Lake Hintersteiner See is a natural jewel and an absolute must for all visitors to Tirol. Located within the borders of the Wilder Kaiser Naturschutzgebiet, a protected area of outstanding natural beauty, it is known as one of the cleanest and most beautiful mountain lakes in the region.
However, as always, beauty has its price – and in this case it is a decidedly cold price! The lake, which is fed by natural underground sources, is filled with mountain meltwater and therefore normally reaches only a chilly 19 or 20°C, and sometimes does not exceed 18°C, though during extended periods of hot weather the water can be a little warmer. The perfect place, then, for a refreshing (albeit quick!) dip after a walk around the shore.
Though the crystal-clear water in the Hintersteiner See is itself clean enough to drink, there is a small café on the southern shore serving a range of drinks and snacks. Here, visitors will also find a sunbathing lawn, WCs and changing cabins as well as deckchairs and parasols for hire. There are also a number of other restaurants and snack bars dotted along the shoreline.
The best way to digest a hearty lunch is with a gentle walk along the path leading around the lake. The walk takes around an hour and leads past some of the most beautiful vantage points on the shore offering great views of the Scheffauer and Treffauer mountains. During the summer months there is a shuttle bus running from the village of Scheffau to the lake and back several times a day.
However, as always, beauty has its price – and in this case it is a decidedly cold price! The lake, which is fed by natural underground sources,…
