Schwarzsee

The Schwarzsee is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 2.588m (8,490ft) above the sea level, located in the canton of Valais, in the southwestern part of Switzerland.

The road to this mythic and idyllic lake is gravel, rocky, tippy and bumpy at times. The road is very narrow and impassable in winters. Great trail for experienced wheelers. Avoid driving in this area if unpaved mountain roads aren't your strong point. Beside the lake, which lies in a small hollow, stands a chapel dedicated to “Maria zum Schnee” (“Our Lady of the Snows”). According to legend, the chapel has its origins in a promise. Two people from Zermatt had lost their way in the fog near the Theodul Pass. They pledged that if they were saved, they would build a chapel.
It’s one of the highest roads of the country. Stay away if you're scared of heights. Expect a trail pretty steep located in the midst of wonderfully picturesque scenery. Wet conditions may make for tough driving along the muddy road. The surface of the Schwarzsee (“black lake”) is indeed often very dark, even black. It lies right at the foot of the Matterhorn.

 

• The old Tremola road to Gotthard Pass
• Alp Mora