Hintersteiner See: A picturesque mountain lake in Tyrol
The Hintersteiner See, located in the Wilder Kaiser nature reserve, is considered one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Tyrol. With its crystal-clear, turquoise-blue water, the lake not only invites you to swim and relax, but also to take relaxing hikes around the shore. Numerous hiking trails offer fantastic views of the surrounding mountain landscape and make the Hintersteiner See a popular destination for nature lovers and families alike.
The Hintersteiner See is certainly still one of the insider tips, even though it was voted the best in 2018 as part of the television show “9 Places – 9 Treasures”.most beautiful place in Tyrol Directly on the lake there is not only a beautiful outdoor pool, also the hike around the lake is very worthwhile. We want to take a closer look at both in this blog.
Circular route tour dates:
- Start: parking lot directly at the lake
- Length: 5.2 km
- Refreshment options: Café Restaurant Seestüberl, Jausenstation Goingstätt, Pension Maier
- Pure walking time: 1:30 hrs – 2:00 hrs
- Difficulty: Light
- Suitable for strollers? The north bank, yes, the south bank only to a limited extent.
- Season: May to mid-October
- Altitude: uphill 130m, downhill 170m
Park
Since the first parking is already full, we park at the second parking lot and pay 3 euros for it. Right at the beginning of the lake there is an outdoor pool with a large lawn, but more on that later. The water shimmers emerald green. There is also a restaurant (Seestüberl) with a very nice terrace right here at the beginning.
If you don’t have a car, we recommend the hiking bus. This runs daily from the end of May to mid-October. The stop is in the village center of Scheffau (on the north side of the church) - from there the bus runs regularly to Hintersteiner See and back.
Hintersteiner See circular trail
We decide to do a round trip around the lake in an anti-clockwise direction. First we start from the parking lot on the eastern shore of the Hintersteiner See (890 m). We pass the Café Restaurant Seestüberl on the north bank, always along the asphalt road no. 822. Fortunately, cars rarely drive here.
The lake is simply idyllically beautiful, even the goats lie on the grass to enjoy the view. We continue our way along the lake shore. The water is crystal clear, you always have the feeling that you can see right to the bottom. If you look closely, you can even spot huge fish.
It goes along the north bank, past the Jausenstation Goingstätt, which we reach after about half an hour. It is located directly on the opposite shore of the lake.
Now you might think that the path goes back around the lake, but that's wrong. Instead, it continues straight and slightly uphill. We're slowly getting hot, as hardly any part of the path has been in the shade so far.
At the Pension Maier is the last opportunity to stop for a rest. It looks inviting and offers a great playground for children. We have now walked for a good 30 minutes. Up to this point, the path is easy to reach with a stroller.
Many people turn back here, but this is actually where the nicer part of the hike begins. The rest of the route can be managed with a stroller, but you should be two people, as there are a few obstacles like steps, stones and roots.
From here on, it is better to go without a stroller
We now continue through the very attractive forest. The path is initially relatively flat and easy to manage - it only goes up and down slightly, but on a relatively flat and well-graveled path. You are repeatedly rewarded with beautiful views of the lake. It is unbelievable what color it is in some places. Again and again it shimmers emerald green in the sun.
We're starting to wonder why some people advise against pushing a stroller here. But after ⅔ of the way it becomes clear to us. We can see the lido again, but now the path is getting steeper, rockier and full of roots. No problem for hikers, but a bit more problematic for families with strollers. We work up a sweat at times, but we can manage it.
After the highest hill, there is a path downhill with about 30 steps, but these are no longer a problem. But you get fantastic views of the lake again and again. About 1.5 hours later, we are finally back at the starting point. We are exhausted, but happy to have made this hike. Now a beach is just what we need!
The beach of the Hintersteiner See
The Hintersteiner See is a mountain lake with drinking water quality!
Underground springs fill it with fresh mountain water. The temperatures are accordingly high. In the summer months it warms up to a average temperature between 20 and 22 degrees. After a beautiful circular hike, this is just the thing.
In 2021, admission to the outdoor pool costs €5. The later you arrive, the cheaper it is (although the parking lot will also be fuller. You can relax very comfortably on a large lawn. There is enough space, but you have to look out for a shady spot.
The beach has a small cafeteria, which offer small dishes such as frankfurters, currywurst, tarte flambée, pizza, baguette, meatloaf rolls, ice cream and drinks. Despite the full parking lot, you never had the feeling that it was too busy here.
Rental of sun lounger & umbrella and SUP possible
Dogs are not allowed in the beach
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