Murgseehütte – Alpine Hut & Murgsee Lakes Hiking Base

The Murgseehütte is a scenic mountain hut located above the Murgsee lakes, on the border region between the Glarus Alps and Eastern Switzerland. Surrounded by alpine lakes, meadows, and rugged limestone slopes, it serves primarily as an alpine hiking destination and stage hut, popular for its dramatic setting and relatively accessible routes. The atmosphere is relaxed and nature-oriented, attracting hikers rather than technical mountaineers.

• Hut Overview

  • Location: Murgsee area, Glarus / St. Gallen border, Switzerland

  • Altitude: ≈ 1,800 m

  • Type: Mountain hut / alpine chalet (non-SAC)

  • Capacity: Approx. 30–40 sleeping places

  • Season:

    • Guarded: typically June to October (weather-dependent)

  • Management: Local mountain association

• Access & Approaches

  Access involves classic alpine hiking through forests and open terrain.

  • Main approaches:

    • From the Murg valley (most common)

    • From surrounding alpine passes as part of longer routes

  • Hiking time: ~3–4.5 hours

  • Elevation gain: ~900–1,200 m

  • Terrain: Forest paths, alpine meadows, rocky sections

  • Difficulty: T2–T3

  No glacier travel or exposure is required.

• Facilities & Comfort

  Comfort is simple, warm, and well adapted to overnight hikers.

  • Dormitory-style sleeping with blankets

  • Meals and refreshments during guarded season

  • Drinking water available

  • Basic toilets

  Facilities focus on practicality and the enjoyment of the landscape.

• Food & Atmosphere

  Friendly, calm, and scenic.

  • Traditional Swiss mountain cuisine

  • Popular with hikers and photographers

  • Evenings are relaxed, often centered around the lakes

  The lakeside setting is a defining feature of the hut.

• Routes & Alpine Context

  The Murgseehütte is ideal for:

  • Alpine hiking around the Murgsee lakes

  • Scenic day hikes and short multi-day itineraries

  • Ridge walks and panoramic viewpoints

  • Nature photography and relaxed alpine exploration

  It is not intended for glacier travel or technical climbing.

• When to Go

  • Best season: July to September

  • Conditions: Snow may linger early in the season

  • Main risks: Sudden weather changes, wet trails

• Who Is This Hut For

  • Alpine hikers

  • Nature lovers and photographers

  • Trekking groups

  • Visitors seeking scenic overnights in a lake-rich alpine setting

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At around 1,800 m, the Murgseehütte offers one of the most photogenic and tranquil settings in Eastern Switzerland. Its combination of alpine lakes, approachable terrain, and welcoming hut culture makes it ideal for hikers who value landscape, calm, and visual drama over altitude or technical challenge.