Anyone who has visited the magical Körbersee in Schröcken knows: this place is more than just a mountain lake – it is a true place of power. Nestled in a protected plant conservation area and framed by majestic mountains whose rugged contours reflect in the crystal-clear water, the idyllic Körbersee invites you to pause and fully appreciate the beauty of nature.
It's no surprise that this natural gem was crowned Austria's most beautiful spot on 26th October 2017 in the ORF evening show "9 Places – 9 Treasures." The award highlights what visitors to Körbersee have long known: this place unfolds its full magic, captivating nature lovers from around the world in both summer and winter.
Gently rolling alpine meadows in lush green surround the lake, while peacefully grazing cows complete the idyllic scene. In the background, the impressive Juppenspitze rises, its towering 2,412-metre-high flanks reflected in the still waters of the lake. This alpine setting invites you to dream: whether you seek to recharge in the tranquillity of nature or explore the heights of the mountains along hiking trails, Körbersee offers the perfect experience for everyone.
After an adventurous hike, you can relax at the Berghotel Körbersee, located right by the lake, and savour the crisp mountain air.
Witness the breathtaking beauty of Körbersee live and in real-time! With our webcam, you can admire this natural gem from the comfort of your home at any time. Watch as the picturesque mountain landscape reflects in the crystal-clear water of the lake, or observe how the seasons transform this idyllic setting. Whether it's summer or winter, the webcam brings Austria's most beautiful spot directly to your screen.
Nestled in the picturesque Walser village of Schröcken, surrounded by the breathtaking mountain landscape of the Hochtannberg area, lies Körbersee – a small natural paradise that has always enchanted hikers and nature lovers. Covering an area of three and a half hectares, with a depth of eight metres and a water temperature reaching up to 24 degrees in midsummer, these are the bare facts that hardly capture the magic of this place. Körbersee is much more than that: a retreat of tranquillity, a hidden gem that makes the hearts of its visitors soar.
This remote location is only accessible on foot, with no road leading here. A narrow path winds along the lake’s shore and leads to the steps of a small hotel. The atmosphere here is unique: the soft hum of conversation, the clinking of cutlery, and the gentle wind rustling through the trees create an oasis of calm, far removed from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Despite its seclusion, Körbersee gained widespread attention on 26th October 2017, when it was named Austria’s most beautiful spot in the ORF show “9 Places – 9 Treasures.” As the breathtaking images of this natural wonder flickered across TV screens in the studio in Vienna, the audience cheered. Yet Körbersee itself remained silent – untouched by the nationwide applause, a place where time seems to stand still.
A Power Spot that Touches the Senses.
Surrounded by lush alpine meadows where peaceful cows graze, and overlooked by the imposing Juppenspitze, towering majestically at 2,412 metres, Körbersee reflects the dramatic contours of the mountains in its crystal-clear waters. This scenery feels almost surreal – like something out of a picture book, perfectly staged. But the charm of this place lies in its authenticity, in the pristine nature that leaves visitors in awe.
On the lake’s shore stands the Berghotel Körbersee, a haven for hikers and skiers alike. Originally opened in 1930 by Franz Xaver Strolz, a tourism pioneer, the hotel was intended to be located on a planned winter-secure road from Schröcken to Lech. However, the outbreak of World War II halted construction, and the hotel has remained a secluded refuge ever since, run by the Schlierenzauer family, who live here year-round in this high-altitude retreat.
A Natural Experience for Summer and Winter Lovers.
Visitors to Körbersee appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, the seclusion, and the chance to escape everyday life. In summer, the lake attracts hikers, who can reach it from Schröcken or the Hochtannberg Pass in about 40 minutes on family-friendly trails. The panoramic view from the terrace of the Berghotel, enjoyed with a slice of homemade apple strudel, is an experience in itself. Couples often glide across the lake in rowing boats, and this romantic spot is frequently chosen for marriage proposals.
In winter, too, Körbersee is a popular destination. Skiers arrive via the slopes of Salober or the Falkenkopf lift, experiencing the unique winter landscape. For over 40 years, the Schlierenzauer family has conducted snow measurements, confirming that Warth-Schröcken is the snowiest ski area in the Alps. The snow transforms the landscape into a soft, fluffy winter wonderland, muffling all sounds – a silence you can almost feel.
A Hidden Treasure Amidst the Alps.
Körbersee lies well hidden at an altitude of 1,654 metres, surrounded by the peaks of the Lechquellen Mountains. The Braunarl, the highest mountain in the Bregenzerwald, and the mighty Widderstein tower over the valley, offering breathtaking views. In this untouched nature, rare plants thrive, and more and more people are discovering this place for themselves – whether to swim in the crystal-clear water after a hike or simply to be touched by the beauty of nature. After all, Körbersee even boasts drinking water quality.
This special place, inhabited by humans since the Iron Age and now under nature protection, has attracted hikers, skiers, and seekers of peace for centuries. Its recognition as "Austria’s Most Beautiful Spot" in 2017 brought it into the spotlight, yet the magic of Körbersee remains unbroken: a place of stillness, power, and natural beauty.
