Piburger See

Ötztal

A gorgeous stroll around one of Austria's most beautiful lakes

Hiking Moderate

Distance: 2.9 km
Ascent: 127 m
Descent: 127 m
Duration: 0-1 hrs

Low Point: 907 m
High Point: 957 m
Gradient: 7˚

Ease of access, epic scenery and an excellent restaurant midway round make this one of the best easy hikes in the Tirol. It's reached via the village of Oetz and the keener amongst you can actually walk up from the village, but the vast majority of hikers follow the route we've described here. The hike can be done in the height of summer, when the lake is busy with swimmers, autumn, spring and even in the dead of winter if you don't mind breaking a trail. The lake gets reasonably warm in the height of summer, and there's a floating pontoon during the hotter months of the year. In the shoulder season the lake is cold, and in winter it freezes solid, so only the most hardcore swimmers will take a dip outside of July and August!

Autumn colours midway round Photo: Charlie Boscoe

The lake partially frozen in autumn Photo: Charlie Boscoe

Typically easy terrain on the hike Photo: Charlie Boscoe

Description

Drive up and park in the tiny village of Piburg, then stroll easily down to the shore of the lake. It's possible to circumnavigate the lake in either direction but the way we've shown it (clockwise) feels slightly more logical for some reason.

Follow the clear path and soak in the spectacular scenery - the highlight of which is the utterly stunning Piburger climbing cliffs - all the way round to the Seerestaurant. Here you'll find an amazing array of food, including trout which have been pulled straight from the lake! The terrace of the restaurant enjoys a staggering view across the lake and cliffs, so savour every minute, and every bite of your trout!

Suitably full, finish off the stroll back to the car, via a swim if you're feeling brave!

Difficulty

Moderate

Hiking along trails with some uneven terrain and small hills. Small rocks and roots may be present.

Low Exposure

The path is on completely flat land and potential injury is limited to falling over.

Remoteness

Close to help in case of emergency.