Top 20 Lakes in the Lechtal Alps

The Lechtal Alps are home to many stunning high-alpine lakes. Kogelsee, located at 2,171 meters, offers a fantastic panoramic view. Formarinsee, at 1,793 meters, was voted Austria's most beautiful spot in 2015 and is known for its exceptionally clear waters reflecting the Rote Wand. Gufelsee, at 2,281 meters, and Treiensee, a crescent-shaped lake at 1,843 meters, also offer pristine high-mountain settings.

Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Blindsee is family-friendly and offers a 4.7 km circular trail. Lünersee, though technically in Vorarlberg, is highly accessible via cable car and has a popular 6 km circular trail that is pram-friendly in some sections. Riedener Lake is also listed as family-friendly.

The summer months are generally the best time to visit the lakes in the Lechtal Alps. This is when the high-alpine lakes are fully formed by meltwater, and the weather is suitable for hiking, swimming, and other outdoor activities. Early summer, when alpine roses bloom around lakes like Treiensee, can be particularly beautiful.

The region around the lakes offers diverse outdoor activities. You can enjoy various hiking trails, from easy strolls to challenging alpine treks. Mountain biking and cycling are also popular. For example, you can explore routes like the 'Lech cycle path' or 'Rund um den Verwallsee' on your bike. Find more options on the easy hikes, MTB trails, and cycling guides for the Lechtal Alps.

Many lakes in the Lechtal Alps are suitable for swimming, especially during warm summer days. Blindsee is particularly praised for its crystal-clear waters and summer temperatures reaching 24°C, making it ideal for swimming and stand-up paddling. Hoch-Imst Bathing Lake is another designated swim spot.

Yes, for experienced hikers, there are challenging multi-lake circuits. A notable one is the 3-lakes circuit from Gramais, which includes Kogelsee, Gufelsee, and Parzinnsee. This route involves sections secured with ropes and requires surefootedness and climbing skills. The long-distance E4 Alpin and Lechtaler Höhenweg also traverse lakes like Vordersee and Hintersee.

Lünersee is highly accessible thanks to the Lünerseebahn cable car. Lake Monzabon is also easily accessible, located near the Rüfikopf mountain station, making it perfect for a quick break. Blindsee also has good accessibility with a circular trail around its shores.

The lakes in the Lechtal Alps are renowned for their crystal-clear waters, often displaying vibrant hues of turquoise, emerald green, and deep blue. Many are high-alpine lakes, reflecting majestic surrounding mountains like the Rote Wand. Unique features include Formarinsee's underground drainage system and Blindsee's bizarre underwater landscape of submerged tree trunks from a past landslide.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity in some lakes. Formarinsee is rich in rainbow and brook trout, and fishing is permitted with a license. Lünersee also allows fishing with a day pass. Always ensure you have the necessary permits before fishing.

Visitors highly praise Blindsee for its quiet and impressive location beneath rock faces, its crystal-clear water, and its suitability for swimming. The bizarre underwater world of tree trunks also makes it very popular with divers. Many also appreciate the beautiful area for hiking and cycling, all set against a breathtaking mountain panorama.

Yes, some lakes offer facilities. The Freiburger Hütte is located south of Formarinsee, providing a place to rest. At Lünersee, the Douglass Hütte and Lünersee Alpe offer refreshments and meals. Blindsee also has restaurants, toilets, and a kiosk available. For a more rustic experience, Lake Monzabon has a wooden refuge on its banks.

Treiensee (also known as Dreiensee) is a crescent-shaped mountain lake known for its secluded location in a quiet high valley. It has no direct infrastructure, contributing to an authentic and tranquil atmosphere, perfect for those seeking peace in nature. Siegelsee, hidden in the Black Water Valley, also offers a peaceful encounter with nature due to its secluded forest location.