One of Lake Alatsee’s shores runs along the border between Germany and Austria, on the edge of the Reutte Nature Park Region, while the lake itself officially lies within the territory of the Ostallgäu district in Bavaria.
This charming mountain lake is ideal for walkers, nature enthusiasts and all those looking for peace and quiet in beautiful alpine surroundings. During the warm summer months it also draws brave swimmers keen to take the plunge in the 20°C water before soaking up the rays on the large sunbathing lawn, while for hikers the cooling waters are the perfect place to soothe tired feet after a long day out.
Surrounded on all sides by a thick forest, the Alatsee is home to one of the largest freshwater populations of purple sulphur bacteria anywhere in the world. These rare bacteria form a pink film at a depth of between 15 and 18 metres. Above this layer the water is rich in oxygen and has a huge diversity of flora and fauna. Legend has it that ghosts live in the lake and that during the Second World War its waters were used to hide gold. Alas, so far neither ghosts nor gold have been found. One reason for this may be that scuba diving is not allowed in the lake.
Although, or indeed because, there is no dedicated swimming area with changing rooms and the like, the lake is a popular destination with seeking peace and quiet. A 1.6km walking path around the lake takes about 30 minutes to complete and is accessible for buggies and pushchairs. The lake can be reached on foot in approx. 45 minutes leaving from the village of Vils near Reutte.
This charming mountain lake is ideal for walkers, nature enthusiasts and all those looking for peace and quiet in beautiful alpine surroundings…
