Top 20 Lakes around Flawil
Best lakes around Flawil are characterized by the region's diverse natural landscape, featuring several notable ponds and smaller lakes. These bodies of water, often referred to as "Weiher," provide natural settings for recreation and relaxation. While Flawil itself does not have large natural lakes, its surroundings offer cherished local gems for outdoor activities.
Best lakes around Flawil
- The most popular lakes is Bettenauer Pond, a lake that is a popular local recreation area. This moor pond is known for quiet walks, with driving prohibited to enhance its tranquil atmosphere.
- Another must-see spot is Horbacher Pond, a lake created in the 15th century for fish farming. It is now part of a protected and idyllic local recreation area, offering a popular nature hiking trail.
- Visitors also love Hauptwil Pond, a lake with a public bath available in the summer. This idyllic pond landscape is part of a series of five ponds and offers a tranquil bathing facility.
- Flawil is known for its ponds, moor ponds, and reservoirs. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from historic fish farming ponds to modern recreational areas.
- The lakes around Flawil are appreciated by the komoot community. These locations have received more than 400 upvotes and feature over 60 photos from visitors.
Last updated: May 2, 2026
Hauptwil Pond
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Bettenauer Pond
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Gübsensee East
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Espel Biotope
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In the nature reserve Espel, an amphibious spawning area of national importance, there is the endangered yellow-bellied toad, in addition to other amphibian species. It needs sunny shallow waters for reproduction. The grass snake and the sand lizard also use the structurally rich habitats of the former gravel pit. There are numerous dragonflies flying in the waters in the summer, the gullard or the reed warbler are breeding in the reeds, and butterflies and many other insects fly in the flowery meadows.
In the dry meadows grows the shaggy clapper or the widow's flower. In the border area to the groves one finds the Akelei, in wetter passages the Kuckucks-carnation. Occasionally orchids grow in the area, some the rare marsh root.
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Wisssee
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Small lake at the upper gorge entrance. Almost the larger lake is located at the other, lower end of the gorge due to the dam (my two photos show the reservoir below).
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Passing west of the beautiful Bettenauer Weiher (driving is prohibited all around).
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The Bettenauer Weiher lies in a depression between Wildberg and Uzwil, entirely within the municipality of Oberuzwil, in the Toggenburg region in the Swiss Alpine foothills. The pond's bottom consists of peat soil. The pond includes the smaller peat ponds to the east. The Bettenauer Weiher was originally a moor pond, the origin of which can ultimately be traced back to the formation of a depression between the Wildberg and Vogelsberg mountains during the Würm glaciation, when the entire Toggenburg region was covered by the Rhine glacier. The area around the Bettenauer Weiher is a fen of regional importance. It is part of an amphibian spawning area of national importance. For this reason, the pond has had an amphibian guide structure, a protected road underpass, since 1993. [Source: Wikipedia]
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On the dam of the Hauptwiler Weier (the last of a total of 5 Weiers in a row). There is a nice place to sit here.
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Super nice view of the Hauptwil pond from the rest area on the dam.
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A dream for every photographer... dragonflies, frogs, ....
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Beautiful lake on the outskirts of the city and a fisherman's hot-spot
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Beautiful reservoir and great local recreation area. It also has large fire pit. You can also swim in the lake.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I find around Flawil?
The region around Flawil is characterized by smaller lakes and ponds, often referred to as 'Weiher' in German. These include historic fish farming ponds like Hauptwil Pond and Horbacher Pond, as well as moor ponds such as Bettenauer Pond, and even a transformed gravel plant now a diverse nature conservation area like Espel Biotope.
Are there opportunities for swimming in the lakes near Flawil?
Yes, Hauptwil Pond is known for having a public bath available during the summer months, offering a tranquil bathing facility.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around these lakes?
You'll find diverse natural landscapes, including protected idyllic recreation areas, moorland environments, and biotopes. For example, Espel Biotope is a diverse nature conservation area, home to endangered amphibian species and various insects and birds.
Are the lakes around Flawil suitable for family outings?
Many of the lakes are considered family-friendly. For instance, Bettenauer Pond and Hauptwil Pond are popular local recreation areas ideal for relaxing walks and enjoying nature with family.
What historical significance do some of these ponds hold?
Several ponds, such as Hauptwil Pond and Horbacher Pond, were originally created in the 15th century for fish farming. Gübsensee East is notable for its dam, built in 1900, which was the first gravity dam in Switzerland.
Can I go hiking near the lakes in the Flawil region?
Absolutely. The area offers numerous hiking opportunities. You can find various trails, including easy and moderate options, around the lakes. For more details on routes, check out the Hiking around Flawil guide.
Are there specific trails for running or cycling around the lakes?
Yes, the region provides trails suitable for both running and cycling. For example, you can find routes that pass by Bettenauer Pond or Gübsensee East. Explore options in the Running Trails around Flawil and Cycling around Flawil guides.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes near Flawil?
The lakes are enjoyable year-round for walks and enjoying nature. Summer is particularly popular, especially at Hauptwil Pond where the public bath is open. The tranquil atmosphere makes them pleasant for visits in spring and autumn as well.
Is public transport available to reach these lakes?
While specific public transport details for each pond vary, the region is generally accessible. For instance, Espel Biotope in Gossau has a parking lot right next to it, suggesting good accessibility.
Are there facilities like parking or seating areas at the lakes?
Yes, some locations offer facilities for visitors. Espel Biotope, for example, has a parking lot and ample seating (Bänkli) along its circular path. Gübsensee East is also known for its many Bänkli and fire pits.
What makes <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/1040586" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bettenauer Pond</a> a special place to visit?
Known affectionately as 'Betti' by locals, Bettenauer Pond is a popular moor pond where driving is prohibited, ensuring a tranquil atmosphere ideal for quiet walks and enjoying the serene landscape.
Can I bring my dog to the lakes around Flawil?
The lakes and surrounding trails are generally welcoming for dog walkers, offering natural settings for walks. However, specific regulations regarding dogs might apply in certain protected areas or public bathing zones, so it's always good to check local signage.
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