Mölssee_Wattener Lizum_Kraftort ©Hall-Wattens.at (14)

The Mölssee in the Wattener Lizum at the Wattenberg

Powerful place in the Hall-Wattens region

Although the Mölssee is one of the most difficult natural power sites to reach, it is always worth a visit. The clear water of the lake and the mountain scenery are stunning whereas the place itself radiates a sense of calm and freedom.

The hike to the fascinating Mölssee

The best way to reach the mountain lake is on a circular hike by crossing both valleys, the Mölstal and the Wattental, which are surrounded by alpine roses and Swiss stone pines.

How to reach

Start at the parking lot Lager Walchen in the Wattental and pass the barrier of the military area. At the end of the barrack area, turn right into the Mölstal and continue along the forest path Almweg 328. The path is quite steep at the beginning, but meanders gently along the hillside. After about 1,5 - 2 hours walk you will find a yellow sign at an alpine hut showing you the way to the lake. Remaining walking time to the lake about 20 - 30 minutes.

After a rest at the magical place at 2,280 m, follow the steep path to the Mölser Scharte. Once you have reached the ridge, take your time to soak up the intense blue colour of the lake and enjoy the wide basin of the Wattener Lizum that stretches out in front of you. If you are still fit enough, you can make a detour to the Mölser Berg (2,479 m) or you start with the descend to the Lizumerhütte where you can enjoy traditional Tyrolean food.

After a relaxing break at the Lizumerhütte, the idyllic Zirmweg path takes you down to alpine pastures and into the famous Swiss stone pine forest to the starting point.

Important facts: total walking time: about 5 hours, distance: 15 km / 9 miles, difficulty: moderate.

The powerful place Mölssee in the Wattener Lizum

at a glance

The Mölssee

Watch out the spelling of the Mölssee. In older literature you will also find the terms Mölsersee and Mölstalsee. Don’t get confused, it is always the same lake.

The location of the Mölssee

The Mölssee lies at an altitude of 2,240 m in the Mölstal, which is a side valley of the Wattental. The lake is about 144 m long and 65 m wide. Its maximum depth is 6 m. It never gets warmer than 16 degrees Celsius. The mountain lake is characterised by its drinking water quality. Thanks to the crystal clear water, numerous fishes find their home here. By the way, the lake is the most translucent lake in Austria.

The lake can only be reached on foot. Please bear in mind, that the lake is not always accessible, as it is located in a military restricted area. Please check the opening hours.

Historical mentions of the Mölssee

Well-known and important historical personalities have already reported about the Mölssee. For example, the lake is mentioned in the fishing book of Emperor Maximilian I. in the year 1504. About 100 years later, the famous physician of Hall, Hippolyt Guarinoni, also described the lake in one of his books in 1610.

Fish population in the Mölssee in the Wattener Lizum

Salvelinus_alpinus

Fish stock in the Mölssee in the Wattener Lizum

Visitors of the lake immediately notice the fish population especially char and carp swimming in the mountain lake. So, where did they come from? How it is possible for them to survive the winter in the cold water? These questions were worked out in a hydrobiological study by Paul Viktor Gutmann from the Institute of Zoology of the University of Innsbruck in 1962.

In the past, the valley was not as deserted as it is today. Miners, who had to spend a long time at these heights during the 13th and 14th century, kept fishes in the lake to enrich their menu. The cold springs and the intact flora and fauna enabled them to survive and to reproduce in this unique habitat.

Iron mine in the Mölstal on the Wattenberg

The mine in the Mölstal was established around 1300 and is therefore North Tyrol's oldest iron mine. The extraction of iron and copper was quite productive and continued until the 17th century.

However, there are many legends about gold veins in the area around the Mölstal and the Klammalm. Fact is, that gold panning in streams and rivers was common practice in Tyrol since the late Middle Age.

More interresting links in the area