Lakes in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena

Ehrwald

Seebensee

• 1,657 m
• Almbahn + approx. 2 hours

The most famous mountain lake in the region sits on a high plateau above Ehrwald, framed by the Mieminger range. On calm days, the Zugspitze is reflected in the turquoise waters—one of the most stunning photo spots in Tyrol.

Trail: Take the Ehrwalder Almbahn to about 1,500 m, then a gentle walk over the Seebenalm. For the adventurous, there's a sporty route via the Hohen Gang.

Swimming: Not prohibited, but very cold and without any facilities.

Dining: Seebenalm just below, Coburger Hut above.

Ehrwald

Drachensee

• 1,874 m
• from Seebensee approx. 1 hour

A tarn in a rocky basin beneath the Vorderer Drachenkopf, where the Coburger Hut stands right at the shore. According to legend, a dragon guards a sunken village here. Combined with a visit to Seebensee, it makes for one of the most beautiful day hikes in the arena.

Trail: Steep ascent from Seebensee; a longer loop from Ehrwald is 11.2 km and 850 m elevation gain, requiring surefootedness.

Dining: Coburger Hut (Alpenverein), usually open from June to early October.

Ehrwald · Ehrwalder Alm

Igelsee

• approx. 1,500 m
• from the mountain station approx. 40 minutes

A small, tranquil alpine lake at the foot of Igelskopf. It’s away from the crowds and is perfect as a short destination with children or as a detour on the way to Gaistal.

Good to Know: In dry summers, the lake has significantly less water.

Dining: Berggasthof Alpenglühn is nearby.

Ehrwald · Ehrwalder Alm

Ehrwalder Almsee

• Ehrwalder Alm
• from the mountain station approx. 10 minutes

Just a few minutes' walk from the top station of the Ehrwalder Almbahn. A short loop with play stations – a wooden caterpillar to climb on, a water wheel, and a raft – circles the lake.

Trail: Loop trail approx. 1.8 km, around 1 hour, gravel path suitable for strollers.

Dining: Huts and sun terraces directly at the mountain station.

Ehrwald

Brendlsee

• approx. 1,900 m
• from the mountain station approx. 2 hours

A small high-altitude lake above the Seebenalm that few people know about. It glows turquoise among rocks and dwarf pines—an ideal destination for those seeking peace and quiet.

Trail: Moderately difficult route over the Seebenalm, about 2 hours from the top station of the Ehrwalder Almbahn.

Biberwier · Fernpass

Blindsee

• 1,093 m
• Access via Fernpassstraße

The largest of the Fernpass lakes was formed around 4,100 years ago due to a massive rockfall. Its crystal-clear, turquoise waters attract swimmers and divers—underwater lie the tree trunks from a landslide.

Swimming: At natural swimming spots, typically 18–22 °C. No toilets or dining facilities at the lake.

Good to Know: Private lake: Diving and stand-up paddling only with permission. Access via a toll road.

Biberwier · Fernpass

Weißensee

• approx. 1,080 m
• directly on the Fernpassstraße

A quiet, somewhat hidden lake with small islands beneath the Fernpassstraße. The free parking area marks the starting point for the popular 3-Lakes Hike to Blindsee and Mittersee.

Trail: 3-Lakes Hike: 9 km, about 3 hours, 295 m elevation gain.

Dining: Rasthaus Zugspitzblick on the Fernpassstraße.

Biberwier

Mittersee

• 1,086 m
• approx. 10 minutes from the parking area

The small forest lake between Biberwier and the Fernpass has boggy water that warms up faster than in other lakes—up to about 22 °C. This makes it particularly popular with families.

Trail: About 10 minutes from the Weißensee parking area, easily accessible with a stroller. The Loisach Springs are very close by.

Good to Know: Playground by the shore, but no dining facilities or restrooms—bring your own provisions.

Heiterwang

Heiterwanger See

• 976 m
• Parking by the shore

Approximately 137 hectares of clear, turquoise water with officially certified bathing quality. A short canal connects the lake with Plansee—together they form the second largest body of water in Tyrol.

Swimming: Swimming area at the campsite with a sunbathing lawn and pier, around 18–22 °C in summer. Rowing, electric, and pedal boats available for rent.

Boat: Regular boats operate on Heiterwanger See and Plansee, roughly from mid-May to mid-October.

Dining: Fischer am See, Heiterwangersee campsite.

Bichlbach

Natural Swimming Lake Bichlbach

• Recreation Park
• Parking right next to it

A designed natural swimming lake in the sports and recreation park, fully geared towards families: diving tower, slide, children's pond, and a children's rafting facility. A climbing forest, mini-golf, and adventure playground are right next door.

Swimming: The natural swimming lake is reportedly free of charge according to the tourism association. Open during the summer season.

Dining: Inn in the recreation park.

Namlos

Dreiensee

• approx. 1,850 m
• from Namlos approx. 2:40 hours

One of the quietest lakes in the region, high above the small mountain village of Namlos in the Lechtal Alps. The trail winds through the forest and passes the Dreienalpe, becoming quite steep in the upper section.

Trail: 3.7 km, 633 m elevation gain, moderately difficult, not suitable for strollers.

Refreshments: No options along the way – please bring your own provisions, with options available afterward in Namlos.