Top 20 Lakes around Mayrhofen

For families, Ahorn Lake is an excellent choice. Located on the Ahorn plateau and accessible via cable car, it offers spacious relaxation and play areas, including the AhornBachl Stream with varied play stations. Another option is the Penkenjoch Reservoir and Granat Chapel, which is easily walkable and features a unique chapel.

Yes, the Durlassboden Reservoir is a popular spot for swimming and various water sports. Its crystal-clear water reaches around 20 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for activities like stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and pedal boating. It also features a lakeside lido and sunbathing lawns. However, swimming and water sports are not permitted at the Stillup Reservoir.

The lakes around Mayrhofen offer a wide range of hiking experiences. For instance, the Schlegeis Reservoir is a starting point for trails from easy walks to challenging alpine routes, including the popular hike to the Olpererhütte with its iconic suspension bridge. The Stillup Valley, home to the Stillup Reservoir, is also a well-frequented destination for hikers. You can find many hiking routes in the region, such as those listed in the Hiking around Mayrhofen guide.

Both the Schlegeis Reservoir and the Zillergründl Reservoir Dam are accessible via toll roads from Mayrhofen. The Schlegeis Alpine Road offers breathtaking views. For Zillergründl, the toll road leads to the hamlet of Bärenbad, where you typically transfer to a bus to reach the dam. It's advisable to check seasonal closures for these roads.

The Schlegeis Reservoir is known for its massive 131-meter-high dam wall and striking turquoise water. At the Stillup Reservoir, you can see the impressive Stillup Waterfall. The Penkenjoch Reservoir features the unique Granat Chapel, incorporating garnet stone and local wood. The Zillergründl Reservoir is set in a high-alpine landscape often compared to Tibet, offering opportunities for nature observation like marmots and golden eagles.

Yes, the Ziller Valley offers excellent mountain biking. The Stillup Valley, where the Stillup Reservoir is located, is a popular destination for mountain bikers. You can explore various routes, including those mentioned in the MTB Trails around Mayrhofen guide, which features routes like the 'Schlegeis Dam – Schlegeis Reservoir loop'.

The best time to visit is generally during the summer months (late spring to early autumn) when the alpine roads to the reservoirs are open, and the weather is suitable for hiking, biking, and water activities. Many of the higher-altitude lakes and trails are inaccessible or covered in snow during winter.

Yes, guided tours of the dam's interior are available at the Schlegeis Reservoir. This offers a unique insight into the engineering marvel of Austria's hydroelectric infrastructure.

Visitors frequently praise the breathtaking panoramic views of the Zillertal Alps, the striking turquoise waters of the reservoirs, and the extensive hiking opportunities. The unique engineering of the dam walls and the serene natural settings are also highly appreciated, as are the family-friendly amenities at places like Ahorn Lake.

Yes, for easier walks, the Ahorn Lake area offers a family-friendly walking trail. Additionally, a short walking path crosses the dam at the Stillup Reservoir, providing views of the Stillup Waterfall. The Penkenjoch Reservoir is also easily walkable.

The Zillergründl Reservoir stands out due to its high-alpine location at approximately 1,850 meters above sea level, with a landscape often likened to Tibet. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Zillertal Alps and is known for its vibrant turquoise-blue water. It also tends to have less traffic than the Schlegeis Alpine Road.