Exploring Austrian peaks
- Brigitta Kukely
- Jul 31
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 17
Lünersee – a heart-shaped wonder in the Alps
IIf there is a lake worth seeing at least once in your life, it is the Lünersee. This hidden gem in the Austrian Alps, located in the province of Vorarlberg, impresses not only with its crystal-clear water and surrounding mountain peaks but also with its unique shape – from a bird’s-eye view, the lake resembles a heart.
We stayed at the Totalphütte, which requires a bit of a hike up the trail, but the view is worth every step. The hut offers a fantastic view of the lake, especially at sunset and in the morning, when the water is perfectly clear. Accommodation in the hut is simple but very cozy – exactly what you expect from a mountain adventure: peace and quiet close to nature, warm food, fresh air, and silence.
Access to the lake is also surprisingly easy: the Lünerseebahn cable car takes you up to the top in no time, from where a comfortable, well-marked hiking trail leads around the lake and to the hut. Even beginner hikers can enjoy it.
This place is the perfect choice for a relaxing yet memorable alpine trip – once you’ve been there, you’re guaranteed to want to return.
You can buy tickets for the Mountain Cable Car here:
Lünersee – approached from the Swiss side
Lünersee – From Switzerland to the Austrian Heart-Shaped Lake on Foot
We set off on a true alpine adventure: starting from the small mountain village of Fanas in Switzerland, our destination was Lünersee on the Austrian side – that special, heart-shaped high-mountain lake we had admired so many times in photos.
From Fanas, we first took the Fanaser Luftseilbahn cable car up to the heights, and from there the hike along the alpine ridge began. The route is not a busy tourist trail, but all the more spectacular: deep valleys, rugged mountain ridges, and the unique experience of crossing the border accompany you. Nature here is wilder and quieter – only those who enjoy exploring step by step truly reach this place.
The approach from Switzerland is longer and more adventurous, but in return it offers an experience most people never get to see. Here, you will find not only a stunning lake – but also a path to yourself.
You can view the hiking route here - https://www.alltrails.com/de/route/switzerland/grisons/eggli-fadurer-furrgli-gamsluggen-fanas
Accommodation around the lake
There are several huts (Hütten) around Lünersee where you can stay or rest while hiking. These huts vary in comfort and offer a range of services, such as food, drinks, or simple accommodations.
The most well-known and popular is the Totalphütte, but Jagdhausalpe and Madrisahütte are also available in the area, depending on which direction you approach the lake from or how long you plan to hike.
So:
You can choose from several huts around Lünersee.
These huts make convenient stops for hikers.
Totalphütte is the best-known option, but not the only one (we stayed here).
During the high season, it is worth booking all accommodations well in advance, as they are usually full.
You can book accommodation here
In Totalphutte:
In Douglass Hütte:
In Lindauer Hütte:
This experience was truly a special adventure for us: the stunning scenery, the fresh mountain air, and the quiet lakeside lodge all left us returning home refreshed and enriched with new experiences. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who wants to experience the beauty of alpine nature and is seeking genuine, peaceful relaxation.
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