Melchsee-Frutt

Frutt sits at about nineteen hundred metres on a shelf above the Melchtal, and the main way up is the gondola from Stockalp; a single-lane road with alternating one-way traffic opens only from about late May to early November, so the plateau has stayed quiet and has no through traffic. The Melchsee is the main lake, with the Tannensee and Blausee nearby, all shallow and cold and fished for trout. Walking between them is easy and nearly level, unusual at this altitude, and a gondola continues over to Engstlenalp and the Joch Pass. In winter it becomes a modest ski area with a snow-shoe and winter-walking network. Ibex and marmot are on the higher slopes toward the Erzegg and Balmeregghorn.

What you'll find

• A gondola and a summer lane - the cable car all season, a single-lane road from late May to early November.
• Three shallow lakes - Melchsee, Tannensee and Blausee on one shelf.
• Level walking at 1,900 metres - rare easy paths this high.
• A link to Engstlenalp - the gondola over toward the Joch Pass.

When to go

June to October, or the winter season. A day.

Before you go

The cable car closes between seasons - late spring and late autumn are dead. Everything on the plateau is priced for the lift-only supply chain. Weather changes quickly and there is little shelter between lakes. The area is small.

Nearby

Engstlenalp is over the gondola; Sarnen and Lake Sarnen are below.