Corine Land Cover 2000 - Water Bodies

Less than 1% of the area of Tyrol is covered by open bodies of water; in other words, by rivers or lakes. The biggest connected body of water in Tyrol is the River Inn, followed by the lakes Achensee and then Reschensee. Many smaller lakes and most rivers have not been included because they are smaller than 25 hectares or less than 100 m wide. Very big lakes can be found in Tyrol's northerly neighbour, Bavaria.

Due to the great differences in relief in Tyrol, energy production in the form of water power is an important economic factor. Thus lakes were enlarged or new ones created. Many of the big lakes are used as reservoirs. In the case of rivers, the use of water power is often reflected in the flow rate or the flow distribution.

Water bodies play an important role in the local climate, be it through having an effect on the temperature balance or as the source for morning mist. Last but not least, many lakes serve a tourist function, either for bathing, for water sports or for excursions.