Top 20 Lakes around Herisau

The Drei Weieren (St. Gallen) are a highly popular recreational area known for swimming and relaxing, offering views towards Lake Constance. Another favorite is Hauptwil Pond, which features a public bath in summer. For a more tranquil setting, Wenigerweier is located in a nature reserve and is ideal for unwinding.

Yes, several lakes are well-suited for families. The Drei Weieren (St. Gallen) are considered family-friendly, with areas for swimming and picnicking. Seealpsee, though a bit further, is also very family-friendly, offering rowboat rentals, a restaurant, and a playground.

Many lakes near Herisau are excellent starting points for hikes. Seealpsee is accessible via scenic hiking routes, particularly from Wasserauen. Fälensee, located in the Alpstein mountain range, requires a challenging three-hour hike but rewards visitors with dramatic scenery. Gäbrisseeli also features a scenic circular hiking trail. For more general hiking options around the region, you can explore routes in the Hiking around Herisau guide.

Public transport options vary by lake. For the Drei Weieren, you can take city buses or the Mühleggbahn to 'St. Gallen, Mühlegg' and walk about five minutes. During summer, a dedicated bathing bus often runs directly to the ponds. For Seealpsee, the fastest way is typically by hiking from Wasserauen, which is reachable by train.

The Drei Weieren (St. Gallen) are a popular bathing resort in summer, with designated swimming areas like Frauenweier and Mannenweier. Hauptwil Pond also has a tranquil public bath. Fälensee offers opportunities for swimming, though access to the shore can be easier further along the lake.

Fälensee, due to its more challenging three-hour hike to reach, tends to be less crowded and offers a tranquil experience amidst dramatic mountain scenery. Wenigerweier, located in a nature reserve, also provides an idyllic and peaceful setting.

The lakes offer diverse natural features. Seealpsee is famed for its picturesque setting surrounded by impressive, spiky mountain peaks and lush meadows. Wenigerweier is part of a nature reserve and features a small island important for amphibians. Fälensee is nestled within the rugged Alpstein mountain range, offering stunning alpine vistas.

The best time to visit depends on your desired activities. Summer is ideal for swimming at spots like the Drei Weieren and Hauptwil Pond. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking around lakes like Seealpsee and Gäbrisseeli, with vibrant foliage or blooming flowers. Some lakes, like Buebenweier at Drei Weieren, can even be used for ice skating in winter if the ice thickness allows.

Yes, some lakes have amenities nearby. Seealpsee features a restaurant. At the Drei Weieren, the Milchhüsli kiosk on the east side of Mannenweier offers food, and Hauptwil Pond has an ice cream stand in summer.

While some lakes are more suited for hiking, the broader region around Herisau offers numerous cycling routes. You can find various options for touring bicycles and road cycling in the Cycling around Herisau and Road Cycling Routes around Herisau guides, which may include routes with views of or access to some of the larger regional bodies of water like Lake Constance.

Visitors frequently praise the picturesque beauty and tranquil atmosphere of these lakes. Many appreciate the opportunities for relaxation, swimming, and hiking. The Drei Weieren are loved for their wonderful views over St. Gallen and towards Lake Constance, while Wenigerweier is cherished as an idyllic place to unwind.

Gäbrisseeli offers a scenic circular trail that is generally suitable for easy walks. The path around Wenigerweier is also a beautiful forest path, taking around 20 minutes, making it accessible for families and beginners. The recreational areas around the Drei Weieren also provide easy walking paths.