Näfels - Obersee
I have hiked in this area twice, once in November, 2022 and once with a friend in May, 2025. I really like visiting the same areas in different seasons to see how the landscape changes. I did the below hike the second time I visited the area, but the pictures are a mix of both my visits.
Full route: Swisstopo
I reached Näfels after a short train ride from Zürich and started the hike right from the train station. Once you are out of town, you start the ascent up in direction Obersee. The first part is a bit steep, but when I visited in November, I had amazing autumn colors on the way up.
Before reaching Obersee, you turn off the main path and follow a trail which first takes you through forest, before coming out into the open landscape. Once out of the forest, the trail leads you up on a small plateau, from where you have great views to the surrounding mountains.
When I visited in May, the crocus flowers where in full bloom and it was amazing to walk among them while having the mountains in the background. After enjoying the flowers and a small break, we continued down to Obersee.
It is generally an easy trail, mainly being on gravel road or wider hiking paths and only at shorter sections steep. Down at Obersee, we had a lunch break while enjoying the views over the lake and to Brünnelistock rising behind.
I managed to take almost identical pictures the two times I was here. All seasons are special, and each has its specific charm. From Obersee, I followed the trail which runs close to the road back down to Näfels.
On the way down, you have great views to the mountains on the opposite side of Näfels and the valley. The trail goes through both forest and open fields before you enter the town.
Back in Näfels, I took the train to Ziegelbrücke where I made a quick change and continued back home to Zürich.
