The Neuchâtel locality of La Brévine is considered the Siberia of Switzerland. But near a lake in the Bernese Oberland, even lower temperatures are measured. So is Sägistalsee the coldest place in Switzerland?
With a temperature of -41.8 degrees recorded on January 12, 1987, La Brévine is officially considered the coldest place in Switzerland. But it would be even colder near Sägistalsee, a small, difficult-to-reach lake located between Lake Brienz and the valley leading to Grindelwald.
This place was highlighted by Stephan Vogt, a trained climatologist fascinated by cold winters who spends his free time researching the coldest places in Switzerland.
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A private measuring station
Swiss measurement networks, like those of MétéoSuisse, are limited and cannot measure temperature everywhere. Especially since particularly cold places are often not covered. It was therefore thanks to digital maps that Stephan Vogt came across the Sägistalsee a few years ago.
Its privately run station measured -42.4 degrees in 2023. This made headlines. Also in recent days it has been freezing cold at times: -37.8 degrees.
“To experience such cold, you normally have to go to Scandinavia, Siberia or Canada,” explains Stephan Vogt. The conditions for the cold near the lake are ideal. It is located at an altitude of almost 2000 meters, in a depression. Cold air can thus accumulate and the heat dissipates.
-Record or not?
Despite everything, the temperature measured by Stephan Vogt is not considered an official cold record in Switzerland. “For the records, only the values from the MeteoSwiss measurement network are taken into account,” explains the climatologist. It doesn’t bother him. “I’m just enjoying the cold, it’s fascinating.”
Winter is a special time at Sägistalsee. Temperatures are dropping drastically and this poses a challenge for animals. Thomas Gerber, fisherman, knows it well: “the lake has been frozen for seven months.” So the fish have to endure a lot and take a long winter break.
Canadian lake trout were introduced into the lake more than 100 years ago. This species of American fish adapts well to the cold, according to the president of the fishing association. Even today, the association raises fish which are released into the lake after one or two years.
For 125 years the lake has been rented – with a short interruption – by the Bernese Oberland Fishing Society Interlaken. It is part of an alpine pasture that belongs to the Inner-Iselten alpine community. In winter, the deserted valley is only accessible by snowshoes or touring skis and only when the risk of avalanche is not too high. In the past, the lake was a confidential place in summer and was visited by only a few hikers.
A lake that has become famous
But nowadays its popularity has greatly increased. It is mainly young people who come there. They sometimes camp with several tents around the lake, reports Peter Urfer, vice-president of the local fishing association and colleague of Thomas Gerber. “This audience is unfortunately often harmful,” explains Peter Urfer. Loud music, the use of drones and a lack of awareness of the environment disrupt the tranquility. Not to mention the popularity gained on social media which made the situation worse.
The fishermen reacted with astonishment when they heard, two years ago, that “their” lake would be the coldest place in Switzerland. “Since then, we have been especially worried that it will become even better known,” explains Thomas Gerber, for whom “the lake is a jewel that must be protected.”
Thomas Pressmann (SRF)/ain
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