Plizio Visual Lab
Eschen Lake
The Egelsee near Eschen is the only natural standing body of water in the Principality of Liechtenstein and represents a valuable biotope on the border with Austria. Geographically, the lake is situated in a depression at the foot of the Eschnerberg and was formed after the retreat of glaciers at the end of the last ice age, approximately 10,000 years ago. The water is surrounded by a wide belt of reeds and wet meadows, providing a protected habitat for numerous rare bird species, amphibians, and insects. Historically, the area was frequently flooded by the Rhine before the river's correction in the 19th century stabilized the landscape. Egelsee has been a protected nature reserve since 1976 to safeguard its sensitive flora and fauna from human interference. For visitors, the lake is accessible via a nature trail that provides insights into the ecological significance of moors and small standing waters. The water quality is regularly monitored as the lake has no natural surface inflow and is primarily fed by groundwater.
- Location: Liechtenstein
- Top sights: Musikschule · Vogelparadies Birka · Naturschutzgebiet Birka
- Nearby: Ruggeller Riet (4 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 | -6 | -5 | -1 | 4 | 8 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 10 | 6 | 0 | -4 |
| Rain mm | 92 | 70 | 91 | 93 | 147 | 173 | 169 | 185 | 121 | 103 | 91 | 93 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- Egelsee is the only natural lake in the entire Principality of Liechtenstein.
- The nature reserve covers an area of approximately 3 hectares.
- The lake is located directly on the state border between Liechtenstein and Austria.
- The body of water has been under strict state nature protection since 1976.
- Archaeological finds from the Pfyn culture have been discovered in the vicinity.
- Rare orchid species like the marsh orchid thrive in the surrounding wet meadows.
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.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Eschen Lake (10)
Kunstschule Liechtenstein
School for visual arts and creative courses.
Naturschutzgebiet Gampriner Seelein
Protected area surrounding a small lake.
Römermauern
Ruins of Roman walls, evidence of antiquity.
Ruine Alt-Schellenberg🏰 castle
Castle ruin in the municipality of Schellenberg, Liechtenstein.
Biedermannhaus🏛 museum
Museum in Liechtenstein, showcasing historic living culture.
Naturschutzgebiet Schwabbrünnen/Äscher
Protected bog and wetland area.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is there a kiosk at Eschen Lake?
Is the water suitable for children?
Is Stand-up Paddling (SUP) possible?
Are there shady spots on the shore?
Is entrance to the lake free?
Eschen Lake: where is it located?
Eschen Lake: what is there to see?
Eschen Lake: when is the best time to visit?
Eschen Lake: why is it worth visiting?
Nature
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