Tucked away in the heart of the Bregenzerwald mountains lies one of Austria’s most beautiful alpine lakes — Körbersee. With its emerald-green water, dramatic peaks, and peaceful alpine meadows, this hidden gem feels like something straight out of a fairytale.
We discovered Körbersee during our fall road trip through Vorarlberg, and it quickly became one of our favourite hikes in the region. The trail is short and easy enough for families, yet the views are nothing short of spectacular — think rustic wooden huts and mountain reflections that look almost too perfect to be real.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know before hiking to Körbersee — from how to get there and where to start the trail to the best time to visit and a few insider tips to make the most of your day. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just love finding beautiful photo spots in the Alps, this is one of those hikes that deserves a spot on your Austria itinerary.
Körbersee Hiking Statistics
Distance – 9.2km
Elevation Gain – 301m
Hiking Time – 2.5 to 3 hours (depending on pace and photo stops)
Difficulty – Easy to moderate
Type – Loop
Starting Point – Parkplatz Salober
Ending Point – Parkplatz Salober
Best Season – Late June to early October
How to reach the trailhead for the Körbersee Loop
The easiest and most scenic way to start the Körbersee hike is from Hochtannbergpass, a stunning mountain pass that connects the villages of Warth and Schröcken in the Austrian region of Vorarlberg.
You can easily reach the pass by car — just follow the B200 road that winds its way through the Bregenzerwald mountains. There’s a small parking area right at the top of the pass, where you can leave your car for free.
🚗 Rent a car by using SunnyCars. There’s never any hidden costs with them and free cancellation up to 1 hour before rental start. Their price is transparent and everything is included.
Best Time to Hike the Körbersee loop
The best time to hike to Körbersee is between June and October, when the alpine meadows burst into colour and the trails are clear of snow. During these months, the weather in Vorarlberg is at its most pleasant — think crisp mountain air, sunny days, and perfect conditions for hiking and photography.
If you visit in June or early July, you’ll find the landscape at its lushest, with wildflowers carpeting the hillsides and the lake shimmering in deep shades of turquoise. It’s one of those times when everything feels fresh and vibrant, and the reflections on the water are unreal.
Late summer and early autumn are also incredible — the crowds thin out, the light turns golden, and the surrounding peaks start showing their first dusting of snow. It’s the perfect time if you prefer a quieter, more peaceful atmosphere.
Keep in mind that Körbersee sits at 1,675 metres, so the weather can change quickly. Always check the forecast before setting off, and bring a light jacket even on sunny days. The trail is accessible as soon as the snow has melted — usually by mid-June — and it stays hikeable until the first big snowfall in October.
Where to stay
🏨 We based ourselves at Hotel Lech Arlberg, a beautiful alpine retreat that perfectly blends cozy mountain charm with modern comfort. Located in the heart of Lech, this hotel made an ideal base for our hiking adventures.
After long days on the trail, we loved coming back to its welcoming atmosphere, relaxing in the wellness area, and enjoying hearty Austrian meals prepared with local ingredients.
Körbersee Hike – Step-by-Step Trail Description
The path is clear, well-signed and starts right by the Salober/Hochtannbergpass parking & bus stop.
Hochtannbergpass / Saloberlifte (1,660 m)
From the paid Salober parking or the Hochtannbergpass – Saloberlifte bus stop, face the road’s small lake — Kalbelesee/Kälbelesee. Yellow hiking signs point to Körbersee / Berghotel Körbersee. The track begins as a wide gravel path.
Kalbelesee to the meadow path (5–10 min)
Skirt Kalbelesee on the obvious trail. It gently climbs across open alpine pasture with postcard views. Kids love this stretch — it’s wide and non-technical.
Right: The gravel road leading up to the Körbersee
Follow signs for Körbersee / Körberkreuz. The gradient is easy; the footpath becomes a broad farm track. Keep the rugged Salober ridge to your left as you approach a small wayside cross.
From Körberkreuz, the path dips slightly through meadows to reveal Körbersee (1,675 m) — emerald water backed by gentle peaks. This approach is the classic family route from the pass.
Right by the shore sits Berghotel Körbersee — perfect for a drink, strudel, or a quick warm-up/cool-down. There’s no road access here; it’s blissfully quiet.
Stroll the shoreline paths for different photo angles and reflections; keep to signed tracks to protect the fragile wetlands.
From the lake, follow signs Auenfeld on the narrow footpath that turns into a wide track, then loop back toward Kalbelesee/Hochtannbergpass. This adds variety without extra difficulty. And honestly, the best views are yet to come!
Practical Hiking Tips
Start early – Körbersee is one of the most beautiful (and photogenic!) lakes in Vorarlberg, which means it can get busy on sunny weekends. If you arrive early in the morning, you’ll have the trail — and those perfect mountain reflections — almost all to yourself.
🎒 We did this hike with César in our Thule child carrier, and it honestly made hiking with him so much easier. We’ve used it on quite a few mountain trails now, and I really like how easy it is to adjust and how well it protects him from the sun, wind, and the occasional rain shower.
Check the weather – The trail sits above 1,600 metres, and mountain weather can change quickly. Always check the local forecast before heading out and pack a light rain jacket, even if the day starts out clear.
Wear proper footwear – While the path is wide and easy, it’s still an alpine trail. A pair of sturdy hiking shoes or trail runners with good grip will make the short descent to the lake much more comfortable.
Family-friendly trail – This is a fantastic hike to do with kids. The path is easy to follow, there are no steep drop-offs, and plenty of cows, flowers, and alpine streams to keep little hikers entertained.
Don’t forget sunscreen – The alpine sun is strong, even on cooler days. A hat, sunglasses, and SPF are a must, especially since most of the trail is exposed.
Respect the nature reserve – Körbersee is part of a protected area, so please stay on marked trails and avoid stepping into the wetlands near the shore. It helps keep this pristine spot just as beautiful for the next hikers.
If you have any questions about how to visit Vorarlberg or if you want to share your experience, comment below!
More information on the Vorarlberg region in Austria
How to Hike to Körbersee in Vorarlberg – Everything You Need to Know
Gehrengrat Ridge Hike – Epic Trail from Formarinsee to Spullersee in Vorarlberg
Hiking at Lünersee – Complete Guide to Vorarlberg’s Most Beautiful Alpine Lake
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Hi! We’re Charlotte, Christof & César!
Armed with our cameras & drone we’re always on the lookout for the next adventure!
We’ve been traveling together since 2020 and the best adventures are yet to come!
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