Natural gems to immerse yourself in

Last updated on 31.05.2021

Whether it’s night-time stand-up paddleboarding in the alpine fjord, crystal-clear bathing lakes for all the family or tranquil spring trails in the fairytale forest – anyone who likes to spend time by the water on holiday should take a closer look at the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena. Because here everyone will find a stretch of water that’s right up their street. The five loveliest lakes and springs in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena.

Boat trip on lake Heiterwanger See © C. Jorda/Tiroler Zugspitz Arena

Lake Heiterwanger See: the versatile destination

For anyone arriving in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena from the north via the A8 and the border tunnel in Füssen, the first thing they see will be Lake Heiterwanger See. Together with the fjord-like Lake Plansee (with which it is linked by a 300-metre channel) it forms Tyrol’s second-largest body of water and is perfect for water rats, sailors and families. Its banks are a great place for lounging on the grass, hiking and top-class fishing (with a licence). Its waters, which can reach a temperature of 22 degrees, are perfect for swimming, boating and stand-up paddleboarding. With regard to the latter activity: the night-time stand-up paddleboard tours with LED-illuminated boards are an unforgettable experience!

Lake Blindsee: the natural gem

The area around the Fernpass is straight out of a picture book. And it boasts a very special natural gem: Lake Blindsee. Located amidst a densely-forested landscape, encircled by ruggedly romantic mountain scenery, it is a haven for nature lovers and daydreamers alike. The water of Lake Blindsee is so clear that it is almost possible to glimpse the sunken tree trunks in its depths from the shore. Anyone who relaxes in the lake’s cool water or walks around it on the secluded shore path will appreciate the sentiments of Jean-Jacques Rousseau when he advocated a “return to nature”. Our tip: The turquoise appearance of the lake is especially apparent in summer when observed from a slightly higher elevation – on the three-lake hike, for example.

Lake Mittersee: the family lake

Officially, Lake Mittersee, which is situated 1,086 metres above sea level near Biberwier, is a mountain lake. Unofficially, however, it is a small, idyllic family lake straight out of a picture book. As a moor lake it is also the warmest in the region. Situated in the heart of the forest, in summer it is ideal for families with an abundance of shady spots to lounge on its shores. And if the adults won’t want to emerge from the water in midsummer, kids will have a whale of a time in the brand new playground close to the shore. And the small secret paths around the lake are also well worth discovering. A tip for parents: The path to Lake Mittersee is easily manageable with a pushchair or bike trailers.

Hiking along the Loisach springs © C. Jorda/Tiroler Zugspitz Arena

The Loisach springs: an oasis of tranquillity

Anyone keen to escape the daily grind is advised to pay a visit to the Loisach springs near Biberwier – the so-called oasis of tranquillity of the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena. The Loisach rises somewhere here, concealed deep in the earth between Biberwier and Lakes Mittersee and Blindsee. The water has been flowing from the interior of the earth to the surface since a huge rockslide around 4,000 years ago and exudes a unique serenity and allure. On simple paths it is possible to follow the first few kilometres of the Loisach (which later flows into the Isar near Munich) and be enchanted by the natural spectacle. The vibrant colours of the algae make the spring water mysteriously shimmer and glow. So it’s no surprise that the Loisach springs are a popular excursion destination and subject for photographers. Our tip: The trip to the Loisach springs can also be wonderfully combined with a visit to Lake Mittersee.

Lakes Seebensee, Drachensee and Igelsee: the mountain lakes

Mountain lakes have always exerted a unique fascination. High above sea level, encircled by dramatic peaks, they provide a splash of colour against the grey rock backdrop. A prime example and one of the showpieces of the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena is Lake Seebensee. Located 1,675 metres above sea level, its turquoise waters provide the perfect (photo) contrast to the Wetterstein panorama. With the Ehrwalder Almbahn cable car, it can be visited on an easy half-day tour. Anyone looking for an even more spectacular motif can continue for around another hour to Lake Drachensee. Up here at an altitude of almost 2,000 metres it is possible to enjoy perhaps the most impressive – and well-known – view of the Wetterstein massif. At the Coburger Hütte mountain restaurant you can refuel on superb Tyrolean cuisine for the return trip. A trip for all tranquillity-seekers and nature lovers: En route to Lake Seebensee it is well worth making a detour to the impressive Lake Igelsee at the foot of the Igelkopf.