Heiterwanger See, Lake in Tyrol, Austria

Heiterwanger See is a lake in Tyrol, Austria, near the village of Heiterwang. It sits at an elevation of 976 meters and is surrounded by mountains, with clear water and a shoreline that mixes open grass and trees.

The lake formed after the last ice age, when glaciers retreated and left a basin that filled with water. In the 19th century, it became a stop for travelers on the road between Bavaria and Tyrol, and a small inn was built near the shore.

The lake is a local spot for swimming in summer, and you will see families picnicking on the grass and anglers trying their luck from the shore. The name comes from the nearby village, and the lake appears in regional songs and stories as a place of rest.

You can walk around the lake on footpaths that start near the village and the main road. The paths are mostly flat and suitable for all ages, but some sections can be muddy after rain, so wear sturdy shoes.

The lake is connected to the larger Plansee by a short channel, and the two lakes share the same water level. On still mornings, the surface can be so smooth that the mountains reflect perfectly, a sight photographers often seek.