Wägitalersee Lake
Reservoir lake in Schwyz surrounded by alpine scenery
Reservoir lake in Canton Schwyz sitting among steep alpine ridges; hikers, anglers and small-boat users come for mountain trails, lakeside cabins and seasonal scenery.
Wägitalersee at a Glance#
Address: Wägitalersee (Wägital Reservoir), Canton of Schwyz, Switzerland
About Wägitalersee#
Wägitalersee is a reservoir in the Wägital valley of the Canton of Schwyz in central Switzerland, formed by damming the local river to create a water storage lake. It functions as both a hydroelectric storage reservoir and a local recreational waterbody.
The lake is set among steep forested hills and alpine-style pastures and is served by local roads and mountain access; there are lakeside viewpoints and limited visitor facilities catering to day visitors. Activities around the lake include shoreline walking, fishing and seasonal boating where permitted.
The reservoir was created by engineering works to dam the valley and manage water for energy generation and regional water supply; management balances utility operations with landscape and recreational values.
Wägitalersee lies in eastern Canton Schwyz in central Switzerland, south-east of the town of Einsiedeln, within a narrow mountain valley that connects upland meadows with lower-lying settlements.
- Reservoir use: An artificial reservoir in the Wägital valley used for hydroelectric power and recreational activities such as boating and fishing.
How to Get to Wägitalersee#
Wägitalersee is reached by canton roads from Schwyz and Einsiedeln. The Wägitalstrasse (local road) leads visitors along the valley; the nearest larger towns are Einsiedeln and Schwyz with regional bus connections in season.
Tips for Visiting Wägitalersee#
- Drive the Wägitalstrasse (cantonal roads) for scenic viewpoints and small lakeside pull-offs.
- Bring binoculars for birdwatching - the lake's shores are home to waterfowl and migratory species.
- If driving in winter, check local road conditions; mountain routes can ice over.
Best Time to Visit Wägitalersee#
A highland reservoir in the Canton of Schwyz known for its steep-sided valley setting and clear alpine waters.
Weather & Climate near Wägitalersee#
Wägitalersee's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 20°C. Abundant rainfall (1528 mm/year), wettest in July.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -4° - 2° | -4° | 82 mm | overcast | 87% | 2.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
| February | Poor | -3° - 3° | -4° | 93 mm | overcast | 85% | 2.7 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.1h |
| March | Poor | -1° - 6° | 0° | 94 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 2.9 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Acceptable | 2° - 10° | 4° | 120 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 2.8 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 13.5h |
| May | Acceptable | 6° - 15° | 11° | 137 mm | overcast | 78% | 2.6 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.9h |
| June | Acceptable | 9° - 18° | 13° | 178 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 2.4 m/s | 1.6 very high | 15.7h |
| July | Good | 11° - 20° | 16° | 190 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 2.4 m/s | 1.6 very high | 15.3h |
| August | Good | 11° - 20° | 16° | 178 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 2.2 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.1h |
| September | Good | 8° - 16° | 12° | 132 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 2.3 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Poor | 5° - 12° | 7° | 108 mm | overcast | 82% | 2.3 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.7h |
| November | Poor | 0° - 6° | 1° | 115 mm | overcast | 85% | 2.5 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.2h |
| December | Poor | -3° - 3° | -3° | 101 mm | overcast | 86% | 2.5 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.3h |
