The Seerenbach Falls are a cascading set of waterfalls, totaling 585m. You can reach the falls with a short hike along the Walensee lake, strolling through beautiful meadows filled with wildflowers and rustic farmhouses.

For more fun, you can start with a boat ride on the lake to reach the trail. The trail also has fun activities for children, with treasure chests hidden along the way with puzzles to solve.

You can make a full day of it, picnicking at one of the several fire pits or taking it easy at the restaurant with a playground and a view. There is even a lake swimming area and a grassy lawn for lounging. Even if the water is too chilly, kids love throwing rocks lakeside while parents enjoy the view.

We do this hike almost every spring, usually in May, an easy and affordable day trip from Zurich. I think you'll love it!

Trail info

The trail starts in Betlis, which can be reached by car or ferry boat.

Trail: Easy • 1.5 h round trip • 3.5 km • 110m up and down
See trail map

From Betlis, the trail is 1.75 km to the waterfall on a quiet farm road to the falls, suitable for small children and strollers. When you get close to the falls, a 10 min detour from the main trail leads up the hill through the forest to a close up overlook of the falls. Then return the way you came.

• Learn more in my Seerenbach Falls Hike article.

How to get there

This trail is along the north side of the Walensee lake, southeast of Zürich. You can reach the trail by boat or car.

By boat:

We typically ride the ferry to this hike, a fun way to start the day. Round trip on the boat costs about CHF 16/adult. You can buy tickets on the boat.

The ferry dock is located at Hauptstrasse 23, 8872 Weesen. It's near the bus stop Weesen, See. If you came by car, park at Ziegelbrückstrasse 3, 8872 Weesen, where you can park all day.

By car:

You can drive directly to Betlis, where the trail starts. Note that the last part of the road is one lane and traffic only flows in one direction every 15 mins. So read the sign carefully to do it correctly. Learn more.

More things to do

If you have children, they can pick up a booklet from the restaurant near the start of the trail and search for treasure chests hidden along the way. Each chest has an activity, like a quiz or puzzle solve.

There are a couple picnic areas with fire pits and restaurant near the lake with a small playground.

Near the parking, there is a grassy lawn for lounging and swimming area. Even if the water is too chilly, kids love throwing rocks lakeside while parents enjoy the view.

Read our full article about visiting the Seerenbach falls.