Zireiner See is a stunning mountain lake known for its brilliant turquoise-blue water, tucked away at 1,799 metres above sea level in the heart of the Brandenberg Alps. Often called the 'Jewel of Rofan' or the 'Blue Eye of Rofan', it's one of those places that rewards a good hike with an unforgettable view.

The lake sits in a natural hollow surrounded by Rosskogel (1,940 m), Latschberg (1,944 m), Rofanspitze (2,259 m) and the foothills of Marchspitze (2,004 m). Its shores are lined with alpine grass and wildflowers in summer, and the water is fed by a natural spring at the western end. Whether you're stopping for a swim, a picnic, or simply to admire the striking colour of the water against the surrounding peaks, it's a spot worth the effort to reach.

How to get there

• Rofan Cable Car top station (Erfurter Hütte) — via the Schafsteig trail, approx. 4-5 hours round trip, demanding
• Parking lot in Kramsach (valley floor) — approx. 8.5 hours round trip, 1,438 m of elevation change, very demanding

Practical information

• Access became significantly harder after the Sonnwendjochbahn I and II chairlifts closed in 2015/2016
• The lake is a waypoint on Stage 7 of the Eagle Walk (Adlerweg) and on the E4 European long-distance trail between Steinberg am Rofan and Maurach

Local legend tells of a shepherd who used clay from the lake to repair his house, only to find it had turned to gold overnight — but when he returned for more, the magical clay had vanished.