Swimming and lakes around Niederau

Freischwimmbad Wildschönau: the pool in the valley

The outdoor pool lies between Niederau and Oberau and opens in summer when the weather is good. It has more than 1,000 m² of water, divided into a sports pool, a multi-purpose pool and a baby pool, plus a large water slide. There is also a sunbathing lawn, a beach volleyball court, a snack bar and a big playground with a sandpit. It is the easiest choice for a warm afternoon: about five minutes by car, and children of all ages are well entertained. If the weather is changeable, check whether the pool is open and ask about current prices and hours.

Reintaler See: warm and family friendly

The Reintaler See lies in the Alpbachtal near Kramsach, roughly half an hour by car from Niederau. It is a natural bathing lake with gently deepening shores, a sunbathing meadow and a play area, and in summer the water usually becomes pleasantly warm. According to measurements by the state of Tyrol, temperatures in warm summer weeks were well above 24 degrees. That makes it a good choice for young children. On fine days it gets busy, so arrive early or go on a weekday. Ask beforehand about access and facilities.

Walchsee: Tyrol's warmest lake

The Walchsee lies in the Kaiserwinkl between the Kaiser Mountains and the Chiemgau Alps, about an hour's drive from Niederau. It counts among the warmest bathing lakes in Tyrol: in summer the water reaches up to about 24 degrees. There are several bathing areas along the shore, including a promenade with shallow entry, a beach bath with a beach bar and volleyball, and an aqua fun park with a climbing wall and trampoline. For children there are play areas and a water trampoline. Some bathing areas charge admission; ask in advance for each location.

Thiersee and Hechtsee near Kufstein

Both lakes are in the Kufsteinerland, about 40 to 50 minutes by car from Niederau. The Thiersee is small at roughly 25 hectares and up to about 12 metres deep; in summer the water averages around 22 degrees, and the lake is quiet, with a beach bath and rowing boats and pedalos for hire. The Hechtsee, at around 28 hectares, is also compact but much deeper, up to about 57 metres, and offers a beach, play areas and a lakeside restaurant. Summer measurements were often around 21 to 23 degrees, higher in hot spells.

Pillersee and Achensee: cooler water

The Pillersee near St. Ulrich am Pillersee (about 835 m) usually does not get warmer than about 18 degrees in summer. That makes it refreshing and peaceful, with a bathing beach, kiosk, playground and boat and SUP board hire. The Achensee, the largest lake in Tyrol, lies at about 930 m. Its water is very clear and in summer usually 16 to 20 degrees, a little more in heat waves. There are beach baths such as the one at Pertisau, and passenger boats. Allow roughly 55 minutes to an hour by car to either, and bring a warm layer for the children.

Mountain tarns and reservoirs: take care

A mountain tarn or reservoir looks inviting but is rarely a suitable place to swim. The water is very cold even in summer, and the banks can be steep or slippery. At reservoirs the water level can change quickly because of operations, and there may be strong currents near inlets. Swimming is not allowed everywhere: read the signs at the water and ask the tourist office or your accommodation. With children, prefer a supervised or designated bathing area and always stay within arm's reach.

Water sports and what to pack

At many lakes you can hire rowing boats, pedalos and SUP boards; on the Walchsee water skiing and wakeboarding are also possible, whereas electric motor boats are not permitted there. Sailing and windsurfing are possible on the Achensee. Bring swimwear, towels, sun cream, a hat and water shoes for stony shores. For small children, arm bands or a life jacket are sensible, plus a spare set of dry clothes. Take some cash for admission and hire, and ask beforehand about rules for your own boats.

Frequently asked questions