Trips for the summer

Swimming in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena

Temperatures are rising – and with them the need to cool off. But where are the best spots for a dip in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena? The trips below are especially suitable for families.

The sun in your face and a delicious ice cream in your hand – it’s finally summer again in Tyrol. In addition to various indoor and outdoor pools in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena, check out these family-friendly trips to some of our most beautiful bathing spots.

Lots of fun on the water adventure trail

Find the four wonders of Ehrwald: that’s the objective of the ‘Zugspitzi am Gaisbach’ water adventure trail, where children can join ‘Zugspitzi’ on a 3.3-kilometre waterfall tour to visit exciting stations, carry out research, and cool off in the heat. The path is easy, but not always suitable for buggies, and initially runs from the lower terminal of the Ehrwalder Almbahn and along the Gaisbach stream. It then reaches the Seeben waterfall, passes alpine pastures, and after around 2½ hours returns to the starting point.

‘Zugspitzi’ is your companion on the walk – regaling families with stories about the landscape and wonders of Ehrwald. Whether it’s solving puzzles or tracking down secret numbers – there’s plenty of action here for both young and old. One more tip: once you’ve solved the mystery of the four wonders, you’ll be rewarded with the path to the treasure and a code you can show at the tourist information in Ehrwald for a little surprise. There’s also a water fountain, a refreshing Kneipp path, sun loungers, and fantastic viewpoints to enjoy on the water adventure trail.

Along the Loisach springs

The Loisach river gently winds it way through 110 kilometres of scenery. Its source is marshland in the municipality of Biberwier, from where it runs through Ehrwald, Grainau, and Garmisch-Partenkrichen – before flowing into the Isar. A great time is guaranteed for the whole family on the circular walk of the springs, which follows the river from the sports ground in Biberwier and takes 1½ hours, is 4.1 kilometres long, and covers 179 metres of altitude.

Whether you’re out for fun, taking a Kneipp cure, or simply gazing at the sparkling water: there’s practically no better place for swimming in Tyrol. Although the springs were formed by a rock slide about 4,000 years ago, they still impress us today with their vibrant colours. The circular walk ends at the starting point in the Biberwier sports ground.

Swimming in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena: Heiterwanger See

Together with the Plansee lake, the Heiterwanger See forms the second largest body of water in Tyrol. The two lakes are connected by a 300-metre channel. The Heiterwanger See is an ideal family destination all year round, with many lovely bathing spots and leisure activities all around the water. The lake, situated 976 metres above seal level, offers fishing, diving, boating, paddle boarding, and much more, as well as parking, some of which is subject to charges.

The Heiterwanger See and Plansee lakes can be circumnavigated together on a 20.7-kilometre hiking trail. A shorter, but just as lovely path leads from the Seestraße car park in Heiterwang to the lake. Simply turn right at the car park and follow the forest path along the Heiterwanger See. After a five-minute walk, cross the Grundbach bridge – and continue for a good half hour until you reach the ‘Zwirche,’ a peninsula in the Heiterwanger See. Here, you’ll find idyllic coves where you can relax, swim, and simply enjoy the scenery in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena.