Alpine trail

Täschalp-Weingartensee (Nr. 47)

The name of this walk is misleading. The Weingartensee, which means “vineyard lake”, is certainly a lake, but there are no vineyards far and wide. This is a wild and bare landscape, sculpted by the retreating glaciers.

View from the lake Weingartensee with the Matterhorn in the background
  • Type Alpine trail
  • Difficulty hard
  • Duration 4,40 h
  • Distance 8,9 km
  • Ascent 948 m
  • Descent 948 m
  • Lowest point 2191 m
  • Highest point 3139 m

Description

The trail leads at first to the Täsch hut, a popular base for mountaineers planning to scale the Alphubel, Täschhorn and Rimpfischhorn. The path then continues up to the Weingartensee along a former lateral moraine. Scree, rock and cliffs dominate the arid landscape, which has hardly any vegetation. Stand at the far end of the reservoir, and the mirror-like surface appears to merge with the sky.

Dominating the landscape is the mighty Alphubel, more than 4,000 m high, whose shape and name suggests a hill rather than a mountain. In the local dialect, “Hubel” refers to a small, rounded mound or a hilly landscape.

  • Variant: by taxi to Täschalp (Ottavan / Ottaffe)
  • Region devoid of people; wonderful views
  • Magnificent views of the Weisshorn, Zinalrothorn, Matterhorn
  • Täschalp: cheese and Ziger soft cheese for sale

Täschalp (Ottavan) - Täsch hut - Weingartensee - Täschalp (Ottavan)

(Hiking time in reverse direction: approx. 4h 45)

We recommend:

  • Good footwear
  • Hiking poles (optional)
  • Clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof)

Important! A good head for heights, a sure foot and mountain experience are needed

A great subject for a photograph is the Täschalp with the chapel in the foreground and the mighty Weisshorn (4,506 m) as the backdrop.
  • Plan every mountain tour carefully and adapt to participants’ fitness level as well as the weather and season.
  • Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time.
  • Inform others of planned route, and whenever possible avoid going alone.
  • Do not leave the marked routes; do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
  • Please be considerate to other walkers and to plants and animals.
  • Take note of the warning signs drawing attention to the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs.

Map and arrival

detailed map