Lake Arnisee
Uri
Lake Arnisee, also known locally as Arniseeli, is a reservoir situated at 1368 meters above sea level on the Arnialp in the Canton of Uri, Switzerland. It was created by damming the waters of the Leitschach and Intschialp streams and serves as a weekly water storage for the Arniberg hydroelectric power plant. The lake is relatively small, measuring between 200 to 250 meters in diameter, and is a popular destination for day tourists and mountaineers heading into the Urner Alps. The four earthen dams with concrete cores, built in 1910, were a significant engineering feat given the difficult access to the high plateau. Visitors can reach the lake by gondola lifts from Amsteg or Intschi, with short walks from the upper stations to the lake itself. The area offers several hiking opportunities, including trails to Gurtnellen, Sunniggrathütte, and Leutschachhütte. Additionally, viewpoints like Chänzeli and Vorder-Arni provide panoramic vistas of the Urner Oberland, Maderanertal, Bristen, and Reuss Valley. A forest chapel near the lake adds cultural interest to the natural setting.
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Astuce: The best time to visit Lake Arnisee is during the warmer months when the gondola lifts from Amsteg and Intschi are operational and hiking trails are accessible. Visitors are advised to purchase gondola tickets in advance during peak season to avoid queues. The lake area offers short walks and panoramic viewpoints suitable for all fitness levels. There are overnight accommodations near the lake for those wishing to extend their visit. Bus services connect to the Intschi gondola base station, but note that the Intschi SBB train station is no longer in use.
Faits intéressants
- •At its opening in 1910, the Arniberg power plant powered by Lake Arnisee had the highest hydraulic head worldwide at 851 meters.
- •The lake is fed by water transported through a 2.4 km long cement pipeline from nearby streams.
- •The construction of the dams required a provisional funicular railway with a steep 1100 ‰ gradient to bring materials up to the site.
- •The works funicular railway, used during and after construction, was operational until 2007.
- •There is a forest chapel located near the lake, adding a cultural element to the natural surroundings.
Histoire
Lake Arnisee was formed in 1910 with the construction of four earthen dams featuring concrete cores, designed to serve as a reservoir for the Arniberg hydroelectric power plant.
At the time of its opening, the power plant had the highest hydraulic head in the world, with a fall height of 851 meters powering turbines with a capacity of 13 megawatts.
The lake's construction was challenging due to the remote and difficult terrain, necessitating the building of a provisional funicular railway with a steep gradient to transport materials.
This railway was later replaced by a permanent works funicular, which operated until 2007.
The reservoir continues to play a vital role in regional hydroelectric power generation.
Guide du lieu
Chänzeli Viewpoint
A rocky promontory reachable within a five-minute walk from the Intschi–Arnisee gondola upper station, offering stunning panoramic views of the Urner Oberland, Maderanertal, and Bristen mountain.
Vorder-Arni Viewpoint
Located about a twenty-minute walk from the gondola upper station, this viewpoint overlooks the Reuss Valley and Urnersee, providing visitors with broad alpine landscapes.
Forest Chapel
A small open-air chapel nestled in the woods adjacent to the lake, offering a peaceful cultural site amid the natural environment.