© Holzwelt Murau | Tom Lamm © Holzwelt Murau | Tom Lamm

The waters of the Murau region

Crystal-clear lakes and peaceful waterside spots

Surrounded by lush alpine pastures, hidden in forests or nestled between rocks and mountain peaks, the lakes of the Murau region offer a wide variety of natural settings. Whether high up in the mountains or down in the valley, each waterside spot has its own character and invites visitors to experience nature in a special way.

Around 40 lakes shape the water landscapes of the Murau region and invite visitors to explore, pause and enjoy the natural surroundings. Among the best known are the Zwiefler Lakes, Lake Schattensee and Lake Etrachsee. Smaller bodies of water such as Furtnerteich and Podolerteich add to the diversity of the region’s lake landscape.

From mountain lakes to peaceful ponds, the Murau region offers a variety of waterside destinations for walks, hikes and relaxing moments in nature.

Here you will find a selection of lakes and waterside spots in the Murau region:

Quiet Lake Auerlingsee in St. Lambrecht

In a forest at the foot of Grebenzen mountain, you can find mysterious >Lake Auerlingsee. Located at 1,315 metres above sea level, the quiet lake is perfect for taking a refreshing dip.

Shaped by the Ice Age, this scenic resting place is a great starting point for hikes up the Grebenzen. What’s more, the lake is also popular with fishermen and dog walkers.

Magical Lake Podolerteich in St. Blasen

Right in the forests of Nature Park Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen, hidden away at 1,050 metres above sea level, lies Lake Podolerteich. The lake’s serene surface beautifully reflects the surrounding high fir and larch trees, inviting you to let your thoughts wander.

The picturesque lake and pasture plateau of Turrach

The three mountain lakes at Turracher Höhe are popular attractions and natural gems. The 3-lakes trail is the perfect hiking route to experience their beauty.

With a surface area of 19.4 hectares, Lake Turracher See  is the biggest of the three lakes. It is located at 1,780 above sea level and has an average depth of 13.6 metres.

A bit further east of Lake Turracher See, you can find Lake Schwarzsee. It is located at 1,840 metres above sea level and is bordered by high moors in the north and south. With a surface area of 2.6 hectares, it’s significantly smaller than Lake Turracher See.

Southeast of Turracher Höhe, at 1,765 metres above sea level, you can find the smallest and most romantic of the three lakes, Lake Grünsee. It has a surface area of 0.5 hectares and beautifully reflects the surrounding larch trees and stone pines.

Beautiful Wildenkar lakes in Krakau

From one mountain lake to the next – doesn’t this sound lovely? The outstanding beauty of Lake Unterer Wildenkarsee (1,891 metres above sea level) and Lake Oberer Wildenkarsee (2,053 metres above sea level) is a magical sight for any hiker passing by.

The path to the two gorgeous mountain lakes runs from Lake Etrachsee to Rudolf-Schober hut and offers you splendid views.

Lake Leonharditeich in Murau

Romantic Leonharditeich invites you to kick back and relax at its shores. It’s a perfect place to have a picnic and a leisurely walk. The path leads you past Hungerturm with its viewing platform and offers you picturesque views of late-Gothic St. Leonhard’s Church.

The second stage of the popular Mur Cycle Path also runs through Murau, giving beer lovers the chance to enjoy a cool drink in the Medieval beer brewing city.

Natural jewel Furtner Teich

The Furtner Pond in the Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen Nature Park is a very special natural jewel in many respects: scientists and biologists know this pond and moorland landscape, which has also been recognised as a Natura 2000 European protected area, as a natural gem. 

Zwieflerseen

The Zwieflersee lakes on the Sölkpass are a jewel in the Murau region. With their breathtaking beauty, they attract hikers and nature lovers alike. The surrounding mountain landscape offers an impressive panorama that makes the heart of every hiker beat faster. 

More lakes and ponds in the Murau region

If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water
– (Loren Eiseley)

Waterfalls in the Murau region

Graggerschlucht Gorge – Cascade Waterfall

The starting point is the Kneipp facility in Mühldorf. From here, the powerful sound of the Ursprungbach stream accompanies visitors through the Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen Nature Park to the cascading waterfall.

Opening times: The Graggerschlucht Gorge is freely accessible every day during the summer months. It is closed in winter.

Gragger Gorge and Cascade Waterfall
© TV Murau | René Hochegger

Günster Waterfall

The Günster Waterfall is a protected natural monument and one of the most impressive natural viewpoints in the Lower Tauern. Its powerful setting and natural beauty make it a truly memorable place to visit.

Please note: The Günster Waterfall is currently closed due to storm damage.

Günster Waterfall
© TV Murau | Tom Lamm

More experiences at a glance