Best lakes around Oberlienz offer diverse natural experiences in Austria's East Tyrol. This municipality, situated on the western edge of the Lienz Basin, serves as a starting point for exploring several picturesque lakes. The region is characterized by its alpine landscape, with lakes nestled amidst the Lienz Dolomites and the Hohe Tauern National Park. These accessible lakes provide various opportunities for outdoor activities.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
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Hardy hikers can also swim in the lakes in summer. 😊
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an MTB highlight that makes every biker's heart beat faster! Simply magnificent
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Very beautiful lake, easy to walk around. It is also worth extending to the "old lake". The view of the steep mountain face is sensational.
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The colors and beauty of this lake is unbelievable. You can't capture these impressions with photos as well as they are in real life.
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The region around Oberlienz offers a diverse range of lakes, from accessible natural bathing lakes to stunning high-altitude mountain lakes. You can enjoy the warm waters of a natural bathing lake like Tristacher See or explore the deep blue, crystal-clear waters of alpine gems such as Laserzsee and Wangenitzsee.
Yes, Tristacher See is an excellent choice for families. It is East Tyrol's only natural bathing lake, offering a bathing establishment, a large lawn for sunbathing, and a playground. Its warm waters, often reaching 21-25°C in summer, make it ideal for swimming.
Swimming is highly recommended at Tristacher See, which is known for its excellent water quality and warm temperatures, making it perfect for a refreshing dip. However, swimming is generally forbidden in mountain lakes like Laserzsee, as they often serve as drinking water supplies for nearby huts.
Beyond swimming at Tristacher See, you can enjoy leisurely strolls around its perimeter or explore the 'Alter See' biotope. The mountain lakes, such as Laserzsee and Wangenitzsee, are hubs for hiking, mountaineering, and climbing, with numerous trails and via ferratas. In winter, Tristacher See can even transform into a natural ice-skating rink when the ice is thick enough.
Absolutely. The mountain lakes are particularly popular for hiking. Reaching Laserzsee, for instance, is a rewarding hike offering breathtaking views of the Lienz Dolomites. The trail to Wangenitzsee is considered moderate and suitable for families, leading to the largest mountain lake in Carinthia. For more hiking options in the broader area, you can explore Mountain Hikes around Oberlienz or Easy hikes around Oberlienz.
The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. For swimming and warm-weather activities, the summer months (June, July, August) are ideal, especially for Tristacher See. For hiking and mountaineering in the alpine regions around Laserzsee and Wangenitzsee, late spring to early autumn (June to September) offers the most favorable conditions.
Tristacher See is well-equipped for visitors. It features a bathing establishment, a sunbathing lawn, and a playground. There are also restaurants nearby, and a bus service operates between Lienz and the lake during the high summer season, making it easily accessible.
While dogs are generally welcome on trails, specific rules may apply to bathing areas and natural reserves. For Laserzsee, it's explicitly stated that bathing for dogs is forbidden as the lake serves as a drinking water supply for the hut. Always check local signage or regulations for each specific lake or area.
For those looking to extend their alpine adventures, mountain huts offer accommodation. The Karlsbader Hütte is idyllically located on the shore of Laserzsee, providing sleeping places and food. Similarly, the Wangenitzsee Hut is situated on the northern bank of Wangenitzsee, offering overnight stays for hikers and mountaineers in the Hohe Tauern National Park.
Laserzsee, nestled at 2,260 meters in the Lienz Dolomites, is renowned for its blue-shimmering, crystal-clear water. It's surrounded by towering grey limestone rockfaces and craggy peaks, creating a dramatic and picturesque alpine landscape. The famous Karlsbader Hütte on its shore adds to its charm, offering a perfect resting point with panoramic views.
Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty and the diverse experiences offered. Many appreciate the clear, warm waters of Tristacher See for swimming and its family-friendly atmosphere. The mountain lakes like Laserzsee and Wangenitzsee are highly valued for their breathtaking alpine scenery, rewarding hiking opportunities, and the tranquility they offer amidst impressive rock formations.
While direct cycling paths around the high-altitude mountain lakes might be limited due to terrain, the broader region around Oberlienz offers various cycling opportunities. You can find routes that pass through scenic areas and connect to different points of interest. For more information on cycling in the area, check out Cycling around Oberlienz.


Still not found your perfect lake around Oberlienz? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.