Obernberger See: A Tyrolean Jewel

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Discover the pristine beauty of Obernberger See, a breathtaking alpine lake nestled in the Tyrolean Alps, offering serene hiking trails and stunning mountain views near the Brenner Pass.

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Wipptal
Obernberger See

Obernberger See is a captivating alpine lake in the Obernberg Valley near Obernberg am Brenner, Tyrol, Austria. Situated at 1,590 meters, it offers a serene escape with pristine waters reflecting the majestic Tribulaun mountains. The Chapel of Maria am See adds to the lake's charm.

A brief summary to Obernberger See

Obernberg am Brenner, AT
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Local tips

Visit during the shoulder seasons (late spring or early autumn) for fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the trails around the lake can be uneven.
Bring a picnic to enjoy by the lake, as there are limited dining options directly at the lake itself.
Pack layers of clothing, as the weather in the mountains can change quickly.
Take the path to the left of the lake to reach the small footbridge that leads to the Maria am See chapel.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Innsbruck, take a train to Steinach am Brenner. From Steinach, take bus line 4145 to the GH Waldesruh bus stop in Obernberg. The bus ride takes approximately 22 minutes. From the bus stop, it's a 30-45 minute walk to the lake. A single bus fare from Steinach am Brenner to Obernberg costs approximately €4-6. Train tickets from Innsbruck to Brenner cost €6-10.
Driving

From Innsbruck, take the A13 Brennerautobahn south towards Italy. Exit at Nösslach and follow the signs to Obernberg am Brenner. Continue through Gries am Brenner and follow the road into the Obernberg Valley. Drive to the end of the valley to a large, paid parking area near Gasthof Waldesruh. From the parking area, it's a 30-45 minute walk to the lake. Parking costs €3.5 for 3 hours, with each additional hour costing €0.50, up to a daily maximum of €7. Be sure to have small change for the parking machine.
Walking

From the parking area/bus stop at Gasthof Waldesruh, follow the well-marked path towards Obernberger See. You can choose between a forest road or a steeper path across the alpine meadows. Both paths lead to the lake and take approximately 30-45 minutes. Be aware that the meadow path offers little shade.

Discover more about Obernberger See

Obernberger See, or Lake Obernberg, is a breathtaking alpine lake nestled in the Obernberg Valley, near Obernberg am Brenner in Tyrol, Austria. This idyllic location, close to the Italian border and Brenner Pass, provides a tranquil retreat into nature. The lake's crystal-clear waters are fed by subterranean springs, offering stunning visibility. The surrounding landscape showcases the majestic Tribulaun mountains, often mirrored on the lake's surface. Lush larch forests encircle the lake, creating a vibrant panorama, especially enchanting in autumn when the forests transform into a sea of gold, red, and brown. Obernberger See has a fascinating geological history. Prehistoric rockfalls from the Obernberger Tribulaun divided the lake into two distinct basins. During spring and early summer, as the snow melts and water levels rise, these basins merge, forming a single, larger lake. The Chapel of Maria am See, built in 1935 on a peninsula formed by the ancient rockfall, adds to the lake's charm. Accessible via a picturesque footbridge, the chapel offers a tranquil spot for reflection and stunning views. Swimming is prohibited to preserve the lake's water quality. A well-maintained circular trail surrounds the lake, offering breathtaking views. The hike around the lake takes about an hour. The area is also a haven for hikers and mountaineers, with trails for leisurely strolls and challenging ascents. In winter, the area transforms into a winter wonderland for snowshoeing, ski touring and tobogganing.