In the Upper Kaunertal valley in the Oetztal Alps, there is an artificial lake called Gepatschspeicher
Image gallery: Lake Gepatsch
Nestled between the majestic peaks of the Oetztal Alps, there is the Gepatschspeicher. The alpine streams of the Kaunertal valley join the artificial lake, e.g. the Gepatsch Stream which arises from the Gepatschferner, beside the Pasterze Glacier the biggest glacier in Austria. Furthermore, water is added from the nearby Pitztal and Radurschltal valleys to feed the hydroelectric power plant.
The dam wall of the lake, built between 1961 and 1964, was a special attraction at those times: Featuring a length of 600 m and a height of 153 m, it was one of the ten highest dam walls in the world! Today, Lake Gepatsch of the Kaunertal hydroelectric power plant is a popular destination for hikers, with a natural lakeside characterised by a rich vegetation, including trees, bushes and various plants. It provides a perfect atmosphere for relaxing and bracing one's energies...
The lake is also known as starting point for further hikes, and the nearby Gailwand rockface is a destination for climbers. The Kaunertal Glacier Road goes past Lake Gepatsch and takes you up to an elevation of 2,750 m a.s.l., on the edge of the glacial wall of the Weisseeferner. Swimming in the lake is not possible, and dives are only for works for the hydroelectric power plant.
Altitude: 1,767 m a.s.l.
Surface: 260 hectares
Length: 6 km
Maximum depth: 111 m
Bathing: no
Water sports: no
