The Plansee in the district of Reutte is the second-largest natural lake in Tirol after the Achensee. Like a fjord, it lies between the forest-covered ridges of the Zwiesel and Spießberg mountains.
Lake Plansee is fed by another lake, the Heiterwangersee, which lies at a slightly higher altitude. The two lakes are connected by a narrow canal. The Plansee’s swimming area is on the north-eastern shore, where visitors will find large sunbathing lawns and crystal clear waters which have received the highest rating from the local authorities.
A wide range of sporting activities is available, including scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing, rowing and canoeing. Sightseeing ships operate on the lake from late May until autumn.
The lake is home to many types of fish – grayling, brown trout, minnow, carp, rainbow trout, whitefish, roach, lake trout, tench and arctic char – and even Emperor Maximilian I noted in his fishing book that the Plansee contained “many and diverse species”. That is still the case today, which is why the Plansee is one of the most popular destinations in the region for fishing enthusiasts. The shady tree-covered paths leading around the lake are a good place for a walk on hot days.
Access to the Plansee is free of charge, though visitors wishing to use the sunbathing lawns at the campsite and next to the hotel on the eastern shores of the lake are charged a small fee.
Lake Plansee is fed by another lake, the Heiterwangersee, which lies at a slightly higher altitude. The two lakes are connected by a narrow canal. The…