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Steg Reservoir (Gänglesee)

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Steg Reservoir (Gänglesee) (Liechtenstein)

Weather…

The Steg Reservoir, consisting of the Steg artificial lake and the directly adjacent Gänglesee, is situated at an altitude of approximately 1,300 meters in the municipality of Triesenberg. The reservoir was primarily created for hydroelectric power generation, supplying the Samina power plant in the valley below. It collects water from the Malbun and Valorsch streams before it is channeled through a pressure tunnel. In contrast, the neighboring Gänglesee serves today mainly as a recreational area and natural swimming lake, particularly popular with families during the summer months. The lake landscape is framed by an impressive alpine backdrop and forms the heart of the scenic hamlet of Steg. Beyond its energy-related importance, the area has numerous leisure opportunities such as hiking, picnicking, and cross-country skiing in winter on the nearby trails. The water quality of the lakes is excellent, reflecting the purity of their alpine inflows.

Location: Triesenberg, Liechtenstein
Top sights: Kapelle Steg · Chrüppel · Drei Kapuziner
Nearby: Berschis (4 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-6	-5	-1	4	8	13	14	14	10	6	0	-4
Rain mm	92	70	91	93	147	173	169	185	121	103	91	93

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Steg Reservoir, also known as Gänglesee, is an easy on the eye artificial lake that is freely accessible. Visitors can walk along the shore, have a picnic, or enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains.

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Typical hours

The lake is a public recreation area with no fixed opening hours, but typically best enjoyed during daytime. In winter, access can be limited due to snow.

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Photography

Gänglesee has excellent photo opportunities, especially at sunset with reflections of the mountains. A tripod is recommended for long exposure shots of the water.

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Time needed

A visit to the Steg Reservoir usually takes one to two hours, depending on activity. For a longer walk around the lake or fishing, allow more time.

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Combine with

Combine the lake with nearby Malbun for hiking or winter activities. The nearby nature reserve Ruggeller Riet is also worth a visit for nature lovers.

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Getting there

The Steg Reservoir is located above Steg and is accessible by car via a narrow road. Parking is available at the lake. It can also be reached on foot from Malbun.

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Insider tip

Bring insect repellent, especially in summer, as mosquitoes can be bothersome near the lake. A picnic basket with local specialties completes the outing perfectly.

Geography

Coordinates

47.11300, 9.57440

Facts

Located at around 1,300 meters above sea level
Supplies the Samina power plant in the valley
Consists of a reservoir and a swimming lake (Gänglesee)
Heart of the Steg recreation area
Collects water from the Malbun and Valorsch streams
Popular spot for hobby fishers and hikers

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Steg Chapel<1 km · SEExplore →

Lavadina1 km · NWExplore →

Triesenberg Forest2 km · WExplore →

Samina River2 km · NExplore →

Malbun3 km · SEExplore →

Guflina3 km · WExplore →

Triesen Bus Terminal 34 km · WExplore →

Nospitz4 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Steg Reservoir (Gänglesee) (10)

Kapelle Steg

Kapelle Steg is a Catholic church building in the Principality of Liechtenstein.

Chrüppel

Chrüppel is a mountain peak in Liechtenstein.

Drei Kapuziner

Drei Kapuziner is a mountain in Liechtenstein.

Erichs Bildergalerie

Erichs Bildergalerie in Triesenberg displays local art.

Heimatmuseum🏛 museum

Heimatmuseum in Triesenberg with exhibitions on local history.

Pfarrkirche Sankt Josef

Pfarrkirche Sankt Josef is a Catholic church building in the Principality of Liechtenstein.

Schönberg

Schönberg is a mountain in Liechtenstein.

Lama- & Alpakahof Triesenberg

Lama- & Alpakahof Triesenberg has encounters with llamas and alpacas.

Walsermuseum🏛 museum

Walsermuseum in Triesenberg shows the cultural history of the Walser people in Liechtenstein.

Falknerei Galina

Falknerei Galina in Triesenberg has flight demonstrations with birds of prey and owls.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in the Steg reservoir?

Yes, the upper part (Gänglesee) is a popular spot for swimming and barbecuing in summer.

Are there barbecue spots at the lake?

Yes, there are several public barbecue spots located around Gänglesee.

Does the lake freeze in winter?

Yes, it often freezes, but walking on the ice is usually prohibited for safety reasons.

Is there parking directly at the lake?

Yes, there is a large parking lot at the entrance to Steg, just a few minutes' walk from the lake.

Is camping allowed at the lake?

Wild camping is generally prohibited in Liechtenstein, including around the lake.

Steg Reservoir (Gänglesee): where is it located?

Steg Reservoir (Gänglesee) is located in Triesenberg, Liechtenstein.

Steg Reservoir (Gänglesee): what is there to see?

Highlights include Kapelle Steg, Chrüppel, Drei Kapuziner.

Steg Reservoir (Gänglesee): when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.

Steg Reservoir (Gänglesee): why is it worth visiting?

The Steg Reservoir, consisting of the Steg artificial lake and the directly adjacent Gänglesee, is situated at an altitude of approximately 1,300 meters in the municipality of Triesenberg.

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