Murg Valley on Lake Walen
A wildly romantic mountain valley with three mountain lakes
Highlights of the Murg Valley
South of Lake Walensee lies the Murg Valley—a hidden natural gem through which the Murgbach stream flows. At the very back, nestled in a wild mountain landscape, lie the three Murg Lakes. On the way there, you’ll encounter one of Switzerland’s largest chestnut forests, a bouldering area known throughout Europe, and plenty of fresh mountain air. Your starting point is the little village of Murg, right on the lakeshore.
Directions & Parking
You can reach the Upper Murg Valley via Murg on Lake Walen. Important: There is no public transportation between Murg and the valley floor—you’ll need to get there by car, on-demand taxi, or on foot.
By car
From Murg, the Murgtalstrasse leads up to the hiking parking lots (Bachlaui and Mornen at about 1,200 m above sea level).
There is a toll on this road:
You purchase the ticket for the road and parking lot before you start the drive—you can find the current rates and payment options (cash or via app) here. On nice weekends, the parking spots fill up early—it’s best to arrive early.
By Public Transportation & On-Demand Taxi
Take the train to Murg Station, then take a Walensee taxi (climate-neutral electric taxi, [+41 79 735 30 00]) to the starting point—advance reservation required.
On foot
Those who are in good shape can hike up from the Murg train station to the valley floor in about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Camping in the Murg Valley
Wild camping is prohibited throughout the Murg Valley. This includes the area around the Murgseehütte.
Murg—the gateway to the Murg Valley
Murg is more than just the gateway to the valley: This small village on the southern shore of Lake Walen is your home base. It’s easily accessible, right on the water, and just a short distance from the Murg Valley.
Hikes: Murgsee Loop Trail and More
The Murg Lakes Loop Hike is a true classic. From the Bachlaui parking lot, you’ll hike up through the wild and romantic Mürtschental valley; via the Murgseefurggel (1,985 m above sea level—where you’ll cross the border from Glarus into St. Gallen), you’ll reach the three Murg Lakes and the rustic Murgseehütte.
Key Figures
- • Difficulty : T2 (mountain hiking; sure-footedness required)
- • Distance : about 14 km · Ascent/descent: about 890 m each · About 5 hours
- • Highest point: Murgseefurggel, 1,985 m above sea level
- · Best time to visit: June through October
Would you prefer it shorter? Or longer?
Leisurely Hike Option: From the Mornen parking lot, a wide nature trail leads directly to the Murgsee Mountain Inn in about 1.5 to 2 hours. The return trip follows the same route. The Murgsee Leisurely Hike is ideal for families.
Two-day option: Spend the night at the Murgseehütte and continue hiking the next day—for example, on over to Flumserberg.
Kastanienweg & Murgbach Gorge
You don’t have to go all the way to Ticino for chestnuts: At the entrance to the valley near Murg, more than 1,850 sweet chestnut trees thrive—the largest sweet chestnut forest north of the Alps. This is made possible by the mild Föhn winds and the acidic soil composed of red Verrucano rock.
From the village square in Murg, the well-marked Chestnut Trail leads into the forest: the long loop trail is about 2.5 km, while the shorter family loop starting at the Luchsberg pond is about 1.5 km. Along the way, information signs and wooden sculptures tell the story of this noble tree.
Collecting Chestnuts – Here's How
• Best time to visit: around mid-September through mid-October.
• You may collect any chestnuts that are already on the ground.
• Not allowed: Knocking fruit off the trees with sticks or stones—the fruit will be unripe, and the tree will be damaged.
Gorge, Waterfall & Playground
Right at the start, the trail leads into the Murgbach Gorge, where the Murgbach plunges 13 meters over red rock. With a view of the Churfirsten, you’ll find a playground with a fire pit along the way—perfect for families. [More about the Murg Chestnut Forest]
Bouldering
The Murg Valley is known as the “Valley of Unlimited Possibilities.” Over 700 bouldering problems have been established here in about two decades—scattered like cubes throughout the woods and meadows.
What makes this place special is the rock: red Verrucano conglomerate, rough and offering good grip, whose color comes from iron oxide. Various sectors line the Murgbach—from shady boulders in the forest (“Steibrächer”) to sunny routes on the alpine meadow (“See”).
Bouldering Safely – Please Note
- Risk of falling rocks, especially in the “See” sector—stay alert.
- Keep streets and parking areas clear of crash pads, bags, and equipment.
- Use only official parking areas and pay the fee.
Fishing
You’re allowed to fish in the Upper and Middle Murgsee; fishing licenses are available exclusively at the cabin, and you can rent a rowboat.
What makes the Murg Valley so special?
- Three mountain lakes— the Lower, Middle, and Upper Murgsee—lie hidden in a wild and romantic valley basin
- Protected Swiss Stone Pine Forest Reserve: Around the lower Murgsee, the forest is left to grow on its own. The scenery is reminiscent of Canada
- Waterfalls & the Mürtschen Massif: Streams , rock gardens, and the striking trio of Stock, Fulen, and Ruchen accompany you
- Largest chestnut forest north of the Alps: Over 1,850 sweet chestnut trees thrive at the entrance to the valley near Murg
- Bouldering on Red Verrucano: Over 700 boulder problems make the Murg Valley the "Valley of Unlimited Possibilities"
- Swimming, fishing, and stopping for a bite to eat at 1,800 meters above sea level: The Upper Murgsee invites you to take a dip in the cool water, and the rustic Murgseehütte is the perfect spot to take a break