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Lüner Lake
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Lake
Lünersee is located at the end of the Brandnertal valley in Vorarlberg and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful alpine lakes. It sits at an elevation of 1,970 meters at the foot of Schesaplana, the highest mountain in the Rätikon range. Originally, Lünersee was one of the largest natural high-alpine lakes in Austria before it was expanded in 1958 by a dam to serve as a reservoir for hydroelectric power generation. The deep blue water of the lake provides a striking contrast to the light-colored limestone cliffs of the Rätikon massif. It serves as a central hub for numerous hiking trails and mountaineering tours, such as the ascent to Schesaplana or the scenic circuit around the lake. Lünersee is easily accessible via the Lünerseebahn cable car, which whisks visitors from the Schattenlagant-Alpe directly to the dam. Ecologically, the lake is a delicate habitat due to its high altitude and water purity, and it is highly valued by anglers for its trout stocks.
- Location: Vorarlberg, Austria
- Top sights: geschützter Landschaftsteil Rellstal und Lünerseegebiet · Schesaplana · Felsenkopf
- Nearby: Bludenz (12 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -8 | -8 | -4 | 1 | 6 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 7 | 3 | -2 | -7 |
| Rain mm | 93 | 70 | 90 | 88 | 146 | 170 | 167 | 184 | 122 | 101 | 90 | 93 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Reaching this sweeping high alpine lake usually involves a highly scenic drive to the very end of the beautiful Brandner Valley in Vorarlberg. From the deep valley floor, visitors can either embark on a steep, demanding hike or take a convenient modern cable car ride up.
Best season
The absolute most popular and welcoming time to visit is during the warm summer months, typically ranging from mid-June until the middle of October. During this inviting period, the trails surrounding the blue water are generally safe and clear of dangerous winter snow and ice.
Terrain & paths
Situated at nearly two thousand meters above sea level, the basin features relatively accessible and well-maintained gravel paths completely circling the clear water. However, the surrounding immediate environment remains a dramatically steep, unforgiving high alpine rocky landscape.
What to bring
Solid walking shoes with excellent traction are highly recommended, even for the relatively flat and easy circuit path directly around the rocky shoreline. A warm, strictly wind-resistant jacket is absolutely essential, as temperatures at this exposed altitude can drop drastically.
Parking
Generous and well-structured parking accommodations are usually available directly at the valley station of the local cable car system at the scenic valley's head. On incredibly beautiful sunny summer weekends, these spaces can fill up rapidly, making a very early morning arrival highly wise.
Safety
While the remarkably flat main circuit trail is generally quite safe, visitors should strictly avoid straying unprepared into the steep, unmarked surrounding loose scree slopes. Always be mentally and physically prepared for rapid, threatening weather shifts typical of high-elevation mountain bowls.
Time needed
Completing the classic leisurely panoramic circuit hike around the entire massive lake typically takes visitors between two and three hours without major breaks. Those planning to ultimately ascend the challenging surrounding jagged peaks should allocate a full, physically demanding day for their trip.
Geography
Facts
- The lake's surface elevation is 1,970 meters above sea level.
- The reservoir has a maximum storage volume of 78 million cubic meters.
- Schesaplana towers over the lake at an altitude of 2,965 meters.
- The construction of the dam was completed in 1958.
- The Lünerseebahn cable car climbs over 400 meters of elevation in just a few minutes.
- In 2019, Lünersee was voted the most beautiful spot in Austria.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Lüner Lake (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest way to get to Lünersee?
With the Lünersee cable car from the end of the Brandnertal valley.
Is swimming allowed in the lake?
Swimming is theoretically possible, but the water remains extremely cold.
How long does the loop around the lake take?
The walk around the lake takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Is Lünersee a natural lake?
It was a natural lake that was dammed for hydroelectric power generation.
Are there restaurants directly at the lake?
Yes, the Douglass hut is located directly at the top station of the cable car.
Lüner Lake: where is it located?
Lüner Lake is located in Vorarlberg, Austria.
Lüner Lake: what is there to see?
Highlights include geschützter Landschaftsteil Rellstal und Lünerseegebiet, Schesaplana, Felsenkopf.
Lüner Lake: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Lüner Lake: why is it worth visiting?
Lünersee is located at the end of the Brandnertal valley in Vorarlberg and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful alpine lakes.
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