A trip to Lake Lünersee is one of the most beautiful experiences you can have in Vorarlberg, Austria. Imagine the sight of a perfectly blue mountain lake contrasting with the dramatic peaks of the surrounding mountains and vibrant green meadows dotted with colorful flowers.
This is the scene that awaits you when visiting Lake Lünersee in Austria. This stunning natural gem, hidden in the Rätikon massif of the Alps, is a perfect spot for all nature lovers and mountaineers.
Lünersee
Lünersee literally offers something for everyone. Are you looking for a quiet sanctuary for rest and relaxation, or do you prefer adrenaline-filled adventures? Lünersee is also a great place for family trips. You can choose from several trails of varying difficulty.
The easiest one, the so-called family trail, leads comfortably around the lake. On the other hand, experienced climbers can head higher up. Regardless of the difficulty of your hike, make sure to equip yourself with quality footwear, a waterproof jacket, and plenty of fluids.
>> Special accommodation deals near Lünersee <<
Lünersee is one of the largest and most beautiful alpine lakes in Austria. It is situated at an altitude of nearly 2,000 meters above sea level, which gives it an incredible color that, combined with steep rock faces and majestic mountains, gives this place monumental proportions.
Getting there and parking at Lünersee
Your journey to Lake Lünersee can begin beyond the picturesque village of Brand bei Bludenz, where the modern Lünerseebahn cable car will take you directly to the lakeshore. The cable car ride itself is an unforgettable experience. You can park right at the bottom station and be at the top within minutes, admiring breathtaking views of the mountain peaks and the azure surface of the lake.
It might be confusing that although Lünersee is located at the end of the Brandnertal valley, it falls under the administration of the village of Vandans in the Montafon region.
Lünerseebahn
The cable car operates from approximately May to October, allowing you to plan your trip anytime during the hiking season. However, the top station isn’t just for transport. A truly top-tier experience at Lünersee is the local restaurant, where you can enjoy some traditional dishes. So, if you forget to bring a snack, you certainly won’t go hungry here during the high season.
- Exact cable car operating dates can be found on the official website: Luenersee.at
- A new Lünersee cable car was put into operation in August 2020
Trail around Lake Lünersee
Lünersee is a true paradise for hikers. A well-marked and maintained trail stretches around the lake, which can be completed in two to three hours of leisurely walking. During your walk around Lünersee, you definitely shouldn’t forget your camera (or a well-charged phone)—every step reveals new and fascinating views of the lake and mountains. I’m sure you’ll agree that in beautiful weather, you won’t know which spot to photograph first.
Lünersee
You can manage the walk around Lünersee in 2 to 4 hours, depending on how much you stop to enjoy the views and take photos. I recommend going around the lake clockwise. At the beginning, while you’re still full of energy, there’s a small climb, but the rest of the route is mostly downhill or flat.
Plus, if you’re heading to the lake to catch some nice photos, you’ll have the sun behind your back most of the time. The crystal-clear, turquoise water of the lake creates a wonderful contrast with the lush green meadows and the grey, rugged rock face of Schesaplana.
For the experienced:
If you are more adventurous and, above all, if you rank among experienced high-mountain hikers, you can set off on one of the more challenging mountain treks leading from Lünersee. One of these is the ascent to the summit of Schesaplana, the highest mountain in the Rätikon range.
The path to the summit requires effort, but you’ll be rewarded with an absolutely stunning view of the Alpine panorama. Another popular goal for the demanding and experienced is the hike to the summit of Schafgafall with its typical cross. Keep in mind that the path is very steep and narrow in places and is not particularly well-marked.
Schafgafall 2,414 m
Lünersee
At Lake Lünersee, you can enjoy activities other than just hiking. For example, you can buy a fishing permit, or you can choose a quiet spot on the lakeshore, spread out a picnic blanket, and let yourself be carried away by the beauty of nature.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful place to relax or an exciting adventure in the mountains, Lake Lünersee will enchant you with its beauty and variety of activities. It’s a true mountain paradise where you definitely won’t be bored.
Interesting fact: The natural Lake Lünersee was converted into a hydroelectric plant in 1958, which supplies water to four local power stations. This also increased the depth of the lake.
Douglass Hütte
The Douglass Hütte mountain hut, located at the top station of the cable car, also offers several places to stay. Whether you’re lucky enough to stay overnight or just visiting for a trip, enjoying traditional Austrian delicacies and sipping a glass of excellent wine or a well-chilled beer with a stunning view of the lake and mountain panorama is an experience that is definitely worth having.
- Swimming is prohibited in the lake
- Dogs are welcome in the cable car—they should be on a leash and wear a muzzle
- Return cable car fare: 21.50 adults / 12.90 children
Lünersee Accommodation
Pleasant hotel with breakfast at a good price:
Glamping in luxury cabins:
Nice 4* hotel at a good price:
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