Crestasee is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful lakes and a popular destination among both locals and tourists in the summer months. It’s known for crystal clear water, gorgeous surroundings, and ample hiking trails that will keep you entertained for days.
Lake Cresta, Lag la Cresta, and Crestasee are just some of the names the locals have for this wonderful lake situated at 844 meters above sea level. Just like there are several ways to call the lake, there are also many reasons to visit it, and I’ve covered them all in this detailed visitor’s guide. When to go, what to do in the area, and how to get there are just a few key things included below!
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How to Reach Crestasee
Crestasee is accessible by personal vehicle, public transportation, and hiking trails. If you have a car in Switzerland you can drive to one of the parking spaces near the southern shore of the lake and then just hike the rest of the way. It’s approximately a 15-minute walk from the Crestasee parking lots to the kiosk at the northern shore of the lake, but you can be at the bottom of the lake in less than 10 minutes.
Travelers who are getting around by public transport can take the 81 bus from Chur to Farela. Get off the bus at the Felsbach Crestasee station in the Trin, Mulin village and you’re right at the start of the trail towards Lake Cresta. It’s about a 30-minute walk from the bus stop to the lake.
Chur is easily accessible by trains from Zurich, St. Gallen, and Lucerne. It’s about an hour and a half by direct train from Zurich to Chur, but some two hours and a train change if you’re traveling from St. Gallen or Lucerne.
Ticket Prices & Opening Hours
You can pay the entrance fee for Crestasee at the kiosk on the northern shore of the lake. The kiosk is open from mid-May to mid-September, and daily tickets are 7 CHF for adults, and 5 CHF if you arrive after 4 PM. It’s worth noting that many discounts are available and the most expensive tickets get you a day’s worth of access to the lake.
There are also 1-hour tickets (3 CHF) for those in the mood for just a quick swim, as well as various discounts for locals, children, groups, and students. It’s also possible to purchase seasonal tickets, which grant you access to the lake whenever you want.
Activities at Crestasee
Hiking, swimming, and all sorts of other fun activities on the water are things you can do at Crestasee. Whether you want to spend a day having fun with your family and swimming, or you want to explore the beautiful surroundings and maybe even hike to Lake Cauma, you can do so from the immediate surroundings of Lake Cresta.
There are many hiking trails near the lake and they’re perfect for quick outings. Lake Caumasee is just a short hike away from Lake Cresta, and it’s definitely worth visiting if you want to thoroughly explore this area. There’s also a short path to Felsbach gorge, which is one of the most popular natural landmarks in this part of Switzerland.
The Conn viewing platform is also a popular hiking destination in the area. It’s only about 40 minutes south of the lake, and it offers mesmerizing views of the surrounding mountains, forest, and river.
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Swimming in the lake is also popular in the summer months, but it’s worth noting that Crestasee doesn’t boast many public beaches. Instead, you’ll have to hike around the lake for a little while, trying to find that perfect spot with enough shade and easy water access. There are quite a few such spots towards the southern shore of the lake, with access from rocks and boulders.
Alternatively, you can stick around the northern edge of Lake Cresta and enter the water from the pier. It’s possible to rent SUPs, kayaks, and boats from the kiosk, and you can use those to explore the lake further and find the best swimming areas.
In addition to all that, it’s worth noting that there’s also a seasonal restaurant very close to the kiosk at Crestasee. If you forget to bring snacks or you just want to enjoy some delicious local cuisine, you can do so at Restaurant Crestasee. Just remember that it’s open only during peak tourist season and that it often operates at capacity.
Best Time to Visit Crestasee
The best time to visit Crestasee is in the summer season, between May and September. This is when the kiosk is open and it’s possible to SUPs, umbrellas, lounge chairs, boats, etc. While there’s nothing stopping you from visiting in the off-season when no entrance fee is charged to visitors, your experience of Crestasee will be a vastly different one.
This beautiful lake is popular for swimming, and it’s a great place to relax, lounge in the sun, and swim in cold water on hot days. But it’s only possible to do that in the summer when the lake water is warm enough for a comfortable swim. And even then, the water temperature might be too cold for people who prefer swimming in warm bodies of water.
Is Crestasee Worth Visiting?
Yes, Crestasee is absolutely worth visiting, even if you’re only doing it on a day trip from somewhere nearby. It’s a wonderful lake, and although it might not be as impressive as the much bigger Lake Cauma, it still holds a certain charm that’s worth witnessing with your own two eyes.
So, whether you’re planning a longer vacation in Switzerland or a day trip from one of the nearby towns, it’s definitely worth it to try to incorporate the wonderful Crestasee into your busy schedule.
Tips When Visiting Crestasee
You only need to pay the entrance fee if you want to swim in the lake. This covers the yearly lake maintenance fee, which is how the local authorities manage to keep it clean and swimmer-friendly. If you’re just hiking in the area and you have no interest in swimming in the lake, you don’t have to purchase an entrance ticket.
Plan to spend at least one whole day in this area. You don’t have to spend the night if you get there first thing in the morning and leave right after dark, but you should plan to spend as many hours here as possible. There are many different short hiking trails in the area, each with something unique to offer, and they’re all worth exploring when you’ve already made it this far.
If you’re hiking to Caumsee, know that dogs aren’t allowed at the beach. Those traveling with dogs in the region won’t be granted access to the Caumasee beach, but it’s worth noting that both you and your dog can still go swimming at one of the spots away from the main lido.
