Wildmoosalm, Wildsee and the lake that disappears

The Wildmoossee is there – or it is not. On average only about every four years does the hollow near Seefeld fill with water, and in autumn it empties again within weeks. On a natural spectacle and the paths that lead to it.

There is a lake near Seefeld that is often not there. The Wildmoossee lies in a hollow west of the village, and whether it holds water is decided not by rainfall but by a system of underground karst cavities. If that system fills sufficiently over the winter, the water is pushed upwards in spring and a lake forms. If it does not, a meadow stays a meadow.

On average this happens about every four years. And when it does, the ending is abrupt: from September the water level drops, and within two to three weeks the lake is gone again.

When to see it at its best

When the lake is there, May is the finest month. The water level is at its highest, the meadows around it are in flower, and the larches carry the pale green they only have for a few weeks each year. Whether the lake is there this year is something our reception team knows – we drive out to look ourselves.

The Wildmoosalm

Half-way along lies the Wildmoosalm, one of the most visited alpine huts in the region and for good reason: it is a good hour and a half on foot from Seefeld, the path suits families, and the terrace looks straight out over the meadows where the lake appears.

From the Seekirchl the route leads first through open meadows, then into light woodland, and the final stretch across alpine pasture. If you would rather not walk, or only walk one way: the Wildmoos bus runs in the summer season, and with the PlateauCard the ride is included.

The three-lakes circuit

With more time, add the Möserer See and the Lottensee. The three-lakes walk from Mösern links all three on largely surfaced paths – around twelve kilometres, a good three and a half hours. The Möserer See counts as one of the warmest bathing lakes in Tirol; in high summer it is a serious alternative to the indoor pool.

The Lottensee, incidentally, works on the same principle as the Wildmoossee. In some years you walk past two lakes that are both absent. That sounds like a disappointment, but it is mostly a good story.

The Wildsee, right by the village

The region's most reliable lake is ten minutes' walk from the village square: the Wildsee. A flat circuit of about four kilometres leads around it, and at the Strandperle there is a lawn, a bathing jetty and a dedicated area for dogs. In winter the circuit is cleared and forms part of the region's 142 kilometres of winter walking trails.

Good to know

The Wildmoos meadows are grazing land. Dogs belong on the lead there, and mother cows want a wide berth – around the herd, not through it.

For the way back, take the bus; for the evening afterwards, our spa. And if you are travelling with a dog, we have prepared a few things.

This post is part of our Seefeld Guide with all our tips for your stay on the plateau.