Klöntalersee Guide: Parking, Swimming & Hiking

Klöntalersee looks like a simple lake stop, but where you park, when you arrive and whether you come to swim or hike can completely change the visit.

We visited at around 9 AM on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, during a half-day trip from Näfels. The water looked just as blue as in the photos, with mountains rising directly from both sides. What surprised us most was the size—we could barely see the far end. The shoreline was also more exposed than in the photos we had seen before visiting.

We originally planned to hike around the lake, but extreme heat and tired legs after several previous hikes changed our minds. Instead, we spent two hours swimming and relaxing by the water, which was exactly what we needed.

This guide covers the most practical parking area for swimming, what the water felt like, how to arrive without a car, and what to expect from the complete lake circuit. You can also use our Switzerland travel guides to plan the rest of your trip.

Is It Worth Visiting?

Yes, we think Klöntalersee is worth visiting, especially if you want to combine mountain scenery with swimming, walking or a relaxed picnic.

It works as a short stop, but we think it makes much more sense when you have at least a couple of hours to enjoy the water. We would not make a long detour only for a quick photo from the roadside.

What stood out most to us was the scale of the scenery. The lake stretches deep into the valley, with mountains rising directly from both sides. The clear water was also much more comfortable for swimming than we expected from an alpine lake.

Klöntalersee is perfect for swimmers, hikers, families looking for a simple day outdoors, and anyone travelling with a SUP. We would skip it during poor weather or when your itinerary leaves no time to do more than briefly look at the lake.

Where Is the Lake?

Klöntalersee lies in the Klöntal Valley, just west of Glarus in eastern Switzerland.

We visited as a half-day trip from Näfels, where we were staying at Lintharena. This worked particularly well because we could spend the morning swimming at the lake and return to enjoy the hotel’s pools and wellness facilities later in the day.

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How to get there

By Car

Driving is the most flexible option, especially when travelling with children or bringing swimming equipment, a SUP or picnic supplies.

We drove from Näfels and had no complications. The final road through the Klöntal Valley was in excellent condition, without potholes or damaged sections.

However, it becomes narrow in several places, so drive slowly and be prepared to meet the PostBus or another vehicle coming in the opposite direction. The road was almost empty when we arrived shortly before 9 AM.

Access to the valley can be temporarily restricted when traffic becomes excessive or safety conditions require it. We recommend checking the official access status before driving there on a warm weekend or public holiday.

By Public Transport

Seasonal PostBus route 504 connects Glarus railway station with the Klöntal Valley.

Stops around the lake include Rhodannenberg, Plätz and Vorauen, making a car-free visit realistic. Rhodannenberg is a practical starting point for the official circuit, while Vorauen gives you access to the western end of the lake.

The number of departures varies by season and day of the week. During the main summer period, the service runs more frequently, with additional connections on Sundays and public holidays. Check the exact connection in the SBB or PostBus timetable before travelling.

Parking

The two main municipal parking zones are:

• Güntlenau: Around 300 paid spaces near Camping Güntlenau
• Vorauen: 95 paid spaces, plus one accessible space at the western end of the lake

For a simple swimming and picnic visit like ours, Güntlenau is the most practical choice. Rhodannenberg makes more sense as an access point if you want to begin the official circuit, while Vorauen works well for the western end of the lake or starting the hike in the opposite direction.

We parked in the Güntlenau area at the car park shown on Google Maps as Parkplatz Klöntal Campingplatz. When we arrived at around 9 AM, there were only a few cars, and we could choose a parking spot without problems.

Parking in the Güntlenau and Vorauen zones costs CHF 3 per hour for the first five hours. From five hours, the CHF 15 day rate applies. Payment is possible through EasyPark, ParkingPay, TWINT, or the parking machines using coins. 

We paid CHF 6 for two hours through the EasyPark app. We used EasyPark whenever possible during our Switzerland trip because it made parking simple and flexible.

The only issue here was the weak mobile signal at the car park, which caused the app to load slowly. After walking a few dozen metres towards the lake, the connection improved and we completed the payment without a problem.

The walk from the car park to the water took around two minutes.

When we returned at approximately 11 AM, the parking area was almost completely full and more cars were still arriving. Based on our experience, arriving by 9 AM is one of the easiest ways to avoid parking stress on a warm summer day—even during the week.

Parking along the public road is prohibited. Sleeping or camping in the public parking areas is also not allowed; overnight stays are limited to the official Güntlenau and Vorauen campsites.

What to Do at Klöntalersee

Klöntalersee is not a place where you need a packed itinerary. You can arrive with swimming gear and snacks for a relaxed morning or turn the visit into a full day by hiking around the lake.

Our first view matched what we had seen in photos: blue water stretching between steep green mountains. The water level looked lower than in the photos we had seen before visiting, leaving more of the shoreline exposed, but this did not spoil the experience.

We also took a short walk near Güntlenau. This makes sense if you mainly came to swim but still want to see the lake from a few different angles without committing to the complete circuit.

1. Swim in Klöntalersee

Swimming was easily the highlight of our visit.

We expected the water to feel very cold, but it was much more comfortable than anticipated. Once inside, we never felt that we needed to get out because of the temperature.

The water was clean and clear enough to see beneath the surface. It worked well for proper swimming rather than only a quick dip and was exactly the cooling break we needed during an extremely hot day.

We entered close to Camping Güntlenau. The exposed shoreline meant walking slightly further to reach the water, but access was still straightforward.

We settled on an open section of the shore and had not brought a sun umbrella. After two hours in direct sunshine, we were ready to leave, especially because we were visiting with Ema.

Bring your own shade if you plan to stay through midday with children. There may be shade elsewhere, but we would not rely on finding it directly beside your preferred swimming spot.

2. Hike Around Klöntalersee

We originally planned to complete the circular hike but changed our plans because of the extreme heat and tired legs after several previous hiking days.

The official Bergrundwanderweg Klöntalersee circles the lake:

• Distance: 12.65 km
• Time: Approximately 3.5 hours
• Elevation gain: 145 metres
• Recommended starting point: Rhodannenberg
• Alternative starting point: Vorauen

From Rhodannenberg, the route follows the northern side towards Camping Vorauen. It then crosses the Klön and returns through the forest before reaching Camping Güntlenau and the dam.

Although the elevation gain is modest, this is classified as a mountain hiking route rather than a flat paved promenade. The trail is generally accessible from around mid-May until mid-October, depending on snow and trail conditions. 

We cannot personally review the complete circuit because we did not hike it. Based on the official route details, we would return on a cooler day, start early and finish with a swim.

3. Bring or Rent a SUP

Several people brought their own stand-up paddleboards during our visit. The calm, windless water looked ideal, and the lake is large enough to spend plenty of time exploring.

Camping Güntlenau advertises canoe and SUP rental during its 2026 season, although we did not use the rental ourselves. 

4. Have a Picnic by the Water

We brought our own water and snacks and ate beside the lake. This was enough for our short visit, but we would pack a proper picnic if staying for half a day or completing the circuit.

Camping Güntlenau lists a kiosk, seasonal bistro, playground, covered seating and barbecue area. Fire restrictions can change during hot or dry weather, so check the current rules before planning a barbecue.

Facilities

Most facilities are concentrated around Camping Güntlenau and Camping Vorauen rather than being evenly distributed around the entire lake.

Camping Güntlenau lists:

• Paid parking nearby
• Kiosk and seasonal bistro
• Toilets and showers
• Accessible toilet
• Children’s playground
• Covered seating
• Barbecue area
• Canoe and SUP rental
• Nearby PostBus connection

The kiosk, bistro and rental services are useful for day visitors. However, confirm access before relying on campsite facilities such as showers, which may primarily be intended for camping guests.

Where to Eat

We did not eat at a restaurant during our visit, so the options below are based on their location and official information rather than our personal experience.

Hotel Rhodannenberg

Hotel Rhodannenberg is near the dam at the eastern end of the lake. Its restaurant serves dishes from the Glarus region and has a terrace overlooking Klöntalersee.

This is the most practical choice for a proper sit-down meal with a lake view.

Güntlenau Kiosk and Bistro

The seasonal kiosk and bistro at Camping Güntlenau are the easiest options for drinks, snacks or a simple meal close to the main swimming and parking area.

Check the current opening hours before relying on them, particularly outside the main summer season.

Best Time to Visit

Best Season

Summer is the best time if swimming is your main reason to visit. We visited in early July during extremely hot weather and found the water surprisingly pleasant.

Late spring and autumn should be more comfortable for completing the full circuit, but the water will usually feel colder and seasonal facilities or bus connections may be more limited.

The official mountain hiking route is generally accessible from mid-May until mid-October, depending on snow and trail conditions. 

Best Time of Day

Based on our July visit, we would arrive by 9 AM on a warm summer day.

This made parking simple and gave us two quieter hours before the area became much busier. An early arrival also means cooler temperatures if you plan to walk or hike.

For swimming, the water may feel warmer later in the day, but parking and finding a comfortable spot by the shore can become more difficult.

Weekdays, Weekends and Weather

We visited on a Tuesday and still watched our parking area change from almost empty to nearly full within two hours.

On sunny weekends and public holidays, arrive early, consider using public transport and check the current access status before driving into the valley.

Dry, calm weather works best for swimming, SUP and mountain reflections. Avoid completing the circuit during extreme heat, and check trail conditions after heavy rain because parts of the route follow natural mountain paths.

Best Hotels Near Klöntalersee

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Lintharena – Our Top Pick

We stayed here and loved the family-friendly pools, waterslide, climbing facilities, and spacious wellness area. It was also a practical base for combining Klöntalersee with a relaxing afternoon at the hotel.
👉 Check availability and current prices →

⭐️⭐️ Hotel Rhodannenberg – Best for Direct Lake Access

Choose it to stay directly beside Klöntalersee, with lake or mountain views and easy access to the complete circuit. The restaurant terrace overlooking the water is another major advantage.
👉 See available rooms for your dates →

⭐️ City Hotel Glarnerland – Best for More Space

Choose it for spacious rooms, free parking, and a practical location in Näfels. Some rooms include kitchen facilities, making it a good option for families and longer stays.
👉 Compare prices and availability →

FAQ

Final Thoughts

Klöntalersee is worth visiting if you want to swim, hike, bring a SUP or spend a relaxed morning surrounded by mountains. Two hours were enough for our swimming stop, but we would plan at least half a day if you also want to walk or have a picnic.

Arrive early during warm summer weather and bring enough water and shade. We chose the relaxing option this time, but we would happily return on a cooler day to complete the full lake circuit.