Silvretta Reservoir

The Silvretta Reservoir sits high in the Silvretta Alps of Vorarlberg, Austria, about two thousand metres above sea level. It spreads across 1.3 square kilometres of mountain landscape, making it one of the larger alpine lakes. The dam that holds the water is part of a pumped-storage system designed to generate electricity. Nearby, the Vermunt Reservoir works with the Silvretta Reservoir to feed the Obervermuntwerk II power plant. Together they form a key piece of the region’s energy infrastructure. This reservoir is worth the journey for anyone who appreciates mountain engineering and remote scenery. The dam itself is a solid concrete structure built to withstand harsh alpine conditions. The Obervermuntwerk II plant can switch between storing and releasing water to balance energy supply. The reservoir’s high altitude means it is often surrounded by snow even in summer. Its clear waters reflect the rugged peaks of the Silvretta range. Visitors find a quiet high-altitude lake set against towering peaks. A road leads close to the dam, offering views over the water and surrounding mountains. The area is popular with hikers who use it as a starting point for trails into the Silvretta Alps. In winter the reservoir freezes, creating a stark white landscape. The contrast between the blue water and the grey stone of the dam draws photographers. The silence at this height makes it a place to pause and take in the scale of the Alps.