gravel mountainside section.

Notes

• There is lots of free parking, but road leading up to the lake is very narrow with lots of blind bends. Experience with Swiss mountain roads and dealing with oncoming traffic on one lane roads recommended.
• There are only a few small places along the lake shore that allow for BBQing or sunbathing.
• There is a bus from Näfels, but it has to be chartered. See link.

Impressions

As a short warm-up hike for the impending summer hiking season, and with an alternative to hiking if a) the uncertain weather decided to shift to the wetter side in the afternoon and/or b) Jenny’s knee did not feel well enough for a hike, the Ahornen-Rundweg seemed ideal for this hopefully dry Saturday after a rainy week.

Well, the weather held but Jenny’s knee did not, so I went for my first summer hike of the year alone while she enjoyed a nice day at the lake below.

After a steep, but short ascent, the trail fulfilled its promise of offering lovely views of the Obersee valley and surrounding mountains.

It does seem this modest altitude was a bit premature for mid May, even after a mild winter and warm spring, as there were still snow fields on some slopes, and part of the path had been destroyed by a landslide or avalanche. Mental note made to be more patient next year.

Nevertheless a nice route and definitely recommended as an easy hike for a mild day, especially if combined with a picnic at the lake (which may or may not contain a large number of screaming children).

Would you like to share your own experiences with this hike? Do you have any questions? Something to add? Feel free to leave a comment below 🙂

Route Report / Gallery

Full size images without watermarks are available for licensing to interested parties. Check romans.pictures for a selection of my favorites, or contact me for details.

NEWSLETTER

Don’t miss a hike 🙂

Why should I?

Leave this field empty if you're human: