Is Söll a good place for a summer holiday with swimming?
Yes, Söll is a great destination for a summer holiday that includes swimming. While it's an alpine village, not a traditional beach resort, Söll offers refreshing swimming opportunities in its Ahornsee lake, and the nearby Hintersteiner See in Scheffau is also a popular choice. These lakes provide a beautiful mountain backdrop for a summer cool-down.
Is Söll good for families looking for a swimming holiday?
Söll is very family-friendly for a swimming holiday. The Ahornsee lake in Söll has a dedicated children's area with water stations and reservoirs. Additionally, the wider Wilder Kaiser region offers attractions like the KaiserBad in Ellmau with kids' pools and slides, and the Hexenwasser theme park which includes water play areas.
Can you swim in the Ahornsee lake in Söll?
Yes, you can swim in the Ahornsee lake in Söll. It's a popular spot for both locals and visitors, offering over 10,000m² of water surface, four jetties, a beach volleyball court, showers, and a kiosk. There's also a children's area.
What is the water like at Ahornsee Söll?
The Ahornsee in Söll offers a refreshing oasis for summer fun with a depth of up to 11 meters. While specific daily water temperatures can vary, it provides a pleasant cool-down during warmer months. The lake is also used as a snowmaking reservoir in winter, indicating its substantial size.
Are there any hotels in Söll with their own swimming pools or easy access to the lakes?
Yes, several hotels in Söll have their own swimming pools, both indoor and outdoor. For example, Hotel Greil and Hotel Postwirt are mentioned as having pool facilities. Additionally, some accommodations like Aparthotel Bergland highlight their proximity to Ahornsee (around 200m). Hotel Gaensleit is also noted for being close to Ahornsee.
Are there other swimming lakes near Söll besides Ahornsee?
Yes, besides Ahornsee in Söll, the Hintersteiner See in Scheffau is a well-known and highly recommended mountain lake for swimming. It's considered one of the most beautiful and cleanest natural bathing lakes in Tyrol. Other options in the broader Wilder Kaiser region include the Goinger Badesee and the KaiserBad Ellmau, which has a natural lake.
Which is better for swimming, Ahornsee Söll or Hintersteiner See?
Both Ahornsee in Söll and Hintersteiner See in Scheffau offer excellent swimming experiences, but with different characteristics. Ahornsee is conveniently located in Söll and is well-equipped with amenities like jetties, a children's area, and a beach volleyball court. Hintersteiner See is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and crystal-clear water, often described as one of Tyrol's cleanest mountain lakes, and has a lido on its northern shore. The choice depends on whether you prioritize convenience and on-site facilities (Ahornsee) or breathtaking natural scenery (Hintersteiner See).
How do I get to Hintersteiner See from Söll?
You can reach Hintersteiner See from Söll by a combination of bus routes. Typically, you would take a bus from Söll to Scheffau village center (e.g., line 4060), and then connect to the free hikers' bus (Hintersteinersee hikers' bus) that runs from Scheffau to the lake during summer months. Using the Wilder Kaiser GuestCard often makes these bus services free or discounted. It's also possible to hike or cycle to the lake.
Are there changing facilities and toilets at Ahornsee Söll?
Yes, Ahornsee in Söll is equipped with facilities for swimmers, including showers. While specific details on changing rooms and toilets are not always explicitly listed in summaries, lakes with kiosks and designated swimming areas typically provide these basic amenities.
Is there an entrance fee for Ahornsee Söll?
Yes, there is typically an entrance fee for Ahornsee Söll. However, discounts are often available with the Wilder Kaiser GuestCard. Some sources mention that if you purchase something from the kiosk, you might be able to visit the swimming area without an additional admission fee, but it's best to check current local arrangements.
What is there for kids to do at Ahornsee Söll?
Ahornsee in Söll has a dedicated children's area featuring reservoirs and water stations, making it enjoyable for younger visitors. The lake also has diving platforms which older children might enjoy.
Can you rent sunbeds or umbrellas at Ahornsee Söll?
Yes, Ahornsee Söll offers sun loungers and parasols for visitors, allowing for a more comfortable experience by the lake.
Are dogs allowed at Ahornsee Söll or Hintersteiner See?
At Hexenwasser Hochsöll, which has water play areas, dogs must be on a leash and are not allowed in the water, though a natural stream is available for them in the Witches' Forest. For Ahornsee and Hintersteiner See, specific policies on dogs at the designated swimming areas are not consistently detailed in the provided search snippets. It's always best to check local signage or inquire on-site for the most current regulations regarding dogs at bathing spots.
What is the best time of year to swim in the lakes around Söll?
The best time for swimming in the lakes around Söll, such as Ahornsee and Hintersteiner See, is during the summer months, typically from June to August, when air and water temperatures are warmest. Some lidos, like at Hintersteiner See, officially open from mid-May to September, depending on the weather.
What else is there to do around Söll besides swimming in the lakes?
Söll and the Wilder Kaiser region offer a wide range of activities besides lake swimming. These include hiking on over 700 km of trails, mountain biking, visiting seven mountain adventure worlds like Hexenwasser Söll (a theme park with water features and barefoot trails), Ellmi's Zauberwelt, and KaiserWelt Scheffau. The area is also known for its scenic beauty, traditional alpine villages, and local events.
