Grimselsee
Lake Swiss alpine reservoir in Bernese Oberland used for hydroelectricity
Grimselsee is a high alpine reservoir on the Grimsel Pass in Switzerland, part of a hydroelectric system; travelers drive the pass for hiking, dam views and access to surrounding peaks and glacier‑fed valleys.
Grimselsee is a high-alpine reservoir in the Canton of Bern near Grimsel Pass in the Bernese Oberland. It is an artificial lake formed for hydroelectric power and water storage.
The lake and its dam sit amid steep alpine scenery and are a focal point for scenic driving, short hikes and viewpoints along the Grimsel Pass road. The setting includes dam infrastructure and mountain-rimmed shorelines rather than recreational beaches.
The lake was created in the 20th century as part of regional hydroelectric development and forms one element of the Grimsel power complex. It is operated together with nearby reservoirs and power stations to regulate river flow and generate electricity.
Grimselsee lies adjacent to the Grimsel Pass road in the Bernese Alps, on the watershed between the cantons of Bern and Valais; the pass connects the upper Aare valley with the Goms and is reached from towns such as Innertkirchen and Meiringen.
- Seasonal access: The reservoir is part of the Grimsel hydroelectric system and is reached by the Grimsel Pass road, which is closed in winter months.
How to Get to Grimselsee #
Grimselsee is reached via the Grimsel Pass road from either the Haslital (near Meiringen) or from Guttannen/Innertkirchen in the Bern Oberland. The pass is seasonal and typically open in summer; check local road and weather conditions before travel.
Tips for Visiting Grimselsee #
- Walk the lakeshore early morning for mirror reflections of the Blüemlisalp and surrounding peaks.
- If driving, access from the Grimsel Pass road provides dramatic approaches but is seasonal-check before making plans.
- Combine the visit with hydroelectric heritage sites in the region; the Grimsel and nearby dams are part of the landscape's industrial history.
Best Time to Visit Grimselsee #
Summer months offer the most reliable access and walking conditions around the lake.
Weather & Climate near Grimselsee #
Grimselsee's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -9°C to 13°C. Abundant rainfall (1331 mm/year), wettest in June, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -8°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of -3°C and lows of -9°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -7°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (127 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (121 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (123 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -7°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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