This is my second approach when it comes to Klöntal Lake. I also went here at the end of February. The surroundings around the lake looked amazing then. But, I must admit, it was difficult to wade through the snow-covered forest. This is why I recommend the route in warmer weather.

The lake is located at an altitude of around 848 m and is surrounded on all sides by majestic mountains. Contrary to appearances, the lake was formed naturally by a landslide of the southern and northern slopes of the valley. It was only later that a dam was built with water and the lake began to be used to generate electricity (1908).

Practical use of ice from Klöntal Lake

It is interesting to note that, before ice machines came on the market, ice was largely harvested from the frozen Klöntal Lake. Recipients were not only Swiss breweries, but also bars and restaurants in Köln, Paris or Marseille. This was done by first transporting the ice blocks by sleigh to Glarus and then sending them out into the world by rail.

The brewery in Wädenswil used this old method of acquiring ice for the longest time, until 1953.

A few words about the route

As for the route, almost half of it runs along the wooded shore of the lake. Along the way, there are many paths leading down to the water itself, as well as plenty of places where you can spread out a blanket.

The views are sensational. And you also pass the high Dunggelaui waterfall, under which daredevils cool off on a hot day.

The road continues up through the forest to the Schwammhöhe restaurant. I don’t know if they serve good food, but the view from the terrace is unearthly. From here you have a magnificent panorama of Klöntal Lake and the surrounding peaks. It is worth stopping here, if only for the view alone.

The route ends in the town of Glarus, which is the capital of the canton of the same name.

The last legal execution of a witch

I don’t know if you know that it was here that the last legal execution in Europe of a woman accused of witchcraft was carried out. Her name was Anna Göldi and she did not have an easy life.

Her fate was sealed by an influential resident of Glarus, for whom she worked as a maid. He was Johann Jakob Tschudi, a doctor, judge, government official and councillor all rolled into one. Anna also looked after his daughter.

When one day the girl spat out needles and died shortly afterwards, the maid was accused of killing the child and then of witchcraft.

Anna Göldi didn’t stand a chance in this battle and, under torture, confessed to all the charges against her. And on 13 June 1782, she was executed by the sword.

Museum dedicated to Anna Göldi

You can find out more about her at the museum in Ennenda (Anna Göldi Museum), initiated and sponsored by the Anna Göldi Foundation.

The foundation was founded in 2007 and its statutory objective is to preserve the memory of Anna Göldi. In addition, the foundation is committed to protecting human rights and against discrimination and racism.

As a practical note, there are campsites by the lake, and therefore also parking spaces. I travelled to the lake by bus no. 504 from Glarus station.