The 12 most beautiful mountain lakes in the Alps – with map

When the heat shimmers in the city, there is hardly anything more soothing than a trip to the mountains: Up high you can enjoy unique panoramas, go on wonderful hikes or unwind with a swim and enjoy the pristine nature of the crystal-clear mountain lakes.

These lakes act like air conditioning, not least because their ice-cold water often flows directly from the glacier. The water stores the cold of the night and slowly releases it during the day. Thus, cool mountain lakes ensure pleasantly mild temperatures.

This effect is especially welcome on hot summer days, for example, when a cool breeze blows over from the water. Or when the water's surface spreads evaporative cooling. This can also cool the surrounding air – at least a little.

And most importantly: A dip in a mountain lake is guaranteed refreshment. While the temperatures of mountain lakes in midsummer depend heavily on their location, altitude, and water depth, generally speaking, they remain quite cool even in summer. At over 2,000 meters, most lakes are still below ten degrees Celsius in summer. If you're not quite so brave, at least treat your feet to a cool dip. We present our mountain lake favorites.

1. Königssee in Bavaria

The magnificent Königssee lake is located in the heart of Bavaria . The steep mountain slopes of the Berchtesgaden Alps surround the approximately seven-kilometer-long, emerald-green lake. You can visit the small island of St. Bartholomä by boat with the charming Königssee fleet.

The small island of St. Bartholomä on Lake Königssee, with the Watzmann in the background.

Source: imago images/Sven Simon

In summer, you can cool off in the water, which is up to 192 meters deep. And in winter, when the lake is frozen over, you can even go ice skating. And anyway: With its fjord-like shape, Lake Königssee is somewhat reminiscent of Nordic glacial lakes. Those who enjoy hiking will also enjoy the nearby Watzmann mountain.

2. Walchensee in Bavaria

One of the deepest and, at 16.4 square kilometers, largest mountain lakes in Germany is Lake Walchensee in Bavaria . At an elevation of over 800 meters, you can sail, swim, bike, run, hike, or simply relax. This natural beauty is affectionately called the "Bavarian Caribbean."

A boat on the southern shore of Lake Walchen.

Source: imago images/imagebroker

3. Eibsee in Bavaria

Lake Eibsee lies at an elevation of approximately 1,000 meters. It is nestled between densely forested hills at the foot of the majestic Zugspitze. Located in the Bavarian town of Grainau, it glistens in the sun. A real highlight is a motorboat ride; the boat is called a "Reserl" by the locals – if you want to impress with your insider knowledge.

The Eibsee offers an impressive view of the Zugspitze.

Source: imago images/Westend61

The mountain lake gets its name from the yew trees around the lake or in the surrounding forests. A walk around the lake is a wonderful way to explore the landscape.

4. Lake Braies in South Tyrol, Italy

The imposing Dolomites mountain range is located in northern Italy – a large part of it in South Tyrol . High up in the mountains, you'll find the beautiful Lake Braies. Nearly 1,500 meters above sea level, the mountain lake glistens in the sun.

You can reach it easily by car, or for a more strenuous hike of up to six hours. But beware in midsummer: restrictions apply to anyone arriving by car. The beautiful lake has become a veritable Instagram hotspot in recent years. We therefore recommend an e-bike excursion.

The hiking trail around Lake Braies with the mountain panorama of the Seekofel is absolutely worthwhile.

Source: imago/Eibner Europe

Either way: The breathtaking scenery of this cool beauty is definitely worth it! You can row, swim, or soak up the sun on the small beach on the southern shore. Be sure to also take a short hike around the lake. It only takes about an hour.

5. Carezza Lake in Italy

This Italian beauty boasts turquoise waters, dense forests, and the mighty Latemar mountain. Even painters and writers have been so impressed that they have chosen the lake in the Eggental Valley as a motif for paintings and stories.

Hikers will truly enjoy this place. Water sports, however, are not permitted. The mountain lake is a natural monument, and the shore is off-limits. But that doesn't detract from its beauty—quite the opposite, in fact.

The beautiful Carezza Lake in Italy.

Source: imago images/Westend61

6. Lake Sorapis in Italy

Lake Sorapis is located in the Italian province of Belluno in Veneto, at an altitude of over 1,900 meters. The pastel-turquoise waters are surrounded by white cliffs and rolling alpine meadows. It's no wonder this place attracts many day-trippers, especially in summer.

Lake Sorapis has wonderful turquoise blue water.

Source: imago images/Westend61

You can admire the unique panorama particularly well while walking around the lake or during a strenuous twelve-kilometer hike.

7. Obersee in East Tyrol

East Tyrol is a mountain lake paradise. There are 365 in total. The Obersee in East Tyrol is a mountain lake formed by natural processes during the Ice Age. Thousands of years ago, glaciers formed the basin where the lake now lies. As the glaciers retreated, this depression filled with meltwater, creating the crystal-clear waters—and with them, a source of great refreshment.

The Obersee is a beautiful mountain lake that you can even reach by car.

Source: Conny Derdak

Its alpine location at approximately 1,400 meters above sea level makes Lake Obersee a particularly pristine and tranquil natural gem. And even in summer, thanks to the lower temperatures, Lake Obersee is an ideal destination for hiking enthusiasts.

You can also drive there and then simply walk around the lake – it takes less than half an hour.

8. Laserzsee in East Tyrol

The turquoise-colored Laserzsee lies at an elevation of 2,260 meters in the heart of the Lienz Dolomites. As a genuine glacial lake fed by meltwater, it never gets warmer than 12 degrees Celsius, even in midsummer. Cooling off is guaranteed!

You can even spend the night in the Karlsbader Hütte at Lake Laserz.

Source: Leischner

The shortest route to Laserzsee: Drive to the Dolomitenhütte. From here, you'll also have a beautiful view of the Lienz Dolomites. From there, an easy two-hour hike takes you to Laserzsee. The hike offers fantastic views of the Seekofel, Roter Turm, and Simonskopf.

You can also stay overnight at Lake Laserz. The Karlsbader Hut is very popular with hikers, bikers, and climbers. Surrounding the hut are seven via ferratas and rock faces with alpine multi-pitch routes.

9. Drachensee and Seebensee in Tyrol

And we continue with mountain lakes in Austria : The Drachensee lies at an elevation of just over 1,900 meters. This mountain lake is located near the Coburger Hütte in the middle of the Mieminger Plateau. The mountain hut is generally open as accommodation from June to the beginning of October. A few hundred meters lower is another mountain lake, the Seebensee.

You can only reach the Drachensee on foot, but welcome refreshment awaits you there.

Source: IMAGO/Zoonar

How to get there: You can take the Ehrwalder Ambahn funicular railway, which is a two-hour walk from the station. You'll get a particularly beautiful view of Lake Drachensee and Lake Seebensee if you hike over the Tajakante – the summit of the Vorderer Tajakopf. However, the trail is very difficult and only suitable for experienced hikers.

10. Achensee in Tyrol

The largest mountain lake in Tyrol is known for its excellent water quality. Lake Achensee is up to 133 meters deep. Water sports enthusiasts also call it the "Tyrolean Sea." No wonder – sailors, windsurfers, and kitesurfers are all happy here.

The Karwendel Mountains can be viewed particularly beautifully from the Tyrolean Achensee.

Source: IMAGO/imagebroker

You can also explore the lake in a relaxed manner by canoe or boat. You'll enjoy particularly beautiful views from Bärenkopf Mountain above Pertisau. Various hikes are also offered there.

11. Oeschinensee in the Bernese Oberland

Switzerland also boasts some magnificent mountain lakes. For example, in the heart of the Bernese Oberland, Lake Oeschinen nestles into the landscape, surrounded by gigantic peaks rising up to 3,000 meters. This Swiss beauty, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, can be reached via various hiking trails – or conveniently by cable car from Kandersteg.

Lake Oeschinen lies almost 1,600 meters above sea level, so its water is correspondingly cool.

Source: IMAGO/robertharding

The beautiful lake sits at an altitude of over 1,500 meters. You can rent a rowboat on site to explore the area. There's also a summer toboggan run nearby.

12. Riffelsee in Zermatt, Valais

In Zermatt lies Lake Riffelsee – high up on the Riffelberg. This mountain lake is located at an altitude of over 2,700 meters. The best part isn't just the cool water: From here, you also have a wonderful view of the Matterhorn. The lake is known for its beautiful reflection of the famous mountain.

The Matterhorn is impressively reflected in the Riffelsee.

Source: imago images/kunchainub

The Riffelsee Trail is particularly beautiful for hiking, offering spectacular views of the surrounding scenery. Ibex and alpine flowers line the path. Even inexperienced hikers can cool off in the mountain lake: Those looking for a more leisurely approach can reach their destination in about ten minutes on foot from the Gornergrat train station in Rotenbogen.

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