Overview
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through our link.
This is a free way to support us and allows us to continue creating even more inspiring travel guides. Thank you for supporting the love we put into Coordinotes!
What and where is Plansee
Plansee is a beautiful blue mountain lake in the Austrian region of Tyrol, close to the German border. It is located in the Reutte Nature Park region at an altitude of 976 meters. With its area of 2.87 km², a maximum length of 5 kilometers, and a maximum width of 1,7 kilometers, it is the second largest lake of Tyrol. At its deepest point, the lake is 78 meters deep.
Plansee is considered one of the cleanest lakes in Tyrol and is therefore perfect for different activities in the water. Especially during summer, when the water temperature reaches an average of 17 to 21° C.
The lake receives water from two rivers and the water drainage from the lake goes via the Archbach to the Lech. Plansee Lake is also connected to the Heiterwanger Sea by a 300-m-long canal. Due to the presence of the Plansee Power Plant, both lakes play an important in the generation of electricity and Austria’s renewable energy. So the lake is not only beautiful and fun but also functional!
No time to read now?
Save this post on Pinterest!
Things to do
Boat ride
From mid-May to October, you have the chance to explore Plansee during a fun boat trip. Because Plansee is connected to Heiterwanger See with a narrow canal of about 300 m, this boat trip takes you across both lakes. The boat makes three stops where you can board or disembark the boat: Fischer am See – Seespitze – Forelle. This way, you can also use the boat as a ‘taxi’ and perfectly combine a boat trip with hikes along the lakes.
It is also possible to rent electric boats and pedal boats to sail yourself on the lake.You can find all information on boat trips on Plansee and Heiterwanger See here.
Hiking
In the area of Plansee and Heiterwanger See, you find various hiking trails for different hiking levels.
You can hike for example to the Stuiben Falls along a moderately difficult circular hiking trail or go for an easy loop walk around Plansee or Heiterwanger See. If you prefer something more challenging, you can also walk to this beautiful viewpoint over Plansee.
Watersports on the lake
As we said before, the clean water of Plansee offers the perfect opportunity for various activities in and on the water. You can rent a kayak or Sup and paddle yourself over the water. Also for fishing, windsurfing, and sailing is Lake Plansee the place to be!
Cycling and Mountain biking
You can also explore the area around Plansee on two wheels. It is possible to cycle around the lakes or you can follow several mountain bike trails starting from the lake.
There’s a route leading from Plansee via Griesen to Garmisch and via Ehrwald/Lermoos and Reutte back to Plansee. Another route runs via Neuwald-Kuhklause from Plansee to Urisee. As you can see, there are many options to explore Plansee with your bike.
Swimming
Both Plansee and Heiterwanger See are for the most part freely accessible for swimmers. Perfect for a refreshing dip in this beautiful mountainous environment.
You can enter the lake from different places. At Camping Sennalpe and Hotel Forelle, there is a lawn where you can sunbathe and warm up from your refreshing dip. Also at Camping Seespitz and Hotel Seespitze, you find a little beach where you can spend a day at the lake.
You will find parking at both places for €5 per day.
Diving
With its beautifully clear water, Plansee is one of the most beautiful lakes for diving in Austria. It is definitely a unique experience to dive in a mountain lake in the Alps. You might see eels, trout, and crabs and they have even sunk carriages and boats to explore! Diving in Plansee is possible in both summer and winter and night diving is also allowed.
Austria
Download the “Schau Aufs Land” app via the link below and use our discount code: coordinotes10
Sleep at farms
Where to stay
Camping at Plansee
However idyllic it may sound, wild camping at Plansee is unfortunately not allowed and will not be tolerated. There are frequent checks by the mountain guard and fines can amount to around €220. Fortunately, you will find two official campsites at Plansee if you would like to stay here for a night with your camper or tent, namely Camping Sennalpe and Camping Seespitz.
Hotels at Plansee
If you are looking for a hotel to stay in, you have two options at Plansee: Hotel Forelle, or Hotel Seespitze. The closest village to Plansee is Reutte where you have even more choice of accommodation.
Hotels
Discover the best places to stay in Reutte and enjoy a comfortable trip.
Reutte
Reutte
Reutte
via Booking.com
Other things to do
There are many other fun things to do and visit in the Plansee area on both the Austrian and German sides. You will find the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, the thrilling Highline 179 Suspension Bridge in Reutte, the impressive Zugspitze glacier, and the mysterious Partnachklamm. Would you like to combine all this and a lot more during an awesome road trip? Then be sure to check out our 14-day itinerary through Germany, Austria, and the Dolomites.
Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
Thank you for visiting our blog
We hope you find our free travel guides and tips useful. If you want, you can support us virtually by ‘buying us a coffee‘.
Every contribution, no matter how small, is greatly appreciated and will help us continue to share our passion with you and grow this blog.
Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
