Lauenensee lies in the Gelten–Iffigen nature reserve, four kilometres south of Lauenen. You can reach the lake from the village on foot, by PostBus or by bicycle. The nationally important protected area includes alpine moorland. A stay in Lauenen therefore combines a mountain village with a protected landscape, without limiting your day’s activities to a single tour.

Lauenensee and its protected landscape

The short W36 Lauenensee circular hike goes around the lake and is suitable for a good-quality pushchair. As access and conditions may change with the seasons, it is worth checking the latest route information before setting out. Rowing boats can be hired at the landing stage; check whether they will be available when you visit. The circular hiking trail is also one of the highlights at the lake. The Lauenensee area also offers views of the Tungelschuss and Geltenschuss waterfalls.

Those hiking from Lauenen to the Geltenhütte SAC experience a different part of the landscape: the trail passes through the damp, marshy flower meadows in Rohr and the alluvial forest along the young Louwibach before reaching Lauenensee. The route thus combines the hike to the hut with moorland and floodplain landscapes, and is easy to distinguish from a loop directly around the lake.

Hiking trails with different highlights

The W35 hike to the Fondue Caquelon Lauenen starts right in the village. It is rated moderate, is 8.3 kilometres long and takes about two hours and 25 minutes. The experience includes a fondue backpack containing a choice of classic or truffle fondue, fondue bread and seasonings, as well as a fondue pot, burner with fuel paste, plates and forks. The Fondue Caquelon can also be reached via the Lauenen–Tüffi–Lauenensee hiking trail or along Lauenenstrasse, “Unter Tungel”. It is a ten-minute walk from the Under Tungel PostBus stop. If you are planning to travel by PostBus, check the current timetable.

The moderate T15 Skulpturenweg Lauenen theme trail is shorter in both distance and duration: it is 4.2 kilometres long and is listed as taking one hour. The trail follows the Lauenen–Rohr–Lauenensee hiking route and features native animals carved from tree stumps. As trail conditions may vary with the seasons, it is advisable to check the latest route information before setting out.

Family hikes along the Gältebach and its waterfalls to the Geltenhütte SAC are also among the mountain activities on offer. Those planning a high-altitude tour can find routes to the Gelten or Wildhorn; trail running is another listed activity. Lauenen is also visited as part of long-distance hikes such as the Tour du Wildhorn and the Alpness Trail.

Winter trails and cross-country skiing

In winter, ski touring and snowshoeing are among the activities on offer. Cross-country skiing and winter hiking are also popular. Two described routes have different distances and durations: the Lauenen–Lauenensee–Lauenen winter loop is 8.5 kilometres long and takes about two and a half hours. The marked S5 Chrine Trail 1 snowshoe trail leads from the Wispile mountain station over the Chrine Pass to Lauenen. It is rated moderate, is 7.6 kilometres long and takes about two hours and 50 minutes. On the descent, the trail passes through a snow-covered fir forest. The loop is therefore longer but has the shorter stated duration, while the S5 descends from its starting point to Lauenen.

The 172.2 Lauenen–Rohr cross-country ski trail starts at the bridge in Rohr and follows the Louwibach through the moorland and floodplain area. It is suitable for both classic and skating styles. Along the trail are Tristen: large, cone-shaped haystacks traditionally built around a long wooden pole. The loop therefore combines cross-country skiing with a visible feature of local agricultural history.

Village history and local traditions

Old, well-preserved chalets define Lauenen. The Reformed church is another landmark: built around 1520 in the late Gothic style incorporating an earlier building, it was formerly dedicated to Saint Peter. Its interior features a carved wooden ceiling, a star vault in the choir, choir stalls with stencilled paintings and a Renaissance pulpit. The choir windows are adorned with stained glass by Leo Steck, installed there in 1953.

Local traditions include the Alpfest Suufsunntig, with yodelling and alphorn music as well as the selection of a champion cow. Lauenen is also the 43rd mountaineering village. Together with the neighbouring municipalities of Saanen and Gsteig, it is part of the Saanenland.

Discover more destinations: Saanen, Saanen, Gsteig bei Gstaad, Gstaad.

Go to the overview of destinations: Saanen.