Lake Vilsalpsee

The deep blue lake in the Vilsalpsee Nature Reserve is one of the most popular destinations in the Tannheimer valley.

Lake Vilsalpsee is situated in the homonymous Vilsalptal valley, a tributary valley of the Tannheimer valley. It is surrounded by the Vilalpseeberge mountains which make part of the Allgäu Alps and the Vils river represents its only runoff.

The lake is a gem in the midst of a natural reserve of 18.2 sqkm, which is characterised by its richness in species: some 700 different plants as well as extremely rare animals such as Alpine Salamanders or European Toads have found their home in the Vilsalpsee Nature Reserve. For the great crested grebe this lake is the highest located breeding area of Tyrol. Since 1957 this area has been protected, in 2000 it has been declared a “Natura 2000″ zone - this label marks particular protected areas within the European Union.

Lake Vilsalpsee is one of the most beautiful destinations in the Tannheimer valley. A must-do is a tour round the lake, which is by the way also suitable for parents with children and accessible to prams. The plain circular route takes you about 90 minutes and leads across green meadows and past the 400 m high Berggaicht waterfall. Those who would like to explore the alpine world can choose from a wide range of hiking paths onto the majestic Allgäu Alps. If you prefer to stay in the surroundings of Lake Vilsalpsee you can fish, rent a boat or try Tyrolean specialities in the Vilsalpe refuge. The private access to the lake is limited, but transport equipment such as horse-drawn carriages as well as the pick-up train “Alpenexpress” make you easily access the lake.

Altitude: 1,168 m asl
Surface: 57 hectares
Maximum depth: 30 m