Turquoise from every direction
Change of perspective at Lake Lünersee
Anyone who has ever stepped out of the Lünerseebahn gondola at 1,970 meters above sea level knows: Lake Lünersee is not described as the "turquoise blue pearl of the Rätikon" for nothing. On some days, its intense colors are almost reminiscent of the South Sea, except that instead of palm trees, it reflects the impressive Alpine panorama that surrounds the mountain lake. On other days, when the wind ripples its surface, it shimmers milky like the mineral turquoise itself. Looking at this extraordinary blaze of color, a question arises in my mind: does the color of the lake change depending on the angle of view?
We begin to unravel the mystery with our first hike around the lake. The circular route is easy and family-friendly, with picturesque views of the reservoir and the surrounding mountains. A stop at Alpe Lünersee is particularly rewarding, where curious goats are waiting to be stroked and the raclette bread offers an almost irresistible snack.
But our search for the answer does not end there. There are other perspectives that we want to explore. So we head up to the Schesaplana, the queen of the Rätikon at 2,965 meters above sea level. The ascent is challenging but rewarding and the summit is reached in around three hours. Passing the Totalphütte (culinary tip: try the curd cheese lasagne), the path leads over rocky terrain, while Lake Lünersee accompanies us again and again in its radiant color - even if it gets smaller with increasing altitude. Once at the top, the realization remains: radiant turquoise. Unchanged.
After returning from the Schesaplana, filled with the joy of the summit and exhausted from the meters of altitude, we move into our rooms in the Douglass hut directly on the shore of Lake Lünersee. After a restful night, my gaze is captivated in the morning by the glittering play of the morning sun on the water. A natural spectacle that you could watch for hours.
Today's tour takes us to the Swiss Gate. Will Lake Lünersee shine turquoise on us from this perspective too? The path first winds along the eastern shore, then up to the Verajoch. The color, which seems only slightly bluer from here, doesn't really change. We continue our tour into the Montafon to the Lindauerhütte and end the day with a leisurely ride back from Latschau to Brand. We take the last gondola up to Lake Lünersee again and, just like the first time, I enjoy its bright color.
After another overnight stay at the Douglass Hütte, we set off the next day for our last vantage point. If you want to climb the Gamsluggen, you have to get up early, because the path is challenging. A well-secured but strenuous climb lies ahead of us. A light wind is blowing, the lake looks milky but still turquoise. Once we reach the top, the view is enchanting. The turquoise heart of the Rätikon mountains lies before us! The unique heart shape can only be seen from this perspective and is well worth the strenuous ascent to Gamsluggen.
After these impressive days, it is clear that the Lünersee is more than just an alpine lake. It is the "turquoise" of the Rätikon - a natural jewel that reveals new facets from every angle.
