Toplitzsee

Toplitzsee is the smaller and much quieter neighbor of Grundlsee, located just to the east. It lies in a nature reserve at an altitude of 718 meters, measuring only about 2 kilometers, but it’s over 100 meters deep – for comparison, the much larger Grundlsee is “only” 64 meters deep. You’ll notice the main difference right away: you can’t get here by car. You park in Gössl at the end of Grundlsee and walk, or arrive by boat. Plus, there’s no circular path around the lake and it lacks the facilities you’re used to at Grundlsee.

The path from Gössl leads through the forest along a stream and is pleasantly cool in the summer. It’s easy and you can manage it even with a stroller. Our photo tip is the shore by the small wooden dam, where a cabin stands right on the water. It’s also a nice spot for a snack and a break before you head back or further on.

Toplitzsee is mainly known for its history, though. During World War II, the German army tested weapons here, and towards the end of the war, the Nazis sank crates here, which included counterfeit British pounds. The legend of hidden treasure still attracts divers and searchers today, even though repeated searches of the lake bed haven’t yielded any major finds.

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Austria

Austrian Alps: a guide from Salzburg to Tyrol