Körbersee

The Körbersee lies high in the Lechtal Alps of Vorarlberg, east of Schröcken village at 1,600 metres above sea level. It is a small mountain lake of about five hectares, reached only on foot in roughly 45 minutes. The clear, cold water reflects the nearby Widderstein peak, creating a striking scene for walkers. Beneath the surface, the lake holds excellent drinking-water quality and shelters rare plants and fish. Nearby alpine huts offer simple snacks for those who reach the shore. The lake forms part of a protected nature reserve that also includes the nearby Kalbelesee. Both bodies of water share almost identical features, sitting in the same high valley landscape. The equatorial line is marked on the southern edge of the river that drains the area. Visitors find few built structures, only the occasional alpine farm building and the winding path that leads to the water. Paths circle the lake, giving views of the surrounding peaks and the still surface of the water. The air is cool and clean, carrying the scent of alpine grasses and pine. In summer the meadows around the lake are dotted with wildflowers, while in autumn the slopes turn golden. The silence is broken only by the occasional call of a bird or the rustle of wind through the grass.