Helsana Trail

Experience one of Switzerland's most captivating short hikes on the Helsana Trail loop in Filzbach, Glarus Nord. This easily accessible 2.4 km (1.5 mile) route is perfect for visitors looking to combine stunning natural beauty with a short forest hike.

Starting and ending near the charming village of Filzbach, this well-maintained trail offers panoramic lookouts over the striking turquoise waters of Walensee and the surrounding Alpine landscape. The main highlight is the breathtaking, distant view of Seerenbach Falls (Seerenbachfälle), one of Switzerland’s tallest waterfalls at 585 meters (1,919 feet). Whether you are staying at the nearby Seminarhotel Lihn or just looking for a rewarding day hike with unparalleled Swiss views, this loop delivers a perfect mix of forest paths, open meadows, and iconic mountain scenery.

Trail Overview and Key Highlights

This hike begins along Panoramastrasse where hikers will walk down the main road, passing Seminarhotel Lihn on their way downhill. If you're staying at Seminarhotel Lihn like we did, then the hike begins right outside of the hotel's doors.

As you hike down the public road, you'll find some of the best views of the turquoise waters of Walensee, in addition to Switzerland's 2nd-tallest waterfall, Seerenbach Falls. Located across the valley, Seerenbach Falls spills down several tiers of cascades with its total height reaching 585-meters (1,919-feet). The massive plummet of Seerenbach Falls cannot be missed and the views of the turquoise waters of Walensee, with the hanging valley village of Amden, are unmatched.

The trail curves around a couple of bends, with more views along the way, before you reach an official trailhead near 0.6 km. Here, the Helsana Trail leads hikers into the woods where you'll find a small "outdoor classroom" that sits next to a water trough. If you're in need of filterable water, the water trough can be used to refill your water bottle - just make sure you use a filter just in case.

Walensee Viewpoint - 0.75 km

After entering the forest, you'll find a small off-shoot trail that leads to a viewpoint high above Walensee. At the viewpoint, you'll find a bench and a large horn-shaped wooden object that appears to be used for fun - communicating a message to the valley below or simply looking through the cone-shaped wooden structure to enjoy the view. Walensee's turquoise waters sit below the lookout and across the valley sits the hanging valley village of Amden, Switzerland.

Keep-Right at Junction - 1.08 km

As you hike further west along the Helsana Trail, it eventually reaches a fork. Here, keep-right at the fork to hike downhill slightly. You know you're on the correct trail when you pass a rock ledge soon after the fork.

Obstructed Walensee Viewpoint - 1.24 km

Near 1.24 km from the trailhead, hikers will reach another viewpoint of Walensee and Amden, but this time it's a bit more obstructed than the previous. Hike through the open meadow to find scenic Swiss Alps views along the way.

Hiking Uphill - 1.5 km

Just west of the open meadow view of Walensee and Amden, the trail will lead uphill near 1.5 km. As of September 2025, the left-hand turn to hike uphill followed an unmaintained path and was easy to miss. If you accidentally skip this turn, you'll find a maintained trail junction just a bit further ahead. Follow the trail as it leads uphill following switchbacks along the way.

Meadows, Playground, and Views - 1.72 to 2 km

Once the trail leads to the top of the hill, it ends up in another wide open meadow. Here, you'll find a small playground and a well-defined trail that leads around the meadow. On the east side of the meadow sits a nice view to the west of a barn and Swiss mountains in the distance. Continue along the Helsana Trail to hike through another large, open meadow with more views of the 585-meter (1,919-foot) tall waterfall, Seerenbach Falls. On the east side of the meadow, the trail leads back onto the road, Panoramastrasse.

Return Hike to Parking - 2 to 2.4 km

Once you reach Panoramastrasse, the hike leads past Seminarhotel Lihn before it curves up the road to reach the center of Filzbach. The hike ends back at the parking lot in Filzbach for a moderate 2.4 (1.5 mile) loop hike.

Parking & Directions: How to Get to the Helsana Trail

Visitors in Filzbach will find several parking lots along the roads: Panoramastrasse / Stalden. Note that some of these parking lots are privately-owned and are not public parking spaces. Please check before leaving your vehicle. For visitors to Seminarhotel Lihn, the hotel provides designated parking spaces. I highly recommend you take public transportation to reach the trailhead as the parking lots along the road may only be private access.

Pets

Dogs are allowed only if leashed and must be cleaned up after.