Questions about lake Vilsalpsee and nature conservation

From the center of Tannheim, a trail leads about 4 km south to the picturesque Vilsalpsee lake in the middle of the nature reserve.

• On foot: approx. 1 hour to the front lake shore
• By bus or the Tannheimer Alpenexpress: approx. 10–15 minutes
• By car: approx. 10 minutes
• By bike: 4 km

Peak seasons

• Summer: May to October
• Winter: End of December to Easter

Important: Outside the main season, there is no shuttle service to Lake Vilsalpsee! Horse-drawn carriages can be requested.

By car

Lake Vilsalpsee is located in a nature reserve, which is why access for general traffic is restricted. 

No motor vehicles allowed in either direction from 8 am. to 5 pm.

Permitted entry between 5 pm. and 8 am.:

• A usage fee of €5 must be paid upon exit.

• Traffic-calming measures imposed by the authorities may be in place throughout the year.

Public transportation

• Bus line 121 runs regularly to the nature reserve in summer.

• Tannheimer Alpenexpress (slow train):

  • Summer: Starts at 9:30 am.

  • Winter: Starts at 10:00 am. (different in the off-season).

  • Tickets: Available directly from the driver.

  • Note: Please always check the current timetables for the season!

Special provisions for persons with reduced mobility

Persons with reduced mobility who have a valid severely disabled pass (marked “G” and “H” on the back) receive a ticket for a return trip in their own car.

Distribution points:

• Tannheim information office (during opening hours)

• Municipality of Tannheim

at the restaurant Vilsalpsee

• Up to 2 hours € 3.00
• Each additional hour € 1.20
• Daily maximum € 8.00
• Each additional day € 8.00

at the Café Bistro Haubentaucher 

• Day parking ticket € 8.00

Regular bus service to Lake Vilsalpsee (subject to charge, only during the summer season)

Departure: Tannheim roundabout bus stop

Prices:

• Adults: € 4.60*

• Seniors (aged 65 and over): € 2.90*

• Children up to 6 years old: FREE

• Children up to 14 years: € 2.30*

• Young people up to 19 years of age: € 2.90*

Please note: This line is not included in the guest card!
Timetable: Available at all information offices or downloadable here: Vilsalpsee bus timetable (The bus only runs during the summer months!)

*Prices are subject to change.

Tannheimer Alpenexpress (subject to charge, only during peak season – note summer and winter departure times!)

Departure: Stop next to the Tannheim tourist information office on the street
Departure times: According to the time displayed at the stop

Prices:
One-way ticket:

• Adults: € 4.00*

• Children: € 2.50*

• Dogs: € 2.50* / € 3.00* (depending on size)

Round trip:

• Adults: € 7.30*

• Children: € 4.00*

• Dogs: € 4.00* / €5.00* (depending on size)

Family tickets:

• Family basic (2 adults, 2 children): € 11.00*

• Family round trip (2 adults, 2 children): € 16.00*

Children up to 3 years old travel for free!

Information: Tannheimer Alpenexpress, Tel: +43 676 712 3459
Ticket sales: Directly on the train
Bus companies & groups: Special trips on request

*Prices are subject to change.

Trips only on request!

Tannheim:
Fam. Kleiner – T +43 676 606 6852, andreaskleiner@gmx.at
Lechweghof – T +43 676 772 9145, lechleitner.wegmann@aon.at

Grän:
Andy Rief – T +43 676 542 7900, pferdekutschenrief@gmail.com

The circular walk around the lake has been open since 24 May 2026.

Restaurant Vilsalpsee 
Open, closed on Monday/Tuesday
T +43 676 304 7796

Café Bistro Haubentaucher 
Open until 6 pm., hot meals served from 11 am. to 5 pm., closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays
Changed opening hours during the off-season.
T +43 5675 6278

Vilsalpe 
Open during the summer months, no days off
T +43 676 949 0904

Changes possible depending on season!

Allowed:
Swimming in the northeast shore bathing area directly adjacent to the Vilsalpsee inn

Prohibited:
Stand Up paddling
canoeing
sea kayak
rowing
sport diving

General information sheet in the nature reserve at Lake Vilsalpsee