Brennersee, Natural mountain lake in Gries am Brenner, Austria
Brennersee is a mountain lake located near Brenner Pass in a high Alpine setting at roughly 1300 meters elevation. The water is fed by two substantial waterfalls that cascade down from the surrounding slopes.
The lake sits near Brenner Pass, one of the oldest crossing routes between northern and southern Europe used for trade for centuries. Its location made this area a key junction for goods and people moving between Alpine regions.
The lake appears in regional folk songs that connect it to mountain communities and their traditions. These musical references show how the place has been part of local identity for generations.
The water stays very cold throughout the year and swimming is not permitted, so it is important to check the rules in advance. Activities like fishing require special permits that must be obtained locally.
One of the two waterfalls that feed the lake freezes solid in winter, creating a technical ice climbing destination for experienced climbers. This unusual seasonal transformation attracts specialized mountaineers who seek out the frozen waterfall during cold months.
Location: Gries am Brenner
Elevation above the sea: 1,311 m
GPS coordinates: 47.01806,11.50392
Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:58
Luegbrücke
1.6 km
Sattelberg
2.1 km
Sattelbergalm
854 m
Sattelalm
1.7 km
Lueg
1.5 km
Mariä Heimsuchung
3 km
St. Leonhard (Vinaders)
3.3 km
Talübergang Obernberg
2.8 km
Wolfenkapelle
3.1 km
Ortskapelle hl. Jakob in Nößlach
3.3 km
Luegkirche (Gries am Brenner)
1.2 km
Hofkapelle beim Simeler, Notburgakapelle
3.7 km
Hofkapelle beim Paulerhof
3.9 km
Bauernhaus Unterer Fürst
3.8 km
Kreuzjoch
4.4 km
Bauernhaus, Simelerhof
3.7 km
St. Valentin
1.7 km
Gasthof zum Wolf
3.1 km
Nothelfer-Bildstock
2.5 km
Widum
3.3 km
Mühle Simeler
3.7 km
Gedenktafel
2.2 km
Aufnahmsgebäude Brennersee
530 m
Gasthaus Sprenger
2.8 km
Widum Gries
3 km
Gasthaus Weißes Rössl
3 km
Ehem. Zollamtsgebäude
1.3 km
Griesbergalm
2.9 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes