Is there anything better than working up a sweat hiking and then cooling down in the chilly water of a mountain lake? A tarn that cannot be reached by car. Some of these aquatic jewels are so refreshing they’ll give you a full-body ice cream headache when you jump in. And you might not actually want to swim in them. But they are great for a quick dip ;-)
To help you cool down this summer, I have put together a list of 12 perfectly chill places to swim around in with a little help from my friends and colleagues. So take a deep, deep breath, and swim up to our mountain swimming spots power rankings:
1. Zireinersee Lake
Repeatedly named, Zireinersee Lake at Sonnwendjoch Col in Kramsach made it to the top of the list. A hidden gem for those willing to throw on hiking shoes—and I will do that this summer!
2. Drachensee Lake
Martina’s favourite lake is Drachensee Lake next to Coburger Hut. Her suggestion: Ride your mountain bike from Leutasch to Seebensee Lake, which will take about 1.5 hours, and continue riding for another 45 minutes to get to Coburger Hut—from where there are uninterrupted views of Drachensee Lake.
Stunning view of Drachensee Lake to the left, Seebensee Lake to the right, and Sonnenspitze Peak looming between them
3. Wildsee Lake
Lying at the foot of Henne and Wildseeloder Mountains, two iconic peaks in the backyard of Fieberbrunn, this mountain lake is the perfect destination for a Sunday outing thinks Birgit. By the way, this is one of the most instagrammable places in Tirol as proven by the pictures of @andreadabene and @alexstrohl!
Wildseeloder Lodge on the shores of Wildsee Lake
4. Wildalmsee Lake(s)
Recommended by Michael: On your climb atop Schafsiedel Peak in Kelchsau you will be rewarded with ridiculously beautiful scenery, but this series of three turquoise-hued lakes tucked into the high country is the best. When the sun runs hot, there’s nothing wrong with finding your mountain equilibrium with a dip in these aquatic gems. It’s going to be a quick plunge, but if you are up for the thrill, you’ll earn the chill ;-)
En route to Schafsiedel Peak, Photo Credit: Kitzbüheler Alpen/Norbert Eisele-Hein
5. Brechsee Lake
Providing infinite opportunities for wow moments, Brechsee Lake in Pitztal Valley is the favourite mountain lake of Tanja.
6. Salfeinssee Lake
One of Tirol’s innumerable photo-worthy locales: The surrounding Kalkkögel Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to the crystal waters of Salfeinssee Lake. Thank You Christina for sharing this one!
7. Steinsee Lake
One of Michael’s favourites (and one that has been on my bucket list for long) is Steinsee Lake in the Lechtal Alps. The ultimate rewards come to those who have enough strength to explore the lake after the ascent to Steinsee Hut, which is accessed from Zams. To reach the lake, you’ll huff and puff through another 160 meters of elevation from the hut; but the scenic rewards in return are far from little—they are remote and breathtakingly beautiful!
8. Rinnensee Lake
Rinnensee is a small freshwater lake located above Franz-Senn Hut in Stubai Valley. Looks better in real life than on the pictures, swears Corinna.
The turquoise waters of Rinnensee Lake reflect the towering peaks
9. Brizzisee Lake (Samoarsee Lake)
One of Michael’s favourite lakes is this wonderful tarn above Martin Busch Hut in Vent in Ötztal Valley.
10. Faselfadseen Lakes
Faselfad Lakes are a series of remote, glacial high mountain lakes in Verwall Mountain Range near St. Anton. These tarns sparkling in luminous, turquoise hues are located in a too-good-to-be-true setting and make a perfect destination for hikes, suggests Anne.
Upper Faselfad Lakes near St. Anton
11. Gufelsee Lake
The stunning Gufelsee Lake is located in the Lechtal Alps. Christian considers it one of the most beautiful Alpine lakes in Tirol. You’ll need some gusto to leap into the frigid waters but that’s just what he did!!
12. Scheidseen Lakes
The Vorarlberg /Tirol border runs through Scheidseen Lakes, Michael discovered them on a MTB trip near St. Anton. The hard part is leaving once you’ve seen this tranquil spot in person.
What is your favourite Alpine lake in Tirol?
Whether it’s a lesser-known destination or a random trailside attraction, nature lover Eva Thöni will be there with her camera in tow, eager to share her greatest mountain moments with you.
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