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The Alps are home to some of the most impressive mountain lakes in the world, where crystal-clear water meets dramatic mountain scenery. These lakes are perfect destinations for travellers who want to combine a self-planned holiday with swimming, kayaking and unforgettable panoramas. Best of all, most are easily accessible by car, making them ideal for a road trip. Discover which mountain lakes will make your trip to the Alps truly unforgettable.
Why mountain lakes are worth visiting
Mountain lakes in the Alps are often located at altitudes between 1,400 and 2,300 metres. They owe their clear water to glaciers and mountain springs, which creates the typical emerald-green and turquoise colours. Most lakes are surrounded by walking trails suitable for different levels. Some can be reached with a short walk, while others serve as starting points for more challenging mountain hikes.
For Alpine holidays, these lakes offer the ideal combination of peace and activity. You can swim, hire a rowing boat or SUP, walk along the shores or simply enjoy the view from a picnic spot. The best time to visit is from June to September, when water temperatures are pleasant and most paths are easily accessible.
‘ What makes the lake special is that in winter it turns into a natural ice rink. ’
Top mountain lakes in Austria
Austria has a wide range of mountain lakes that are perfect for a visit by car. The lakes range from popular watersports hubs to quiet hidden gems.
Achensee in Tyrol
The Achensee is nestled between the Karwendel and Rofan Alps and is an elongated emerald-green lake. It is a popular destination for sailors, swimmers and watersports enthusiasts. From Pertisau a cable car takes you up to the mountain peaks, where you can hike with wide views over the lake. The lake is easily accessible by car and offers various parking options along the shores.
Gosausee in Upper Austria
This lake lies at the end of a mountain valley and offers a spectacular view of the snow-covered Dachstein peaks. The location is photogenic and perfect for short walks. You can walk around the lake in an hour to an hour and a half. The Gosausee is easy to reach via a well-signposted road and has parking facilities by the lake.
Weissensee in Carinthia
The Weissensee is known for its crystal-clear water and is surrounded by forests and mountains. In summer, the lake is ideal for SUP boarding and swimming. Walk along the southern shore for the best views. What makes the lake special is that in winter it turns into a natural ice rink. The Weissensee is accessible by car via well-maintained roads.
Stausee Durlassboden
This lake lies at an altitude of 1,400 metres, on the border between Tyrol and Salzburg. It is popular with sailors, windsurfers and swimmers thanks to its pleasant summer temperatures. The altitude provides refreshing air, yet the water still warms up nicely in summer. The lake is accessible via a mountain road suitable for standard cars.
High Alpine gems in Switzerland
Switzerland has mountain lakes that are often slightly higher than their Austrian counterparts. They are frequently surrounded by glaciers and steep mountain walls, creating breathtaking landscapes.
Oeschinensee near Kandersteg
The Oeschinensee is a large glacial lake surrounded by steep rock faces. The area is rich in Alpine flowers such as orchids, gentian and edelweiss. You can spot marmots and mountain goats there. You reach the lake by first taking the cable car from Kandersteg, followed by a walk of about 30 minutes. You park at the cable car station. Although the water is cold, many visitors still brave a dip.
High-altitude lakes for experienced hikers
Lac de Moiry, Lac de Sénin and Lac de Tseuzier all lie at over 2,000 metres. These lakes are favourites with experienced hikers who want to enjoy glaciers and rock formations. The access roads are often narrower and require more driving experience, but the reward is an unspoilt landscape with few other visitors.
Lago di Braies in the Italian Dolomites
Lago di Braies, also known as Pragser Wildsee, is one of the most photographed mountain lakes in the Alps. Its emerald-green water reflects the surrounding mountains and forests, creating a fairytale-like scene. You can hire a rowing boat to explore the lake from the water. Around the lake there are various walking trails suitable for all levels.
The lake is easily accessible by car, but it can be busy in high season. Plan your visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and get the best light conditions for photos. There is a large car park by the lake, but it can fill up in July and August.
‘ These lakes are less accessible than the locations mentioned earlier, but it is precisely this that gives them a sense of remote beauty. ’
Germany’s Allgäu Alps for adventurous hikers
In the Allgäu Alps you will find four mountain lakes along a single route: Vilsalpsee, Schrecksee, Lache and Traualpsee. This route along the Jubiläumsweg includes steep climbs beneath peaks such as the Rauhorn. It is a demanding multi-day hike suitable for experienced hikers in good condition.
The starting points for these routes are accessible by car. Park at the beginning of the trail and prepare for a serious climb. These lakes are less accessible than the locations mentioned earlier, but it is precisely this that gives them a sense of remote beauty.
Practical tips for your road trip to mountain lakes
A road trip to the mountain lakes of the Alps calls for good preparation. Check the weather forecast in advance and take the altitude of the lakes into account. The temperature drops by roughly one degree per 100 metres of elevation, so bring a windproof jacket, even in summer.
Wear sturdy walking shoes, even for short walks. Many paths are unpaved and can be slippery due to moisture. Test the water first before swimming, as glacial lakes can be surprisingly cold, even in August.
Most mountain lakes have official walking trails. Stay on these to protect the fragile Alpine flora. Do not leave any rubbish behind and take everything you bring with you back down. At some lakes you can hire boats or SUPs on site, which is often more convenient than bringing your own gear.
Best season and time of day to visit
June to September is the best time of year to visit mountain lakes. During these months temperatures are pleasant and the trails are generally easy to walk. In early June the water can still be chilly, but the area is often less busy. July and August are the warmest months, but also the busiest at popular lakes such as Lago di Braies.
Visit well-known lakes early in the morning, preferably before 9 a.m. It is quieter then, the light is ideal for photography and you often have the best chance of clear weather. In the mountains the weather can change quickly, so keep an eye on it during your visit.
‘ This also makes these lakes suitable for families with children or travellers who are less mobile. ’
Combining with cable cars for quick access
Some mountain lakes are quicker to reach by using cable cars. At Oeschinensee and Achensee you save a considerable amount of climbing time this way. This also makes these lakes suitable for families with children or travellers who are less mobile.
The cable cars often have ample parking at the valley station. Check opening times and prices in advance, as these can vary by season. Some cable cars close in bad weather or for maintenance.
From swimming to SUP boarding
Most mountain lakes are suitable for swimming, although temperatures can vary. Achensee, Weissensee and Stausee Durlassboden often have the most pleasant water temperatures in summer. Glacial lakes such as Oeschinensee stay colder, but offer a refreshing dip after a hike.
Kayaking and SUP boarding are popular on the larger lakes. At many locations you can hire equipment for an hour or a day. The glass-clear water of the Weissensee makes SUP boarding there a special experience, as you can see the bottom several metres below. When doing watersports, be mindful of other users and swimmers.
The mountain lakes of the Alps offer something special for every traveller, whether you come for sporting challenges, quiet walks or simply for the view. On the Traveler Tips website you will find even more inspiration on routes, accommodation and practical tips for your trip through the Alps. Discover more destinations and plan your next holiday smartly and consciously.
Frequently asked questions
Achensee in Austria is easy to reach by train (via Jenbach) and connecting bus, and the route through the Inn valley and along the lake is very scenic. You reach Oeschinensee in Switzerland by train to Kandersteg and then by cable car and a short walk; the Lötschberg mountain route to get there is considered one of the most beautiful railway lines in the Alps. Lago di Braies in the Dolomites is accessible by car and bus via the Puster Valley, a mountain road with magnificent views of the Dolomites. The Gosausee in Austria can be reached by car and bus from Hallstatt/Gosau via a picturesque mountain road with panoramic views.
The best time to travel to visit the most beautiful mountain lakes in the Alps is from June to September, when most hiking trails are free of snow and temperatures are pleasant. For the best experience with fewer crowds, it is preferable to go outside the school holidays (June or September). Even in high season you can avoid the biggest crowds by going early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Around Achensee, Weissensee and Millstättersee you will find comfortable hotels, guesthouses and holiday apartments directly on or close to the water, often with wellness facilities. At Oeschinensee and around Lago di Braies there are mountain hotels, chalets and well-equipped guesthouses that are ideal as bases for hikes. In the Allgäu Alps (near Vilsalpsee and Schrecksee) and around Austrian mountain lakes such as Gosausee and Formarinsee you can choose between mountain huts with half board and small-scale guesthouses in the valleys. These accommodations fit well with a carefully planned trip, as they are often close to walking routes, cable cars and public transport connections.
The Alpine mountain lakes offer unique activities such as SUP boarding and sailing on the Weissensee, rowing on Lago di Braies and multi-day mountain hikes along lakes in the Allgäu Alps. You can also swim in crystal-clear lakes such as Achensee and Oeschinensee or go ice skating on frozen mountain lakes in winter. Photogenic spots include the fairytale-like, emerald-green Lago di Braies with its reflecting mountain walls and the Gosausee with its views of the snow-covered Dachstein. The high-altitude glacial lakes such as Oeschinensee and Lac de Moiry also provide dramatic panoramas for unforgettable photos.
Key essentials are good preparation for altitude and weather: check the weather forecast, the altitude of the route (often 1,500–2,300 metres) and set off early to avoid crowds and heat. Wear sturdy walking shoes with good grip and bring layered clothing, including a windproof or waterproof jacket. Take enough water, snacks or a picnic, and possibly swimwear, but bear in mind that the water temperatures are often very cold. Stay on marked paths, respect nature and always take your rubbish back with you.
