This delightful Gangalisee river walk in south-eastern Liechtenstein is perfect for kids and dogs. It can be turned into a proper hike if necessary and the cold but crystal waters of the river are perfect for a hot summer’s day.

On the weekend the lake is full of families having barbeques on the shoreline but during the week there are just a handful of visitors most days.

Gangalisee lake

The name is a bit deceiving because Gangalisee is not actually a lake but a man made blockage of the Valunerabach river!

It’s effectively a dam and a reservoir which is fed by the river and whilst you cannot access the main, deeper ‘lakes’ (which are SO turquoise), it’s possible to swim and play in the smaller one and the river and it’s a ton of fun for dogs and kids!

Where to park

Steg Parkplatz bim Ganglisee is where you want to head to. Click the map to save it to your phone or search in Google maps.

Where to walk to

There is a fixed path on the right hand side (same side as you park) of the river. The majority of the path is a flat dirt track which is suitable for an off-road pushchair.

You will pass a number of bridges and can cross to the other side of the river at regular points. Some of the path to the left is actually paved but it does lead higher and slightly away from the river until it undulates and returns.

Restaurant Valuna

After about 30 minutes walking, you’ll reach a wooden, chalet-style, restaurant. It’s a small and simple menu (cash only), offering soup and cheese/meat plates. We didn’t eat there however there’s a small play-park and a clean bathroom. It is not on google maps but it is on other maps.

From the car park to restaurant Valuna is roughly 2km. I really wanted to carry on walking, to see where the path would take us, however the kids have decided this is definitely not a technique worth risking because I usually drag them out for 10k+.

We decided to turn around at the restaurant, cross the river and head back. We had a little play in the river and a swim in the lake. The total distance was 5.63km.

The route

I mapped this through ‘MapMyHike’ and it’s available here if you want to see it.

Playing in the river

The waters were a little on the cold side but that seems to inhibit the dog or kids. We played for a while building dams, hopping on rocks and chasing the dog through the water.

Swimming in the lake

Swimming in Gangalisee lake was definitely for the dog and not the kids. When I suggested they go skinny dipping, they were not at all keen lol. Apparently it was too cold for dipping although the waters did look very inviting.

Further hikes

I didn’t realise it at the time but there are a number of decent sized hikes in the area through the Valuna Valley.

You can download a 13km, moderately easy, hike using GPX data and use it on your phone from the link above.

I would have loved to do the Pfalzerhutte but… maybe next time when I can convince the kids it’s a good idea!

I want to swim in this!

I don’t think you’re allowed to but I’d love to hop into these waters for a quick dip!

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Off to Liechtenstein? Looking for a day trip from Switzerland? Visit Gangalisee Lake and add this to your pinterest board.