Gaislacher See, Mountain lake at 2704 meters in Sölden, Austria
Gaislacher See is a mountain lake at 2704 meters elevation in the Ötztal valley, surrounded by steep rocky slopes and cliff faces. The water sits in a natural basin between rock walls that frame views of the surrounding peaks.
The basin of this lake was carved thousands of years ago by glaciers that gouged and shaped the rock. Glacial movement left this deep hollow, which later filled with meltwater.
The lake sits in an area where herders have brought livestock to mountain pastures for generations. The landscape still shows traces of this tradition, with meadows and shelters that shape the valley.
The lake is reached via a marked hiking trail from the middle station of the Gaislachkoglbahn cable car, with a walk lasting several hours. The path crosses rocky and loose ground, so sturdy footwear and fitness are essential.
Near the lake sits the Ice Q restaurant on a rock outcrop, a modern structure set against the wild mountain landscape. This striking building served as a film location and brings contemporary architecture into the natural setting.
Location: Sölden
Elevation above the sea: 2,704 m
GPS coordinates: 46.93583,10.96639
Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:06
Heart-shaped geographic formations result from natural processes including erosion, coral growth, and tectonic activity. These features appear in various landscape types, from islands and atolls to lakes and coastlines. The distinctive shape typically becomes apparent only from aerial perspectives, making these locations popular destinations for scenic flights and aerial photography. Examples occur worldwide: the Heart Reef within Australia's Great Barrier Reef, Galešnjak Island in Croatia's Adriatic Sea, and Lake Toyoni on Japan's Hokkaido Island. Additional formations exist in the waters of French Polynesia and along North American coastlines. These sites combine geological interest with their symbolic shape, attracting visitors who seek both natural environments and the opportunity to witness these formations from above.
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