The best hikes
in Glarus and St. gallen
Herrliche Murgseen

Discover the three Murg lakes at the very back of the Murg valley on an exceptional hike through the wild romantic mountain landscape. One of the best hikes in Glarus! Brooks, lakes, waterfalls, moor meadows and an ancient forest reserve turn this tour into an unforgettable nature experience.

A great recommendation | Murg Lakes (Murgseen in German) round trek

When my good friend Veronika and me started thinking about the next hiking adventure, we received a great recommendation!

Veronika´s friend had just been on the Murgseen round trek. She had described the hike as a fantastic tour of around five hours, with great scenery and alpine landscapes. In addition, the technical requirements were easy and condition moderate, just what we were looking for!

We took a look at the online descriptions of the trail, glanced at the pictures and thought no further.

The greatest thing about people passing on their hiking experiences is that we all learn and profit from each other! Hopefully, the hiking community will profit from this story and go out to make it their own adventure.

About winding mountain roads

Since we were coming from opposite directions, we agreed to meet in Murg. From there, we continued the drive in one car.

I must admit that, after taking a look at the GPS picture, I was relieved that we proceed in one car, Veronika´s car. Somehow winding mountain roads are just not my cup of tea, not yet, at least. I thought, a native mountain experienced Austrian girl must tackle these roads with much more confidence than a German city girl. And I was right!

Lost in Murg

First of all, however, we were lost in Murg.

The tiny town on the shores of beautiful Lake Walen got us a little bit confused. Firstly, we both missed the exit from the main road down to the village. Secondly, we both drove around in search for each other. One of us had the phone switched off, that did not make it any easier 😉

Only by chance we met a little later whilst I was retrieving money from the ATM. Money, in order to buy a croissant, in order to have change, in order to pay for the parking ticket. Same old, same old. Note to myself: Always keep a little change in the car!

Once united, with some tasty extra pastry, we took off in the direction of Merlen. The signs for the Murgseen led us up the hill and for almost 20 minutes we followed the winding road. In the end, the street was not as bad as expected. No steep slopes!

One of the best hikes in Glarus | Fairy-tale forest

Eventually we arrived, paid CHF 10 for the parking and started our hike. First stop: Gspon.

After the first few meters we already knew that today´s hike was going to be a treat. It was going to be one of the best hikes in Glarus, we were sure about it!

The initial ascent through the forest, although relatively steep, was delightful and felt like being in an enchanted fairy-tale forest. The gnarled root path, the lush green fauna and distant sounds of bells contributed to the special atmosphere.

Along the river | A welcome break for our muscles

After about 40 minutes, during which we bypassed a herd of goats, (!) we emerged from the forest.

Here the terrain became instantly flatter, a welcome break for our muscles. We walked happily along the babbling “Gsponbach” river and enjoyed the great weather.

The landscape, so green and gentle, the brook always on our left, was simply beautiful. Peaceful, as a matter of fact!

The path was versatile and pleasant, ascending in a comfortable and continuous way towards Alp “Unter Mürtschen”. We took our time, enjoyed the way, rather than mastering the task. That´s what our-kind-of-hiking is all about!

Hello Mürtschenstock!

Soon, on the way to “Ober Mürtschen”, the Mürtschenstock with its three striking peaks Stock, Fulen and Ruchen appeared.

The “Mürtschenstock” is a mountain massif of the Glarus Alps, overlooking the wonderful Lake Walen (Walensee). The massif is composed of several peaks, of which the highest (named Ruchen) has an elevation of 2440 m. The other two summits are called Stock (2390 m) and Fulen (2410 m).

The rotten mountain

The limestone mountain massif is extremely fragile in some places, so all ascents require thorough alpine experience.

The name “Mürtschen”, derived from “morsch” (English “rotten”), “Ruchen” from “Rüchi” (English “landfill”) and “Fulen” apparently from “faul” (English “foul”).  At least, that is what some sources suggest.

One way or another, the names refer to the condition of the stone. This makes me wonder if it really is that much fun climbing this “rotten” mountain…

For today, however, we had the pleasure to admire it safely from the bottom. Rotten or not, it is undoubtedly a magnificent and impressive mountain.

The final ascent

Before we could finally take a look at the first lake, we had to accomplish one last ascent.

Honestly, after a good amount of time on the flatter ground this ascent wasn´t all that easy-peasy.

Firstly, I personally prefer the ascents right at the beginning. No matter how long or steep they are, I rather have them done at the start.

Secondly, my hiking boots finally proved themselves to be too heavy and too bulky. As a result, I decided to buy a new pair of hiking boots. Finally!

Above all, blisters became slowly but surely noticeable. Oh no! Thanks God, I brought my sneakers as a backup plan!

Note to myself: Write a blog about buying the right pair of hiking boots! And, finally go and buy the right pair of hiking boots!!!

Upper Murg Lake

Alright, alright, as soon as I looked at the Upper Murg Lake, all complaints, blisters, shoes and whatnot were forgotten. On top, everything is forgotten and forgiven, as usual.

Here, at the highest point of the hike (Murgseefurggel at 1984 m) we said “Hello” to the first of the three stunning Murgseen. A lake framed by an alpine panorama with the autumn colours giving it an almost mystical touch.

At this point we also crossed the cantonal border from canton Glarus to canton St. Gallen – exciting!

Therefore, this was the ideal place for our well-deserved picnic. We rested and enjoyed different kind of bread, tomatoes, cheeses, nuts and fruit. And, of course, this one hell-of-a-view!

#gameoftones

After we strengthened ourselves AND after I changed my shoes, the descent was pure delight.

In a short time, we reached the Upper Murg lake and took a closer look at the natural beauty.

As we stood there and admired its purity, clarity and uniqueness a hashtag came to my mind. #gameoftones. True, what an exquisite play of colours, right here in this romantic alpine setting.

Now you can also visit the lovely Murgseehütte for a local snack and a place on the charming sun terrace.

Swiss jungle & The Lower Murgsee

We walked past the middle Murgsee, the Upper Murgsee´s smaller replica and followed the route out of the valley.

And into the jungle! At least that´s what it felt like for a moment.

We took a look back and were overwhelmed with a waterfall (Murgfall) crashing down into the lower Murgsee. To us, it truly felt like we were much further away…somewhere outside Europe, way outside Europe.

The region around the Lower Murgsee is located in a nature reserve with ancient Swiss stone pines. Here, any use of wood is prohibited in order to protect the forest reserve.

Honestly, the beauty of this particular part is overwhelming! This part truly turns this hike into one of the best hikes in Glarus. Along with the rest of the route, of course!

Subsequently, we took plenty of pictures, from every possible angle, plus a selfie, finally!

The final part and our conclusion

The final path took us via Alp Mornen back to Merlen and our car. What a day!

A BIG “Thank you” to Veronika´s friend for the great tip!!

Conclusion: This hike is a wild-romantic trek around the magnificent Murg Lakes. Depending on the time of the year, autumn in our case, in can also be a superb natural lightshow. It surprises with overwhelming natural beauty!

We took a long breath in and a full breath out. We just created an unforgettable memory.