Plansee
Tirol
Plansee is a natural lake located in the Reutte District of Tyrol, Austria, covering approximately 2.87 square kilometers with a maximum depth of 78 meters. It lies within the Ammergau Alps and is connected via a canal to the nearby Heiterwanger See. The lake is renowned for its oligotrophic waters, offering excellent water quality and supporting diverse fish species such as trout, carp, and char. Historically, Plansee and Heiterwanger See are believed to be remnants of an Ice Age meltwater reservoir. The lake was first documented in the late 11th century and has been historically significant for fishing rights held by local monasteries and Tyrolean nobility, including Emperor Maximilian I. In the early 20th century, the construction of a power plant and canal enhanced its role in hydroelectric energy production, which also influenced local industry development. Today, Plansee is cherished for its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and ecological importance within the region.
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Tip: The best time to visit Plansee is during late spring to early autumn when weather conditions are ideal for hiking, boating, and fishing. Visitors are advised to check local access conditions and consider purchasing tickets or permits in advance if planning activities such as guided tours or fishing. The lake area offers excellent facilities for outdoor recreation, and discounts may be available for families, groups, or seniors. Early morning visits provide tranquil scenery and better chances to observe wildlife.
Interesting facts
- •Plansee is the second largest natural lake in Tyrol after Achensee, with a surface area of approximately 2.87 km².
- •The lake has two basins with depths of 77 and 72 meters, making it one of the deepest lakes in the region.
- •Plansee and Heiterwanger See are believed to be remnants of a vast Ice Age meltwater reservoir.
- •The lake's water quality is excellent, with visibility up to 15 meters, indicating its oligotrophic status.
- •During World War II, a subcamp of the Dachau concentration camp was located near Plansee.
- •The canal connecting Plansee to Heiterwanger See was widened in 1951 and recently modernized in 2022 to improve navigation.
History
Plansee's origins trace back to the Ice Age as part of a large meltwater reservoir covering the Zwischentoren region.
The lake is first mentioned in documents from 1073/78, with fishing rights historically held by the Steingaden and Stams monasteries, as well as Tyrolean princes.
In the 15th and 16th centuries, rulers such as Duke Siegmund and Emperor Maximilian I sought control over its valuable fishing waters.
The 20th century saw the establishment of the Plansee power plant in 1902 and the construction of a canal linking it to the Heiterwanger See in 1908, enhancing hydroelectric power generation and industrial development in the area.
Place Guide
Plansee Canal1908
This approximately 300-meter-long canal connects Plansee with the Heiterwanger See, allowing water flow and navigation between the two lakes. Originally built in 1908 and widened in 1951, the canal was modernized in 2022 with a new bridge to facilitate boat passage.
Plansee Power Plant1902
Commissioned in 1902, the Plansee power plant harnesses the lake's water for hydroelectric energy, playing a critical role in regional power supply and industrial growth, including the founding of the Plansee metal works.
