Top 20 Lakes around Dornbirn
Lakes around Dornbirn, located in Austria's Vorarlberg region, offer diverse natural experiences. The area is characterized by its proximity to the Alps and the Rhine Valley, providing access to both mountain lakes and larger bodies of water. This geographic setting allows for a variety of outdoor activities centered around its aquatic features. The region's natural landscape includes serene mountain escapes and popular swimming spots.
Best lakes around Dornbirn
- The most popular lakes is Gsohlalpe View of the Rhine Valley and…
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Staufensee Waterfall and Dam
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Staufensee
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Sünser Pass
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Sünser Lake
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Alter Rhein Nature Trail
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View of Sünser Lake
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Gsohlalpe View of the Rhine Valley and Lake Constance
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You can come here via Hohenems-Schuttannen, Dornbirn-Schuttannen-Wilder Mann, Ebnit and Götzis-Millrütte. Unfortunately, sometimes quite steep.
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Rheinauen Outdoor Pool, Hohenems
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OPENING HOURS RADLERGARTEN EHZ RHEINAUEN
Daily in good weather
9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m
Text / Source: Häfele Gastronomy
mh-gastronomie.at/h%C3%A4fele-gastronomie/gastronomie-ehz-rheinauen
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Rest Area at Staufensee Reservoir
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Bruggerloch Natural Swimming Lake
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Popular around Dornbirn
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One of the eye-catchers in this area: the mountain range runs almost all around and despite the high location there are midsummer days suitable for swimming
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At the moment the reservoir is quite empty and the water level is clear
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Deeply embedded in the hilly, melancholy highlands lies Lake Sünser See, like a mystery no one can explain. No shore beckoning for a swim, no jetty that becomes a postcard – only this dark mirror, round like a point of thought. You look down, and the lake looks back. A silent understanding develops between man and landscape, hard to name, but easy to feel. All around, the green spreads out like a tired cloak, crisscrossed by paths that no one hurries along. Up here, silence becomes space, and space becomes something that seems almost sacred. Those who sit down stay longer than planned. And those who leave take something with them that needs no name.
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Unfortunately there was no water in the lake, so you could walk right through it
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Above the Sünserjoch you have to decide: to the Sünserspitze or to the Ragazer Blanken? Here too there is a beautiful view of the Sünsersee.
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It's definitely a beautiful lake when it's full to the brim. Unfortunately, it was so empty during our visit that we could only walk through it! But that was still nice 🤣👍
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes around Dornbirn are best for swimming and relaxation?
For swimming and relaxation, Bruggerloch Natural Swimming Lake is highly recommended and popular. The Old Rhine area, particularly near Lustenau, also features several beautiful swimming lakes. Additionally, Lake Constance, easily accessible from Dornbirn, offers excellent water quality and numerous lidos for bathing, with summer temperatures reaching up to 26 degrees Celsius.
Are there family-friendly lakes or activities around Dornbirn?
Yes, several lakes and areas are suitable for families. Bruggerloch Natural Swimming Lake is noted as family-friendly, as is the Rheinauen Outdoor Pool in Hohenems, which includes facilities and parking. The Gsohlalpe View of the Rhine Valley and Lake Constance also offers a family-friendly experience with an alpine hut and restaurant.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around the lakes near Dornbirn?
You can expect diverse natural features. Mountain lakes like Sünser Lake and Blue Lake offer idyllic, crystal-clear waters in high-altitude settings. The Staufensee Waterfall and Dam provides a picturesque waterfall and reservoir. Along the Alter Rhein Nature Trail, you'll find clear water, diverse animal life, and opportunities for cycling along a dam.
Are there hiking trails near the lakes around Dornbirn?
Absolutely. Many lakes are integrated into hiking networks. Sünser Lake is a popular stopover for hikers on their way to Sünser Spitze. The Sünser Pass also offers great views and is part of a trail system. For more general hiking options, you can explore various waterfall hikes around Dornbirn.
What amenities are available near the lakes?
Amenities vary by location. Near Gsohlalpe View of the Rhine Valley and Lake Constance, you'll find an alpine hut and restaurant. The Rheinauen Outdoor Pool in Hohenems offers facilities, parking, and a restaurant. The Old Rhine area, particularly near Lustenau, has spots like the 'Am Rohr' restaurant with a beer garden directly on the bike path and swimming lake. There is also a Rest Area at Staufensee Reservoir.
Can I cycle around the lakes near Dornbirn?
Yes, cycling is a popular activity, especially along the Old Rhine. The Alter Rhein Nature Trail allows you to cycle on a dam, offering scenic views. For more cycling routes in the broader area, you can check out cycling guides around Dornbirn.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Dornbirn?
The best time to visit largely depends on your desired activity. For swimming, midsummer days are ideal, especially for mountain lakes like Sünser See, and Lake Constance reaches pleasant bathing temperatures up to 26 degrees Celsius. For hiking and cycling, spring through autumn generally offers the most favorable weather conditions.
Are there any viewpoints offering panoramic views of the lakes and surrounding landscape?
Yes, there are several excellent viewpoints. The Gsohlalpe View of the Rhine Valley and Lake Constance offers expansive views of the Rhine Valley and Lake Constance. The Sünser Pass also provides a great vantage point of the 'Seven Hills' and the surrounding mountain landscape.
What are the options for running trails near the lakes?
While specific running trails directly around every lake might vary, the region offers numerous opportunities for running. You can find various running trails around Dornbirn that often incorporate natural landscapes, including sections near rivers and open areas that might be close to some lake environments.
Is Lake Constance easily accessible from Dornbirn, and what activities does it offer?
Lake Constance is a major regional highlight and easily accessible from Dornbirn. The Austrian side of the lake offers ideal conditions for all water activities, including sailing and swimming. Its excellent water quality and numerous lidos along the shoreline towns provide convenient access for relaxation and enjoying the water.
Are there any hidden gem lakes or less crowded spots?
For a more tranquil experience, mountain lakes like Sünser Lake are often described as peaceful and idyllic, with visitors sometimes reporting not encountering many other people. The Blue Lake is also noted for its pristine waters and scenic, secluded location, making it attractive for nature lovers seeking solitude.
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