Alkuser See

The Alkuser See is a mountain lake high in the Schobergruppe range in the eastern part of East Tyrol. It sits at 2,432 metres above sea level in a remote valley called the Daberbach basin. Four peaks surround the lake: the Alkuser Rotspitze, Kleine Rotspitze, Trelebitschkopf and the ridge linking to the Schleinitz. The first written record of the lake dates from 1718, when it appeared as the Aglaser See on a map. Older spellings such as ‘alte Gose’ or ‘Alte Gase’ suggest a possible link to the Latin word casa, meaning hut or house. The lake is recognised locally as one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the region. Its depth is estimated at about 47 metres, making it one of the deeper alpine lakes in the area. The name Alkuser likely comes from the nearby hamlet of Alkus, though the exact origin remains uncertain. A sign beside the water confirms its reputation for clear, still waters framed by rugged summits. Visitors reach the Alkuser See after a steady climb through alpine meadows and rocky slopes. The final approach crosses a narrow ridge where the wind often ripples the surface of the lake. The water reflects the surrounding peaks, especially the Alkuser Rotspitze and Kleine Rotspitze. Nearby, patches of snow linger into summer, adding contrast to the green and grey of the high valley. The silence is broken only by the occasional call of a marmot or the wind in the rocks.