Mountain lakes every day
Mountain lakes
Where the white-blue sky is reflected in the Alpine lake, wild mountain peaks full of wisdom and gentleness tower into the sky and gnarled forests guard these treasures like humble sentinels, a special magic dwells. A completely new, fantastic world opens up. Without exaggeration, truly magnificent. Pure masterpieces of nature. For bathing, swimming and diving. And all-round happiness. The number and scenic variety of mountain and bathing lakes in and around the region is remarkable: Fernsteinsee, Natursee Hoch-Imst, Starkenberger See, Samerangersee, Göfelesee, Blindsee, Piburger See, Badesee Mieming and Nassereither See, which is located directly in the village, are just the best known. Discover them all and experience pure summer holidays.
Lakes in the Outdoorregion Imst

Imst natural lake: a mountain lake with drinking water quality
To the west of the Imster Bergbahnen valley station, just a stone's throw away from fantastic hiking trails and lively cable cars, lies a very special place. A wonderfully relaxing spot in the sun. A natural lake in the middle of the forest. With fresh spring water, pleasant temperatures and clear mountain air. Everything has its time here, everything has its place.

It is part of the historic castle grounds, reflects the tranquillity in its smooth water surface and shows a new side of its natural diversity in every direction. We watch ducks breeding, hear the splashing of the countless small springs and watch the evening sun disappear behind the Muttekopf. We stroll through colourful foliage to Starkenberg Castle and never want to wake up from this fairy tale again!

Fernsteinsee: Icy beauty above and below the water
Like an emerald-coloured heart, immersed in a forest sea of countless shades of green, embedded in a breathtaking mountain landscape at an altitude of 934 metres, the Fernsteinsee glistens towards us. In its centre sits a mysterious ruin, once the Sigmundsburg hunting lodge on an island measuring over 41,000 square metres. Not far from the hunting lodge, however, we discover another ruin, Fernstein Castle on the western shore of the lake, which has been converted into a hotel and is still a popular destination for boat hire and diving trips. And even if this legendary lake is not open to visitors for swimming (it is private property), it is certainly a place to dream.

Reservoir: Liquid snow with a panoramic view
Although the Hoch-Imst reservoir was created by man, Mother Nature had a hand in it from the very beginning. The lake blends perfectly into the landscape at an altitude of 1,300 metres and is in no way inferior to its natural counterparts. Quite the opposite - with a capacity of 62,000 cubic metres, the unmistakable red and white chequered beach chairs and a fresh, minty mountain lake green, it shows its broad spectrum and meets our desires. As light, airy, clear and full of vigour - just like the mountain world that surrounds it.
Mountain lakes are not only breathtakingly beautiful, they are also important habitats for many plants and animals. These natural jewels are fragile ecosystems that can easily be disturbed by human activity. We ask you to treat lakes that are not designated as bathing lakes with the utmost care and respect. Do not leave rubbish behind, keep to the paths and avoid making noise that could disturb the wildlife. Each of us can help to ensure that these beautiful places are preserved for future generations. Thank you for your help!
Mountain lakes in the surrounding area

One of the locals' favourite paddling pools
The Blindsee lies at an altitude of 1093 metres, right at the foot of the Fernpass and looks exaggeratedly turquoise even in photos. It is normally quite cold, of course, but in hot summers it can get up to 24 degrees - perfect for a swim. The locals love the mountain lake above all for its versatility: you can go swimming here, try out your SUP board, take a diving course or hike all around it. Incidentally, you can see the Zugspitze 16 kilometres away.
For nature professionals: The lake probably got its name because it is a blind lake. These are lakes that do not have an above-ground, natural outlet, but whose tributaries flow underground.

Swimming and hiking under a three-thousand metre peak
The 17-hectare Piburger See lake is the landmark of Oetz and one of the oldest nature reserves in Tyrol. A beautiful and easy circular hiking trail (10 kilometres, 2.5 hours) leads around the lake, which is set in an absolutely stunning landscape and reflects the gigantic Achterkogel (3007 metres high). This natural treasure is one of the warmest bathing lakes in Tyrol and can reach temperatures of up to 25 degrees in midsummer. On the southern shore there is a bathing facility with a restaurant and lakeside terrace, barrier-free access to the lake and a floating raft. If you want, you can hire a rowing boat.