Welcome to Tyrol’s Fjord-Like Escape!
In this article, you will find information about activities around Lake Plansee in summer and winter. You can easily navigate through the article sections by clicking on the table of contents below:
- Lake Plansee – General Information
- What To Do at Lake Plansee
- Activities in Summer
- Activities in Winter
- Attractions for Kids
- Why Plansee Belongs on Your Tyrolean Itinerary
- Additional Essential Information for Your Visit
- Nearby Attractions to Explore
Lake Plansee – General Information
Lake Plansee is located in the Reutte Nature Park Region in northern Tyrol and is the second largest natural body of water in the region, surpassed only by Lake Achensee. The lake is at an altitude of 976 meters above sea level, stretching a surface area of 280 hectares with a length of 5 kilometers and a maximum depth of 78 meters.
Plansee connects directly to its smaller neighbor, Lake Heiterwang, via a 300-meter-long canal. Because of its unique shape, steep forested shorelines, and intense turquoise water, visiting Plansee feels less like a typical Alpine lake and more like exploring a Nordic fjord.
The water is certified as drinking-water quality and extremely clean, making it easy to see straight to the bottom. Because it is fed by several cold mountain streams, the lake remains refreshing even during the peak of summer, making it a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Interestingly, both Plansee and Lake Heiterwang serve an industrial purpose alongside recreation, as they are utilized by the Reutte Power Station to generate electricity.
Because of its northern location, the lake is highly accessible. It sits only 55 kilometers from Imst and 99 kilometers (about a 1.5-hour drive) from the regional capital of Innsbruck. Its proximity to the German border also makes it a popular day trip, located only 28 kilometers south of Füssen and 43 kilometers west of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
This is what Lake Plansee in the Reutte Nature Park looks like
What To Do at Lake Plansee?
Lake Plansee and its surroundings offer plenty to do for every type of traveler. It is a fantastic destination whether you visit in the warm summer months or the middle of winter.
Summer is perfect for water sports and scenic mountain hikes. The colder months bring beautiful winter walks and ice skating. We have gathered the very best things to do in the area, including a unique alpine breakfast experience.
Activities in Summer
Summer is prime time to explore the clear waters and surrounding peaks of Plansee.
Water Sports and Swimming
The lake is a haven for water sports. Because of the excellent underwater visibility, which can reach up to 15 metres, it is highly popular for scuba diving and snorkeling. Windsurfers and sailors consider the lake an insider tip due to the reliable mountain breezes. Visitors can also rent stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), kayaks, and rowboats. If you just want to swim, there are freely accessible public bathing lawns along the shore. Keep in mind that the water temperature is bracing, rarely exceeding 20°C. Fishing is popular here too, as the clean water holds plenty of whitefish, char, rainbow trout, and perch.
Biking and On-Shore Sports
A well-maintained lakeside trail circuits the water, offering a flat option for joggers and Nordic walkers. Minigolf is available near the shore for a relaxed afternoon activity. Cyclists and mountain bikers will also find dedicated routes connecting Plansee to the wider Reutte nature region.
Summer Hiking Options
Nestled in the heart of the Lechtal Alps, the Wetterstein Mountains, and the Mieming Range, Plansee is an ideal starting point for warm-weather trekking.
- The Full Lakeside Loop (Planseerundweg): This path hugs the entire shoreline. In summer, you can easily complete the full circuit around Plansee and extend it around Lake Heiterwang, utilizing the shaded tree cover to stay cool. The loop is 14,6km long and takes you about 3:30h to conclude.
- Summit Ascents (Thaneller and Spießnägel): Summer opens up the high-altitude trails. Experienced hikers can climb the peaks of the Ammergau or Lechtal Alps. These challenging routes reward climbs with panoramic views overlooking the entire fjord-like basin from above. You can climb Thaneller in 3:30h (4,9km) and Spießnägel in 6:30h (15,7km).
Passenger Boat Cruises
From late May through autumn, the MS Margarethe and MS Wilhelm operate on the lake. This is one of the highest commercial passenger ship routes in Austria, offering a relaxed loop that connects Plansee with Lake Heiterwang via the connecting canal. You can find more information about the Passenger Boat Cruises here.
A Unique Gondola Breakfast on the Almkopfbahn
If you want to start your morning with an incredible view, head to the western end of the lake area at nearby Bichlbach. From mid June through early October, the Almkopfbahn cable car offers an exclusive Gondola Breakfast from Thursday to Sunday. You can reserve a private gondola for your group, where a table is set with a glass of Prosecco, coffee or tea, and regional Tyrolean delicacies.
The experience lasts between 45 and 60 minutes, which are three full loops up and down the mountain. If you want to start a summer hike right after your meal, you can simply step off the lift at the mountain station. The ticket for your ride back down later in the day is completely included in the price (120€ for 2 adults). You can book at a cheaper rate for children).
Activities in Winter
When winter arrives, the landscape around Plansee transforms into a quiet, snow-covered retreat.
Ice Skating and Curling
During sustained freezing periods, the surface of the lake turns into a massive natural ice rink. Locals and visitors head out onto the thick ice for skating and traditional Bavarian curling. Read more about it here.
Cross-Country Skiing and Winter Sports
The region maintains over 75 kilometers of excellent cross-country skiing tracks that run through the valleys surrounding the water, offering pristine routes for both classic and skating style. You can read more about the expertly groomed trails here.
Winter Hiking Options
While the high summits become inaccessible without specialized mountaineering and avalanche gear, the lower trails remain highly rewarding during the colder months.
- The Heiterwanger See Circuit Trail: This short, gentle walk follows the 300-meter canal connecting the two lakes. It is regularly cleared and is perfect for a crisp winter stroll without significant elevation changes.
You can find more ideas for a winter hike in the Reutte Nature Park Region here.
Attractions for Kids
Plansee is highly family-friendly, offering several activities to keep (not only) younger travelers engaged.
- Playgrounds and Beach Areas: The campgrounds and public lawns along the shore feature dedicated play areas with swings, slides, and climbing structures close to the shallow entry points of the water.
- The Canal Boat Ride: Kids enjoy the novelty of boarding the passenger ferry and watching the boat navigate the narrow canal that cuts between the two lakes.
- Nearby Highline179 and Ehrenberg Castle: Located just a 15-minute drive from the lake, the Ehrenberg Castle Ruins offer an interactive knight-themed experience for children. Right above it stretches the Highline179, one of the world’s longest Tibet-style pedestrian suspension bridges, which provides a thrilling walk for older kids.
Why Plansee Belongs on Your Tyrolean Itinerary
Lake Plansee stands out because it avoids the crowded, commercialized feel of other large Alpine destinations while offering pristine water quality and dramatic mountain backdrops. Whether you are looking to paddle across its glassy turquoise surface on a warm July afternoon, tackle a rewarding ridge hike, or skate across its frozen surface in the depths of winter, this corner of Tyrol delivers an authentic outdoor experience. It is a place that rewards slow exploration, making it a must-visit stop for anyone traveling through western Austria.
Additional Essential Information for Your Visit
To ensure a smooth trip to Plansee, keep these quick logistical details in mind:
- Getting There: The lake is easily reached by car from Reutte, or via a short drive from the German border near Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Public buses also run regularly from the Reutte train station during the summer season.
- Parking and Access: Swimming and walking along most of the shoreline is free. However, day parking at the main lakeside hubs, such as near the campsites, requires a small daily fee of around €6.
- Staying Overnight: If you want to wake up right on the water, the lake features two well-equipped, modernized campsites: Camping Sennalpe on the northeast shore and Camping Seespitz on the western end. Both offer great amenities, lakeside access, and on-site saunas.
Official Website
Address: Plansee, Tirol
Map:
Nearby Attractions to Explore
If you have extra time in the area, there are several fantastic sights just a short drive from the lake shore:
- Stuiben Falls (Stuibenfälle): Located near Reutte, an easy family trail leads along water pools and rushing waterfalls, making it ideal for a quick half-day hike.
- Alpentherme Ehrenberg: A modern thermal spa in Reutte featuring indoor and outdoor pools, a large sauna complex, and a 120-meter waterslide.
- Highline179: This 406-meter-long pedestrian suspension bridge hangs 114 meters above the valley, connecting the Ehrenberg ruins with Fort Claudia.
- Ehrenberg Castle Ruins: A 13th-century hilltop fortress complex near Reutte where adults and kids can freely explore medieval stone walls, towers, and courtyards.
