Schwarzsee, Lake in Tyrol, Austria

Schwarzsee is a small lake in Tyrol, Austria, near the village of Kitzbühel. The lake sits at an elevation of about 2,500 feet (762 meters) and is surrounded by forested slopes and alpine meadows.

The lake formed naturally after the last ice age, when melting glaciers left a depression that filled with water. Over the centuries, the surrounding land was used for grazing and forestry, shaping the open meadows that now border the shore.

Local people often come here for a morning walk or a swim in summer, and the shore serves as a meeting point for families and joggers. The name Schwarzsee, which means black lake, comes from the dark color the water takes on under overcast skies.

The lake is easy to reach on foot from the nearby village, with paths that circle the water and benches for resting. Visitors can park in the village and walk to the shore in a few minutes, making it a convenient stop for a short outing.

The lake is known for its clear water that stays cool even in summer, fed by underground springs rather than surface streams. On still days, the surrounding peaks reflect on the surface, creating a mirror effect that photographers often seek out.