Top 20 Lakes around Kals am Großglockner

The Kals am Großglockner region, situated within the Hohe Tauern National Park, offers a diverse range of lakes. You'll find natural mountain lakes like the Dorfersee, impressive high-alpine reservoirs such as the Mooserboden and Margaritze Dam, and charming glacial lakes like Fuscher Lacke. Each offers unique features and experiences.

The Mooserboden and Wasserfallboden Reservoirs are particularly family-friendly. You can reach them via a transfer bus and an inclined lift, making the journey an experience in itself. The Mooserboden Dam highlight is specifically noted as family-friendly, offering interactive exhibits and scenic views without requiring extensive hiking.

Yes, many lakes in the region are integrated into hiking routes. For instance, reaching the Dorfersee typically involves an approximately 3-hour hike through the picturesque Dabaklamm gorge. The Margaritze reservoir serves as an excellent starting point for various hikes, including trails to the Pasterze Glacier. You can find easy hiking trails around Kals am Großglockner, including some that pass by lakes, in the Easy hikes around Kals am Großglockner guide.

Generally, swimming is not recommended in most of the high-alpine lakes due to extremely cold water temperatures, even on warm summer days. For example, the Dorfersee is fed by glacier water, making it very cold. However, cooling your feet in the pristine waters after a hike is a welcome refreshment.

The lakes offer diverse natural beauty. At Dorfersee, you can see clear waters reflecting the alpine world and vibrant alpine roses in early summer. Fuscher Lacke is known for its serene glacial beauty and stunning reflections. The Kachelsee is part of the 'Kachlmoor' fen, an important habitat for amphibians within the Hohe Tauern National Park.

Absolutely. The Mooserboden and Wasserfallboden Reservoirs offer overwhelming views of the reservoirs and surrounding mountains. The Margaritze Dam provides unparalleled views of the Pasterze Glacier and the majestic Grossglockner. The Ködnitzbach Suspension Bridge, part of a circular hiking trail, offers views of a small dam and the valley.

The best time to visit is typically during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn, when hiking trails are clear of snow and the alpine flora is in bloom. Visiting Fuscher Lacke early in the morning is recommended to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and stunning sunrise views.

Yes, the region offers various outdoor activities. Near the Mooserboden reservoirs, adventure seekers can try climbing routes, including the MOBO 107 via ferrata on the dam wall. For those interested in cycling, you can find gravel biking routes around Kals am Großglockner in the Gravel biking around Kals am Großglockner guide. Running trails are also available, as detailed in the Running Trails around Kals am Großglockner guide.

Yes, some lakes have facilities nearby. The Wangenitzsee Hut, idyllically located on the Wangenitzsee, offers overnight stays and delicious food. Fuscher Lacke also has a restaurant nearby, historically known as 'Mankeiwirt', adding to the visitor experience.

The Dorfersee is a natural mountain lake formed after a significant rockfall, located at 1,935 meters. Its clear waters reflect the impressive surrounding alpine world, and the entire Dorfer Valley is part of the Hohe Tauern National Park. An educational trail, the 'Dorfertal Geschichte(n)weg,' also runs along the way, featuring 'audio trees' that share local stories.

These high-mountain reservoirs are a testament to impressive engineering, with massive dam walls holding back their turquoise waters for hydroelectric power generation. The Moosersperre dam is 107 meters high and almost 500 meters long. Guided tours of the dam walls offer insights into the power plant's construction and operation, and the 'Electricity Adventure World' provides interactive exhibits.

Access to the Margaritze Dam is typically via the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road. Located at 2,000 meters, it offers unparalleled views of the Pasterze Glacier, Austria's longest glacier, and the majestic Grossglockner. The area provides a dramatic high-alpine experience with opportunities to observe glacial moraines and wildlife like marmots and ibex.