Top 8 Lakes around Kaisergebirge (Naturschutzgebiet)
Best lakes around Kaisergebirge (Naturschutzgebiet) are located within a protected natural area, offering diverse aquatic environments. This region features mountain lakes known for their clear, often turquoise-blue waters, fed by underground springs and meltwater. The landscape is characterized by the majestic Wilder Kaiser mountains, which are frequently reflected in the lake surfaces. These lakes provide opportunities for recreation and serve as focal points within the nature reserve.
Best lakes around Kaisergebirge (Naturschutzgebiet)
- The most popular lakes is Hintersteiner See, a lake that is a fantastically beautiful bathing lake in the middle of the Wilder Kaiser nature reserve with crystal-clear water and a lido. It is 56 hectares in size and up to 36 meters deep, offering reflections of the Wilder Kaiser mountains.
- Another must-see spot is Lakeside Meadow at Hintersteiner See, a lake. This beautifully situated lake offers excellent water quality, and its surrounding meadows and forests invite visitors to linger and relax.
- Visitors also love Rest area on the southern peninsula of the Hintersteiner See, a lake. This spot provides several benches and a small promontory, offering a fantastic view over the Hintersteinersee, a mountain lake filled with crystal clear water from underground springs.
- Kaisergebirge (Naturschutzgebiet) is known for natural bathing lakes and mountain lakes. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from larger bodies of water suitable for swimming to smaller, more secluded spots.
- The lakes around Kaisergebirge (Naturschutzgebiet) are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 2490 upvotes and 830 photos shared across 18 highlights.
Last updated: May 14, 2026
Hintersteiner See
Highlight • Lake
A beautiful path leads around the lake, which is asphalted from the car park to the Goingstätthof snack station to the west and is therefore also suitable for pushchairs. The south bank, on the other hand, rises slightly and offers fantastic views of the Wilder Kaiser reflected in the water. A popular photo motif!
A large parking lot is available for a fee. The circular route is also a wonderful hike in winter!
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Hintersteiner Lake
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Forest trail at Hintersteiner See
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Lakeside Meadow at Hintersteiner See
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Rest area on the southern peninsula of the Hintersteiner See
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Tips from the Community
From Hinterstein you can undertake tours of varying levels of difficulty at the foot of the Wilder Kaiser. There are only limited parking spaces available for cars, and they are subject to a fee. There is a free hiking bus.
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Beautiful, not too crowded lake. There are two huts on the circular route where you can stop off
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The Seebach trails are a great way to explore the Hintersteiner See.
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This place invites you to rest and arrive. So many sunbeds available! Great view and many beautiful hiking trails!
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From the paid car park, follow the sign for the lake circular path and walk below the Seestüberl on the narrow asphalt road along the northern shore of the lake. Past a beautiful farm, through lightly wooded sections, which nevertheless offer wonderful views of the lake again and again. From the snack bar, walk a few meters back to a signpost and follow the sign for the lake circular path on the right. Past a farm to the signpost for the See-West (937m). Here, turn left along the lake circular path in an easterly direction along the lake shore. Again and again, beautiful views of the lake open up here, as well as of the striking rock pyramid of the Scheffauer. At the signpost for Hintersteiner See Süd/Bank, the path begins to climb slightly and you reach a wonderful vantage point with beautiful views over wide meadows with beautiful farms. Then it goes slightly downhill again over a rocky passage on the hiking trail secured with a wooden railing and finally over a wooden bridge back to the car park on the eastern shore of the lake.
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The paths around the Hintersteiner See are wide forest roads and easily accessible paths. Exposed sections are secured with railings.
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Magnificent view of the Scheffauer summit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the lakes in Kaisergebirge (Naturschutzgebiet) unique?
The lakes in Kaisergebirge (Naturschutzgebiet) are renowned for their crystal-clear, often turquoise-blue waters, fed by natural underground springs and mountain meltwater. They are nestled amidst the majestic Wilder Kaiser mountains, offering stunning reflections of the peaks, especially in the Hintersteiner See.
Can I swim in the lakes around Kaisergebirge (Naturschutzgebiet)?
Yes, Hintersteiner See is widely regarded as Tyrol's most beautiful and cleanest natural swimming lake. It features a public lido and bathing beach. In summer, the water temperature typically ranges from 19-20°C, making it ideal for a refreshing dip.
Are there hiking trails around the lakes?
Absolutely. A popular and relatively easy circular path leads around Hintersteiner See, offering constantly changing views. This path is also a great starting point for more extensive hikes. For more challenging routes, you can explore various Mountain Hikes around Kaisergebirge (Naturschutzgebiet).
What other outdoor activities can I do near the lakes?
Beyond swimming and hiking, the area around the lakes is excellent for photography, especially capturing the mountain reflections. You can also enjoy cycling with various Cycling routes and Gravel biking tours. The serene natural setting also invites visitors to simply relax by the water.
Are the lakes family-friendly?
Yes, Hintersteiner See is very family-friendly. Parts of the circular path on the western side are asphalted and suitable for strollers. The lake also has a bathing beach and various snack stations, making it a great destination for families.
Is there parking and public transport available for accessing the lakes?
For Hintersteiner See, a large parking lot is available for a fee. Additionally, there is a free hiking bus service, which is a convenient option, especially as parking spaces can be limited.
What is the best time to visit the lakes in Kaisergebirge (Naturschutzgebiet)?
The lakes are beautiful year-round. For swimming and warmer weather activities, summer is ideal when water temperatures are pleasant. However, the circular route around Hintersteiner See is also a wonderful hike in winter, offering a different, serene experience.
Are there places to eat or relax near the lakes?
Yes, particularly around Hintersteiner See, there are numerous places to stop for a break, including nice restaurants and snack stations. Benches on the southern peninsula, like the Rest area on the southern peninsula of the Hintersteiner See, offer fantastic views and a place to linger.
What are the dimensions of Hintersteiner See?
Hintersteiner See spans 56 hectares in size and reaches depths of up to 36 meters, making it a significant natural body of water within the nature reserve.
Are there any less crowded lakes in the broader Kaiser Mountains region?
While Hintersteiner See is popular, other beautiful lakes like Walchsee, Hechtsee, Thiersee, and Berglsteiner See are found in the broader Kaiser Mountains region or Kufsteinerland. These might offer different levels of crowd depending on the season and specific location.
What do visitors enjoy most about Hintersteiner See?
Visitors frequently praise the crystal-clear water and the stunning reflections of the Wilder Kaiser mountains in Hintersteiner See. The excellent water quality for swimming, the beautiful circular path, and the opportunity to relax amidst picturesque scenery are also highly appreciated.
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