Mattmark Dam & Lake
An impressive artificial lake and dam set against dramatic alpine peaks, offering scenic hikes and a touch of historical mystery.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer skies, fewer crowds
Mattmark Dam & Lake
Best Time
Clearer skies, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An impressive artificial lake and dam set against dramatic alpine peaks, offering scenic hikes and a touch of historical mystery.
"A beautiful dam, lovely walk around the outside and a very interesting piece of geography!"
🧥 Pack Warm Layers
It's chilly up here! Bring a sweater or jacket, even on sunny days.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Essential for the scenic loop trail around the lake.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mattmark Dam
The dam itself
An impressive feat of engineering, this massive dam creates a stunning artificial lake.
Shoreline Loop Trail
Around Mattmarksee
An easy, scenic walk with breathtaking alpine views and glimpses of the glacier.
Alpine Scenery
Surrounding peaks
Majestic mountains like the Dom and Weissmies provide a dramatic backdrop to the lake.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dress for Alpine Weather
Embrace the Hike
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Pack Warm Layers
It's chilly up here! Bring a sweater or jacket, even on sunny days.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Essential for the scenic loop trail around the lake.
📸 Capture the Views
The dramatic dam and mountain scenery are incredibly photogenic.
☕ Refuel at the Restaurant
Enjoy a meal or coffee with a view after your walk.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Pack Warm Layers
It's chilly up here! Bring a sweater or jacket, even on sunny days.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Essential for the scenic loop trail around the lake.
📸 Capture the Views
The dramatic dam and mountain scenery are incredibly photogenic.
☕ Refuel at the Restaurant
Enjoy a meal or coffee with a view after your walk.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the dramatic scale of the Mattmark Dam and the stunning alpine scenery surrounding the artificial lake. The easy shoreline loop trail is a major highlight, offering beautiful views and a pleasant walking experience. Some mention the historical intrigue of the dam, adding another layer to the visit.
"This place has mystery in it's aura - winds, colours, lightning 🌿
Mattmarksee, also known as Stausee Mattmark, is an impressive artificial lake created by the Mattmark Dam. Nestled at an elevation of 2191 m, it is one of the highest reservoirs in Europe and plays a crucial role in hydroelectric power generation.
The lake is surrounded by stunning alpine scenery, with majestic peaks like the Dom and Weissmies providing a breathtaking backdrop."
Iryna Kabanchuk
"Beautiful dam, lovely walk around the outside and a very interesting piece of geography!"
Izzy Powell
"Very beautiful, easy going walk around the Mattmarksee. Lots of beautiful nature to enjoy incl. animals.
Take into account : it can be chilly/cold(er) up there so make sure to bring along a sweater or warmer clothing."
Pascale S.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mattmark Dam & Lake is accessible by car via a scenic mountain road from Saas-Almagell. Parking is available near the dam. Public transport options might involve buses to Saas-Almagell and then a local connection or walk.
Yes, there is parking available near the dam, which is convenient for accessing the lake and trails. It can get busy during peak season.
You can take a bus to Saas-Almagell and then potentially a further bus or enjoy a longer walk to reach Mattmark Dam & Lake. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information.
The road is a well-maintained mountain road, offering beautiful views as you ascend. It's generally suitable for most vehicles, but drive cautiously.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Mattmark Dam and the surrounding area is generally free. You can walk around the lake and admire the dam without purchasing a ticket.
The area is typically accessible year-round, though road conditions in winter can vary. The restaurant and any visitor facilities will have specific operating hours.
The hiking trails around Mattmarksee are public and do not require an entrance fee. Enjoy the natural beauty at your leisure.
Information on guided tours, especially regarding the dam's history or hydroelectric functions, may be available. It's best to check with local tourist information centers or the dam's operating authority.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can walk the scenic loop trail around the lake, admire the impressive dam, enjoy the alpine scenery, and visit the local restaurant. There's also historical significance related to WW2 smuggling routes.
The loop around Mattmarksee is approximately 5-7 km and can take about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete at a leisurely pace, depending on how often you stop for photos.
The shoreline loop is generally considered an easy to moderate walk. The path is well-maintained but can be uneven in places.
Yes, visitors often report seeing animals in the natural surroundings of Mattmarksee.
Mattmark Dam is a significant hydroelectric power generation facility. It also has a more mysterious past, with mentions of hidden corridors used during WW2.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant located near the dam that offers food and drinks, providing a great spot to rest and enjoy the views.
The restaurant typically serves local Swiss cuisine and refreshments. It's a good place to try regional dishes after your walk.
Picnicking is usually permitted in designated areas around the lake, allowing you to enjoy your own food amidst the stunning scenery.
📸 📸 Photography
The dam itself, the reflections in the lake, the surrounding mountain peaks (Dom, Weissmies), and the winding trail offer numerous picturesque opportunities.
Early mornings often provide clear light and fewer people, while late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour lighting on the mountains.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the dam and landscape. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant mountain peaks. Don't forget a polarizing filter for vibrant skies and water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look out for the local wildlife that might be spotted along the trail. The restaurant provides a convenient spot for a break and a meal. Remember to keep a close eye on children near the water's edge and on any steeper sections of the path. The drive up to Mattmark also offers scenic views that can keep younger passengers entertained.
🚶 Hikers & Nature Lovers
Nature lovers will appreciate the opportunity to experience a high-alpine environment, observing the unique flora and fauna adapted to these altitudes. The historical whispers of the dam's past add an intriguing dimension to the natural beauty. It's a place where engineering meets raw, majestic nature, offering a rich experience for those who appreciate both.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel: Mattmark Dam
Beyond its functional purpose, the dam holds a certain mystique. Stories and historical accounts hint at hidden passages and corridors within its structure, allegedly used for clandestine activities during World War II. This adds a layer of intrigue to the visit, making it more than just a scenic spot but a place with a complex past. The integration of this massive structure into the alpine environment is a key part of its unique appeal.
Exploring the Mattmarksee Loop Trail
As you traverse the loop, you'll experience the changing perspectives of the dam and the surrounding landscape. The trail provides excellent vantage points for photography, capturing the interplay of water, rock, and sky. The presence of the end of a glacier in the distance adds to the dramatic scenery. It's a walk that combines natural beauty with the impressive human-made structure of the dam, offering a truly memorable experience.
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