Arnensee: An Easy Family Walk Around a Stunning Alpine Lake

🗺️ Overview

• Starting point: Arnensee dam parking
• Highest point: Approx. 1,550 m
• Total elevation gain: 30 m
• Total distance: 3.2 km
• Total time: 1 hour (without stops)
• Technical difficulty: Easy – suitable for families and strollers

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The tour of Lake Arnensee near Gstaad, in the canton of Bern, is a perfect family hike. It goes around the artificial lake on a path that is accessible with strollers, even though you'll struggle a little in a few places. I went with my 5-year-old, Gaia.

To get there, turn onto the small road in Feutersoey. Just beyond the village you'll find a toll booth where you have to pay CHF 7 to reach the lake. You can pay either by card or with coins. Once you arrive at the dam, there is plenty of parking, but the area is popular, so it's better not to arrive too late. We got there at 10 a.m. and had no problem finding a space.

You can walk around the lake in either direction. We started to the right, going clockwise. There is a beach right at the beginning, but it isn't the nicest one, so it's worth continuing. The wide gravel road climbs gently and, after about 20 minutes, reaches a beautiful spot next to an idyllic chalet. We stopped there for a swim. It isn't the best beach around the lake, but we had it all to ourselves, and it was bliss. The lake is stunning—I'd say almost as beautiful as Lago di Braies in the Dolomites, but with only a tenth of the visitors.

Another 10 minutes of walking brings you to the far end of the lake, where there is a larger beach with BBQ stands and wooden tables. There are actually several picnic and BBQ spots scattered around the entire loop, but this is where most people seem to gather.

A couple of bridges take you across the river and onto the return side of the lake. Here the path is narrower but still wide enough for strollers. In fact, the surface is smoother, with finer gravel, making it easier to push a stroller. This side is more forested and follows a slightly steeper slope. There are no beaches until almost the end, but you cross several beautiful mountain streams.

After another 20–30 minutes, you'll reach the mountain hut on the opposite side of the dam. Next to it is another beach that extends into a small wooded area. The hut is definitely worth a stop. It's a little pricey, but it offers wonderful views and excellent Swiss dishes. We decided to have dessert there.

To complete the loop, simply walk across the road on top of the dam, which brings you back to the parking area where you started. Overall, the hike is just 3.2 km long with only 30 m of elevation gain, making it one of the easiest and most enjoyable family walks in the region.