Discover the beauty of Lake Formarin
The lake Formarin with its view of the Rote Wand mountain is sure to delight nature lovers. It is no coincidence that this mountain lake in Vorarlberg was voted Austria's most beautiful place in the 2015 TV show “9 Treasures, 9 Places.” The almost perfectly circular Formarinsee lake has even more to offer, as it is formed anew every year from meltwater from the surrounding mountains. Another special feature is the outlet, which is not superficial but drains underground via a cave system. The best time of year for the Lechweg trail is between the end of June and the beginning of October.
That's the Formarin Lake
15,9
Hectares
of land
17
Meters
at the deepest point
15°
Temperature
Hike to the Formarin lake
The hike to the lake is possible from Lech am Arlberg. You should allow around 6 hours for the tour from the town center via Zug to Lake Formarin. The route covers a distance of 15 km and an altitude difference of almost 500 meters. The Formarinalpe is located north of the lake, and the Freiburger Hütte is located south of it. A challenging trail leads from the hut to the Rote Wand.
Possibilities by foot
- Großes Walsertal from Sunday via Sonntag-Stein (cable car), Garmil, and Laguzalpe – walking time: 6 hours.
- Großes Walsertal from Alpe Laguz (from Marul with the hiking bus to Laguz) – walking time: 2.5 hours.
- From Braz, there is a hiking trail via Malarsch, Masonalpe, and Gwurfjoch to Formarinsee – walking time: approx. 6 hours.
- From Lech to Zug, through the Zugertal valley and on to Formarinalpe – walking time: approx. 5 hours.
- From Dalaas, a hiking trail leads via Mason, Mustrinalpe, and Alpe Rauher Staffel to Lake Formarin – walking time: approx. 3 hours.
Further tours around Lake Formarin
You can ride your mountain bike from Lech towards Zug through the Zug Valley. The journey takes around 3 hours (there and back) and the route takes you past Älpele, straight on to Formarin Alpe and Formarin Lake.
If you prefer a more relaxed approach, you can take the blue bus to the Alpe Formarin bus stop. Please note that the route takes you along a toll road, which incurs additional costs.
From Alpe Formarinsee, a gravel road leads slightly downhill to Formarinsee. This short hike is also very suitable for families with children. The gravel road is easy to navigate, even with an all-terrain stroller.
The most important facts about Lake Formarin at a glance
Where exactly is Lake Formarin located?
Lake Formarin is a high mountain lake in the Lech Quellgebirge mountains. It is located in the Austrian state of Vorarlberg. At an altitude of 1,793 m above sea level, the lake is located in the immediate vicinity of the Rote Wand in the municipality of Dalaas.
How do you get to Lake Formarin?
There are several routes with varying degrees of difficulty. Depending on your starting point, there are several ways to reach Lake Formarin: on foot from the Klostertal, Großes Walsertal, and Lech Zürs valleys, by hiking bus from Dalaas or Lech, or by bike through the Zugertal valley to Lake Formarin.
Can you drive to Lake Formin by car?
Yes, via the toll road from the district of Zug. It makes more sense to take the local bus, as there is a general driving ban at certain times.
Is fishing permitted at Lake Formarin?
Yes, fishing is permitted at Lake Formarin as long as the regulations are observed.