Rifflsee is the highest lake in Austria — a shimmering alpine tarn at 2,232 metres in the Ötztal Alps of Tyrol, surrounded by 3,000-metre peaks and accessible year-round via cable car from the Pitztal Glacier ski area. In summer, its crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding mountains in one of the most photogenic alpine settings in the country, while the winter transforms it into a frozen arena for ski touring and snowshoeing.

Quick Facts: Rifflsee, Austria

• Best time to visit: June–September for hiking and the classic summer lake reflection photographs; December–April for skiing and winter activities
• Altitude: 2,232 metres — the highest lake in Austria
• How to get there: ~1.5 hours from Innsbruck; Rifflsee cable car from Mandarfen in the Pitztal valley; the lake is a 10-minute walk from the top station
• Summer activities: Swimming (briefly — the water is freezing!), hiking the Rifflsee circular trail, and the Pitztal Glacier viewpoint

Rifflsee Lake is the highest situated lake in Austria, located at an altitude of 2230 meters.

This alpine lake is one of the most visited places in the Austrian Gletscherpark area (the area south of Innsbruck). Rifflsee Lake is accessible only by cable car from the town of Mandarfen. The cableway takes you to the height of 2300 meters, where is a magnificent view of the lake itself and the surrounding Austrian Alps. In the building of the final station there is a restaurant with a renowned panoramic terrace.

Austria is ideal for mountain hikes, and Lake Rifflsee is the famous starting point. It is ideal for young cyclists but also for the older people. There are many tracks of various lengths and complexity. All the tracks definitely have one thing in common – great views of the Alps! Rifflsee is well-known also among skiers and this area belongs to one of the best skiing destinations in Austria.

View Rifflsee Lake – the highest situated lake in Austria in a larger map

Have you visited Rifflsee or explored the Ötztal Alps? Share your Austrian Tyrol experiences in the comments! 🏔️

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