Lünersee 4K walking, Austria

Lünersee 4K walking, Austria

Lünersee is a stunning alpine lake nestled at 1,970 metres above sea level in the Rätikon Mountains of Vorarlberg, Austria. Often referred to as the “pearl of the Alps,” it is celebrated for its turquoise waters, dramatic mountain backdrop, and accessibility for visitors of all ages.

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🏞️ Overview

Location: End of the Brandnertal valley, near the town of Bludenz, within the municipality of Vandans.

Elevation: 1,970 metres above sea level.

Size: Approximately 1.12 km² surface area with a maximum depth of 139 metres.

Origin: Originally a natural mountain lake, it was transformed into a reservoir in 1959 with the construction of a dam, now serving as one of the largest reservoirs in western Austria .

Hydroelectric Use: The lake supplies water to several power plants, including Lünersee, Rodund I and II, and Walgau .

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🚠 Getting There

The Lünerseebahn cable car offers a quick and scenic ascent from the valley station in Brand to the lake. The ride takes just a few minutes and is available from late spring through autumn .

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🥾 Activities

Hiking: A popular 6 km loop trail encircles the lake, suitable for families and casual walkers, typically completed in about 1.5 to 2 hours . More challenging hikes lead to peaks like Schesaplana (2,964 m), the highest in the Rätikon range, and the Totalphütte, offering panoramic views and the lake’s iconic heart shape .

Climbing: The surrounding limestone cliffs provide excellent climbing opportunities, including routes on the Kirchlispitzen and other peaks .

Fishing: The lake is rich in trout and is a favored spot for anglers. Fishing licenses are available at the Lünerseebahn .

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🏡 Amenities

Adjacent to the cable car’s mountain station, the Douglasshütte offers meals and accommodations, making it a convenient base for day-trippers and hikers alike .

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🌟 Recognition

In 2019, Lünersee was voted the most beautiful place in Austria by viewers of the ORF television show “9 Plätze – 9 Schätze” (“9 Places – 9 Treasures”) .

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📅 Best Time to Visit

The optimal visiting period is from late May to October, when the Lünerseebahn operates and trails are free of snow. Spring and summer offer vibrant alpine flora, while autumn provides crisp air and fewer crowds.

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🚗 Travel Tips

From Kempten (Allgäu), Germany, Lünersee is approximately a 2.5-hour drive. Alternatively, you can take a train to Bludenz and then a bus to the Lünerseebahn valley station .