Lake Zürsersee is undoubtedly a gem among Alpine lakes and a magnet for those seeking a connection with nature and relaxation in Vorarlberg. Whether you choose to visit during the summer hiking season or head here for skiing in winter, this picturesque destination offers an unforgettable experience for anyone longing for a unique combination of peace and the beauty of the Vorarlberg mountains.
>> Find special deals on accommodation in Lech and Zürs am Arlberg HERE <<
Zürsersee / Austrian Lakes
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Are you planning a trip to Zürsersee, or just looking for inspiration on which other Austrian lake to visit? Either way, we believe today’s trip tip will make you happy. We consider Zürsersee to be one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in all of Austria, and if you’re planning a summer holiday in Vorarlberg, it would be a great shame not to visit this place.
View of Zürs am Arlberg / Austrian Lakes
The journey and parking
This time we set off for Vorarlberg from the Karlovy Vary region, and thanks to the unlimited speed on German motorways and the autumn timing, the journey went quite quickly. We chose a route around Lake Constance (Bodensee), where we also stopped for a few hours on the way back.
Parking Zürsersee / Austrian Lakes
Trail to Zürsersee / Austrian Lakes
Trail to Zürsersee / Austrian Lakes
If you stay directly in Lech/Zürs am Arlberg, you can set off for the trip to Zürsersee on foot, or use the local hiking buses, which are free for those staying in these towns as part of the adventure discount card.
>> Find special deals on accommodation in the village of Schröcken HERE <<
Our apartment accommodation – Schröcken / Austrian Lakes
This time we stayed in the village of Schröcken, which is, for example, a great starting point for trips to another equally beautiful lake, Körbersee. So we use the free car park right below the trail leading to Zürsersee.
Trail to Zürsersee
Given the autumn date and the end of the summer cable car season to Zürsersee, there was no other way to get to the lake than a nice hike with about 500 m of elevation gain. To be honest, we planned this timing precisely so that we could enjoy Zürsersee without the large crowds of tourists.
In the summer season, they get here effortlessly by the tourist cable car. Again, if you are staying directly in the Lech-Zürs municipalities, you should receive a summer card from your accommodation, which will give you, among other things, this cable car for free. A minimum number of nights may apply for free entitlement to this card.
Trail to Zürsersee / Austrian Lakes
View of Zürs am Arlberg / Austrian Lakes
Trail to Zürsersee
The trail starts from the free car park and is well-marked. At the beginning, we walk along a gravel road used for deliveries to the restaurant, but otherwise, there is a no-entry sign for cars. After a few meters, we head onto a narrow path, which is much more of an experience and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain landscape, as well as the towns of Lech – Zürs am Arlberg spreading out below us.
Trail to Zürsersee
View of Zürs am Arlberg / Austrian Lakes
Trail to Zürsersee / Austrian Lakes
Trail to Zürsersee / Austrian Lakes
The trail to Zürsersee is a breathtaking experience in itself. However, the main enchantment awaits you as soon as the view of the entire lake appears before you. If you’re lucky, like we were, you’ll have the lake all to yourself at the beginning/end of the season. We take advantage of this coincidence and head first to the pier, where there are newly installed wooden loungers and a bench with a table for a picnic.
Zürsersee / Austrian Lakes
Zürsersee / Austrian Lakes
Zürsersee / Austrian Lakes
After a snack, rest, and admiring the monumental mountain surroundings, we set off on a circular walk around Zürsersee. Since we’re lucky with sunny weather, we also head to the cave, which is quite dry.
On the way to the upper cable car station, which you can reach effortlessly in the high season, we get the very best view of the lake, so we linger here for a while before the journey back to the valley and admire the breathtaking nature of Vorarlberg.
The restaurant at Zürsersee – upper cable car station – is open during the main summer and winter seasons / Austrian Lakes
The restaurant at Zürsersee is open during the main summer and winter seasons / Austrian Lakes
- We recommend taking the walking trail only in dry, nice weather. In damp weather, it’s better to take the gravel road.
- The restaurant by Lake Zürsersee only operates during the main summer and winter seasons. Outside these periods, don’t forget to pack a snack and plenty of fluids.
- Continuing on the trails from Zürsersee further into the mountains is for experienced hikers – be critical of yourself if you set out on demanding mountain hikes and don’t forget quality mountain equipment and insurance.
Zürsersee / Austrian Lakes
Zürsersee / Austrian Lakes
Accommodation in Lech – Zürs am Arlberg
Especially in the high season, we recommend staying directly in Lech or Zürs am Arlberg, where you’ll get the Lech card, giving you free or discounted travel by bus, cable cars, and other local attractions. If you’re looking for cheaper accommodation, we recommend looking in the nearby village of Schröcken, which is also an ideal place for trips to Körbersee.
Take advantage of our verified tips, which can be used in summer and winter:
Berghaus Schröcken – Hotel Apartments Spa
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