Top 20 Lakes around Reutte

The Reutte region offers numerous lakes perfect for hiking. For a scenic mountain experience, consider a hike to Lake Seebensee, known for its crystal-clear waters and views of the Wetterstein and Zugspitze mountains. Another popular choice is Lake Vilsalp, nestled in a nature reserve with a unique panorama. For easier walks, the circular paths around Plansee and Heiterwanger See are ideal, offering diverse landscapes and excellent water quality. You can find various running, cycling, and mountain biking routes around these lakes, such as the 'Lakeside Trail – Plansee Bridge loop' or the 'Tannheimer Valley – View of the Tannheim Mountains loop'. For more details on routes, explore the Running Trails around Reutte, Cycling around Reutte, and MTB Trails around Reutte guides.

Yes, several lakes in the Reutte region are very family-friendly. Lake Vilsalp is easily accessible and suitable for the whole family, with a well-developed path. The area around Lake Heiterwang and Plansee also features paths suitable for strollers, and offers activities like beach volleyball and mini-golf. Urisee, a smaller bathing lake, is also popular for families. Always check local signage for specific stroller accessibility on trails, as some sections, especially on mountain paths, might be challenging.

The lakes around Reutte boast diverse natural features. Plansee and Lake Heiterwang are known for their exceptionally clean, clear waters and are connected by a 300-meter channel. Blindsee, located at over 1,000 meters, features striking turquoise-blue water and sunken tree trunks from a past landslide, creating an intriguing underwater environment. Alatsee is unique for its intensely red layer of purple sulfur bacteria at a depth of 15-18 meters, making it a meromictic lake where water layers don't mix.

Many lakes in the Reutte region are excellent for swimming and diving. Plansee and Lake Heiterwang are popular for swimming and diving due to their high water quality and good visibility. Urisee, with its drinking water quality and depths of up to 38 meters, is a favored spot for divers year-round, offering rock formations and algae-covered trees. Blindsee also offers clear waters for swimming and diving, with the added attraction of sunken tree trunks. Alatsee's clear, turquoise waters are suitable for bathing, and divers can explore its unique red bacterial layer. Diving is generally permitted in marked areas, often requiring a day ticket.

The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. For hiking, swimming, and water sports, late spring to early autumn (May to October) is ideal, when temperatures are pleasant and boat tours operate. In summer, water temperatures in lakes like Urisee can reach up to 23°C. Autumn offers beautiful foliage for hiking. In winter, the area around Heiterwanger See is popular for cross-country skiing, and Urisee's paths transform into toboggan runs, with ice fishing also possible.

Blindsee is often considered a hidden gem. Located at over 1,000 meters above sea level, it offers crystal-clear turquoise water and impressive mountain views, including the Zugspitze. Due to limited parking and access via a toll road, it remains less crowded than some other lakes, providing a peaceful natural experience. It's also part of a unique three-lakes hike that includes Mittersee and Weißensee.

Public transport options, such as bus routes, connect Reutte to some of the lakes, including Plansee and Heiterwanger See. For Lake Vilsalp, access by car is restricted from 10 am to 5 pm, with a bus service available from the north shore. Parking is generally available at most popular lakes, but it's advisable to check specific locations for fees and availability, especially during peak seasons. Blindsee has limited parking and requires a toll road for access.

While specific rules can vary by lake and trail, dogs are generally welcome on many trails around the Reutte lakes, provided they are kept on a leash. For example, Lake Vilsalp is in a nature reserve, so adherence to local regulations regarding dogs is important. Always look for signage at trailheads or lake access points for specific rules regarding pets.

Restaurants and cafes are available near several lakes. At Lake Vilsalp, you'll find the Fischerhütte restaurant and Gasthof Vilsalpsee. The areas around Plansee and Lake Heiterwang also offer various dining options. For accommodation, there are hotels and guesthouses in the vicinity of Heiterwanger See and the wider Vilsalpsee area. The Landsberger Hut, located above Traualp Lake, offers beds in shared rooms and a dormitory for hikers.

Plansee and Lake Heiterwang, which form the second largest body of water in Tyrol, offer a wide range of activities. You can enjoy swimming, diving, sailing, surfing, and angling in their clean waters. Commercial boat tours operate from late May into autumn, offering scenic round trips between the two lakes. The surrounding area provides numerous hiking and mountain biking trails, and you can also find beach volleyball and mini-golf facilities. In winter, the area is popular for cross-country skiing.

Heiterwanger See holds historical significance, particularly for its abundance of fish. Historically, it was renowned for its rich fish population, even attracting Emperor Maximilian I for fishing and hunting. This historical connection adds another layer of interest to its natural beauty.

Urisee is a unique bathing lake near Reutte, known for its excellent water quality, often reaching drinking water standards and rated with the 'blue triangle' by the EU Commission. It has no natural inflow or outflow, leading to significant water level fluctuations, yet it remains a popular spot for swimming and diving. Its underwater landscape of rock formations and algae-covered trees makes it particularly appealing for divers year-round.

Visitors to the lakes around Reutte consistently praise the stunning natural beauty, especially the crystal-clear waters and the impressive mountain backdrops. The variety of activities, from serene walks to challenging hikes, water sports, and family-friendly options, is highly appreciated. Many highlight the peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to connect with nature, often describing the landscapes as 'dreamlike' and 'breathtaking'.