Top 20 Lakes in Vorarlberg

Vorarlberg boasts several lakes renowned for their stunning natural settings. Lünersee, often called the "turquoise gem of the Rätikon mountains," is famous for its crystal-clear, turquoise waters surrounded by rugged peaks. Formarinsee, voted Austria's most beautiful spot in 2015, captivates with its emerald green waters reflecting the Rote Wand mountain. Spullersee offers deep blue to turquoise shimmering waters in a pristine alpine setting, while Seewaldsee is a tranquil, warm bathing lake nestled in the Grosses Walsertal Biosphere Park.

Many lakes offer excellent hiking. Around Lünersee South Shore, a popular circular trail takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Formarinsee is a starting point for numerous trails of varying difficulty, including the beginning of the Lechweg. Spullersee features a 5.6 km circular trail and connections to challenging summit tours. For more options, explore guides like Easy hikes in Vorarlberg or Waterfall hikes in Vorarlberg.

Yes, several lakes are great for families. The circular trail around Lünersee South Shore is partly stroller-friendly. Seewaldsee is a natural bathing lake accessible by a one-hour hike or a small slow train, featuring a children's playground and barbecue area. Lake Constance offers extensive cycling paths, bathing, and swimming. The Bregenz lakeside promenade is also a local recreation area with space to linger.

Lake Constance is particularly well-suited for cycling, with an extensive network of paths along its shores, such as the Lochau Lakeside Cycle Path. While mountain lakes like Lünersee, Formarinsee, and Spullersee are primarily hiking destinations, the surrounding regions offer mountain biking opportunities. You can find more cycling routes in the Gravel biking in Vorarlberg guide.

Vorarlberg's lakes present fascinating natural phenomena. Formarinsee is unique because its outflow drains underground through a cave system. Lünersee, originally a natural mountain lake, was enlarged into a reservoir, creating its distinctive turquoise hue. The Rhine Delta nature reserve, where the Alpine Rhine flows into Lake Constance, is one of Central Europe's most significant wetlands, rich in biodiversity.

Near Formarinsee, the Freiburger Hut offers refreshments and overnight accommodation. At Lünersee, the Douglass Hut at Lake Lünersee provides similar services. These huts are popular stops for hikers and mountaineers.

The best time to visit largely depends on your preferred activities. Summer (June to September) is ideal for hiking, swimming, and water sports, with Lake Constance reaching pleasant bathing temperatures up to 26 degrees Celsius. Autumn offers breathtaking panoramic views, especially around Lünersee, as the landscapes are painted in warm colors. High mountain lakes like Formarinsee and Spullersee are best visited from late spring to early autumn when trails are clear of snow.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity at several lakes. Lünersee is known for excellent trout fishing, with licenses available at the Lünerseebahn. Spullersee is also a renowned spot for trout fishing. Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permits before fishing.

Lünersee is easily accessible via the Lünerseebahn cable car, which takes visitors directly to the lake, making it convenient for hikers and sightseers. For views of Lake Constance, the Pfänder mountain cable car in Bregenz offers panoramic vistas.

The Lake Constance region on the Vorarlberg side is rich in culture. Cities like Bregenz, Dornbirn, Hohenems, and Feldkirch offer a mix of modern architecture and medieval charm. The area is famous for cultural festivals, including the Bregenzer Festspiele with its spectacular lake stage. You can also visit historical sites like the Mili — Historic Lakeside Bath, Bregenz.

While not entirely hidden, Herzsee (Heart Lake) is a beautiful, smaller man-made lake that offers a peaceful rest stop with great water colors, often praised for its serene atmosphere and picturesque sunrises. Seewaldsee in the Grosses Walsertal Biosphere Park also offers a tranquil escape away from larger crowds.

The alpine environments around lakes like Formarinsee and Spullersee are home to diverse wildlife. Near Formarinsee, you might spot one of Europe's largest ibex colonies. Around Spullersee, marmots are frequently seen, and if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of golden eagles soaring above.