Tappenkarsee

The Tappenkarsee is one of the largest alpine lakes in the Eastern Alps, sitting in a cirque above the Kleinarl valley near Wagrain in the Salzburg Sportwelt region. The lake is accessible on foot from the Kleinarl valley in a 2–3 hour hike, and the scale of the lake at high altitude, surrounded by the rocky cirque walls, makes the effort worthwhile.

The Tappenkarsee is one of the largest high-altitude alpine lakes in the Eastern Alps, sitting in a glacial cirque above the Kleinarl valley near Wagrain. The hike from the valley floor takes 2–3 hours and is well-marked. The scale of the lake inside its rock cirque walls is the payoff: an enclosed mountain amphitheater with still water and views back down the valley. A mountain hut on the shore makes it a natural turnaround with lunch. Allow a full day from Wagrain. Best in July–September when the snow has cleared and the trails are fully open.