With its tranquil mountain backdrop, fresh country air, and crystal-clear water, Lake Hinterstein near Scheffau on the Wilder Kaiser is a true highlight for nature lovers. If you’re looking for a short getaway, you don’t have to travel far—this popular destination is just under an hour and a half’s drive south of Munich, on the German-Austrian border. Whether it’s for a day trip or a relaxing weekend with an overnight stay in the region, the perfect mountain getaway awaits you here.
A protected mountain lake in the heart of Tyrol
Lake Hinterstein is situated at an elevation of 882 meters in the Kaisergebirge Nature Reserve. What makes the lake special is its high water quality, as underground springs continuously supply it with fresh water from the mountains. As a result, the water is exceptionally clear, so that on sunny days the peaks of the Wilder Kaiser are reflected on its surface.
If you’d like to go swimming in the summer, you’ll find a lovely beach area on the eastern shore of Lake Hinterstein, complete with a sunbathing lawn, a kiosk, and direct access to the water. However, you shouldn’t be too sensitive to the cold, as the mountain lake usually only reaches a refreshing 20to 22 degrees even in the height of summer.
A leisurely loop hike around the lake
For an active afternoon, the classic loop hike around the lake is the perfect choice. The loop trail is about 5.2 kilometers long and can be completed with little effort in just under an hour and a half. On the south shore, you’ll stroll along a wide, flat path with frequent impressive viewpoints overlooking the water, while the north shore climbs gently through the shady forest.
If you’d like to take a break along the way, you can stop by the Pension Maier snack bar or the Goingstätt snack bar , for example. On the sunny terraces, you can enjoy traditional Tyrolean specialties while letting your gaze wander undisturbed over the landscape.
Tips for your trip from Munich
For your trip, the best route from Munich is via the A8 toward Salzburg and the Inntalautobahn. Paid parking is available right on the lakeshore, but it fills up quickly on nice weekends. Alternatively, the local KaiserJet hiking bus will take you directly to the lake from Scheffau.
