Plansee – Lake, Boat Trips and Trails

Plansee is located in the Reutte district of Außerfern, amid the Ammergau Alps. As Tyrol’s second-largest lake, it shapes a destination whose activities revolve around the water, lakeside trails and the connection to Heiterwanger See: a narrow canal connects the two bodies of water. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between time on the water, hikes, cycling tours and seasonal offerings on the lake.

Swimming, surfing and other activities on the lake

Swimming and surfing are possible in Plansee; water conditions vary by season. Most of the lake is freely accessible to swimmers. Seasonal parking management applies in some areas along the shore. With a water quality rating of Class I, Plansee is one of Tyrol’s cleanest lakes. This information gives you several points to consider when planning a stay by the water, without treating the activities as interchangeable: swimming and surfing are possible, while diving is subject to special rules.

A permit is required for diving in Plansee, and diving is restricted to three designated sites. Check the current diving regulations before your trip. Plansee fishing area 7028 may also be of interest to guests who fish. Check the applicable fishing rules and any permit requirements in advance.

Getting around on foot or by bike

The circular hike around Plansee can follow the lakeshore or take in panoramic views around the lake. The route can be shortened by boat at two landing stages. When planning, you can therefore choose between walking the route and combining it with the seasonal boat service. A wheelchair-accessible hiking trail runs between Plansee and Heiterwanger See and can be used with full or partial accessibility. Check current trail conditions before your visit.

A variety of routes are also described for mountain biking. One route leads from Plansee via Griesen to Garmisch, then back to the starting point via Ehrwald, Lermoos and Reutte. Another route goes via Neuwald-Kuhklause from Plansee to Urisee; it is particularly popular with experienced bikers. The routes differ in their destinations and course.

Winter hiking routes also circle Plansee. At the upper end of the Stuiben Falls, you can reach Kleiner Plansee. These destinations add further ways to explore the area on foot to the routes and cycling tours described above.

Boat trips and notable places to visit

Boats run regularly on Plansee and Heiterwanger See in summer. The passenger boats MS Margarethe and MS Wilhelm operate from the end of May to mid-October and call at three landing stages in total. As the service is seasonal, it is advisable to check the current timetable before your trip. The boat service is an attraction in its own right and can also serve as a shortcut at two landing stages on the circular hike.

At the show dairy in Musteralpe, visitors can watch the traditional art of cheesemaking through a glass window. A playground with swings and slides is located on the sunbathing lawn by the Sennalpe campsite. These are specific places to visit in addition to activities on the water and trails; you can consider them whether you plan to focus your stay on hiking, cycling or the lake.

Discover more destinations: Steeg, Ehenbichl, Vils, Schattwald, Berwang, Weißenbach Am Lech, Pfafflar, Vorderhornbach.

For the overarching travel overview: Reutte.