Top 20 Lakes around Scharnitz

The lakes around Scharnitz, nestled in the Tyrolean Alps and the Gateway to the Karwendel Nature Park, offer stunning alpine scenery. You can expect crystal-clear waters, dense forests, lush meadows, and dramatic mountain backdrops, especially the Karwendel and Wetterstein mountains. Lakes like Lake Ferchensee and Geroldsee are particularly known for their picturesque settings and reflections.

For swimming, Lake Ferchensee in Bavaria is ideal, with swimming permitted from June to October. Lautersee, also in Bavaria, is known for its blue-green, drinking-water-quality water, making it perfect for a refreshing dip. Kaltwassersee, while picturesque, is a reservoir where swimming is not permitted.

Yes, several lakes offer easy and scenic walking paths. The Eastern shore of Lake Möserer See features a path circling its perimeter, offering varied views. Lautersee has a circular path with views of the Karwendel Mountains, and a scenic 3 km trail along the Ferchenbach creek leads to Lake Ferchensee.

Many lakes are family-friendly. Western Shore of Lautersee and Lake Ferchensee offer opportunities for swimming, picnicking, and boat rentals. The circular paths around lakes like Möserer See are also great for family strolls. The general area provides a tranquil atmosphere for relaxation and enjoying nature together.

Yes, boat rentals are available at some of the lakes. You can rent rowing and pedal boats at Lautersee, and Lake Ferchensee also offers boat rentals for a leisurely time on the water.

Absolutely. The region around Scharnitz is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as the 'Circular hiking trail Karwendel Gorge and footbridge' or the 'Round tour to the Gleirschklamm gorge from Scharnitz'. For cycling, routes like 'Upper Isar River – Source of the Isar loop from Scharnitz' are popular. You can explore more options in the hiking guide and cycling guide for Scharnitz.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning panoramic views, especially when the mountains reflect in the calm waters of lakes like Western Shore of Lautersee. The crystal-clear water of Lake Ferchensee and the varied perspectives from the path around Eastern shore of Lake Möserer See are also highly appreciated. The overall tranquility and natural beauty make these lakes a favorite for relaxation and outdoor activities.

Yes, you can find dining options near some of the lakes. Lake Ferchensee has a lakeside restaurant, and Western Shore of Lautersee also offers gastronomy with a beer garden right on the water. The Wildmoos Alm, located near some lakes, is a popular spot for traditional Tyrolean food.

The lakes are beautiful year-round, but the best time depends on your preferred activities. Summer (June to October) is ideal for swimming and boat rentals. Autumn offers spectacular views as the foliage changes color, particularly around Geroldsee. Even in winter, lakes like Möserer See are great for walks, with a unique charm.

Absolutely. Kaltwassersee, a small reservoir near the Rosshütte mountain lift, is a popular spot for hikers and e-bikers to take a break and cool off. It's highly photogenic, especially when the surrounding mountain peaks reflect in its clear water, and benches invite visitors to relax and sunbathe.

Geroldsee, also known as Wagenbrüchsee, is often considered a hidden gem. It's renowned for its breathtaking beauty, clear emerald-green waters, and picturesque alpine scenery, making it a favored spot for photographers. Stuibensee, located within an alpine pasture area near the Wetterstein range at 1922 meters, also offers charming natural surroundings and walking paths.

While some lakes like Lautersee and Ferchensee are easily reachable from Mittenwald (which has public transport connections), direct public transport to every single lake might be limited. It's advisable to check local bus schedules or consider cycling or hiking from nearby towns like Scharnitz or Mittenwald for access.