10 things you didn't know about Lake Piburger See

1. well protected and thoroughly examined: one of the oldest natural monuments in the country

It was recognised very early on that Lake Piburger See was a place to take special care of. The lake was declared a natural monument back in 1929. Since then, Lake Piburger See has not only been one of the best protected lakes in Tyrol, but also one of the most thoroughly studied. Hydrological studies have been carried out since 1931 and since 1975 an intensive research programme has been run by the Institute of Zoology and Limnology (Science of Inland Waters) at the University of Innsbruck. The area still provides an important habitat for rare animals and plants (see point 4). When visiting the lake, you should therefore be particularly mindful of the environment - camping, listening to loud music and barbecues are not permitted at the lake.

2. the formation of the lake? A catastrophe!

We owe the formation of Lake Piburger See to a natural disaster. Originally, the bottom of the lake was just an old valley furrow that ran parallel to the Ötztal valley. A huge landslide after the last ice age blocked this trough, causing the lake to dam up. Even today, the surrounding fairytale forest with its huge boulders, now overgrown with moss and ferns, bears witness to this historic event.

3 He who does not honour God... The legend of the arrogant peasants

If the scientific explanation of the origins of Lake Piburger See is too unromantic for you, there are numerous legends and myths surrounding the lake. It is said that there was once a beautiful plain with a proud farm at this location. Because the arrogant farmers did not honour the church holidays and even took the hay from the fields on Assumption Day instead, the farm sank into the ground and a bright green lake grew up in its place.

4 A rare beauty: the white water lily

If you take a walk around Lake Piburger See, you will discover many beautiful and rare plant species depending on the season, including marsh marigolds, feverfew and lily of the valley. The white water lilies are particularly splendid, which are otherwise rarely found at this altitude. These pretty floating plants are strictly protected - so picking them is prohibited. If you try anyway, be warned: according to legend, anyone who attempts to pick a water lily (popularly known as a "mermaid rose") will be pulled into the depths of the water by eerie mermaids. We wouldn't risk it!

5. old documents and new owners: a long history of the lake

Lake Piburg has been owned by a number of people and institutions over the years. As documented by a document, in 1282 the then prince gave the lake to Stams Abbey in the Upper Inn Valley as an "appurtenance" of the neighbouring Piburg farm. Incidentally, this document is one of the oldest surviving documents in Tyrol. It was not until many centuries later, in 1876, that the Pfaundler family acquired the lake. They built the first lido on the lake in 1885 and also characterised the surrounding area, including with the construction of the magnificent Seebichlhof. In 1980, the municipality of Oetz finally bought the majority of the lake, a small part of which is still owned by the family today.

6. swimming, rowing, hiking: Exploring the lake

There are many ways to discover and experience Lake Piburger See. In summer, swimming is the number one activity - but you can only do this at the lido in the south-east of the lake. It is particularly idyllic to glide across the lake on a rowing boat - a boat hire service with classic wooden boats makes this possible. Motorised boats and other floating vehicles are not permitted in order to preserve the tranquillity and nature of the lake. Those who prefer solid ground under their feet should try out the beautiful circular trail: It takes about an hour to walk around the 800 metre long and 250 metre wide lake.

7th Nessie in the Ötztal? The lake monster of Lake Piburg

Believe it or not: a monstrous sea worm is said to live not only in Scotland's Loch Ness, but also in the depths of Lake Piburg (maximum depth: approx. 25 metres), where it is a chilly 4 degrees all year round. In its honour, the locals even set up a hobby triathlon a few years ago: the "Piburger Seawurm". However, when too many participants and onlookers stormed the competition a few years later, it was cancelled. After all, you don't want to wake up the sea monster with too much hustle and bustle.

8. magnificent film set: How Lake Piburg came to China

Lake Piburg has even made it to the Middle Kingdom. A few years ago, it served as the film set for the first Chinese-Austrian co-production to be shot in Tyrol. "Winter Heat" is a romantic film in which a young Chinese woman travels to Tyrol, learns to ski there and falls in love with a local. We don't know how the film was received in China, but Lake Piburger See is guaranteed to have gained a few new fans as a result.

9th Ice Ice Baby: Lake Piburg in winter

Lake Piburger See is not only a beautiful bathing lake, but also worth a visit at any time of year: in spring, when nature awakens, in autumn, when the trees change colour and especially in winter, when the water freezes and the lake is open for ice skating. Then you can glide smoothly over the ice, turn pirouettes and admire the striking summit of the Acherkogel.

10. flour and water: the people of Piburg have their mill back

Until 1914, Piburg (the eponymous district of Oetz) had its own mill. The chance discovery of historic millstones led the Piburg Fountain Association to build a replica of the former mill building just a few metres from the original site around 100 years later. The new mill is fully functional and also has its own oven. Now locals (and interested children as part of a workshop) can bake their own bread again.