Hiking holidays in Styria
Here with us, one thing’s for certain: The beautiful landscapes are one of the great strengths of our popular Styrian holiday region in Austria: those imposing limestone walls of the eponymous Dachstein (elev. 2995 m), the summits of the Schladminger Tauern, which can be explored via 1000 km (!) of marked hiking paths or 22 fixed-cable climbing routes, around 300 alpine tarns and 100 waterfalls. The very thought of all of this makes the pulse of every true hiker race in pure anticipation. Our longing for mountain adventures grows. A typical case of addiction to those beautiful Styrian alpine tarns. That’s why, today, we present to you three popular hikes to mountain lakes in the region surrounding our apartments and chalets in Schladming, on the Reiteralm and on the Hauser Kaibling in Ennstal.
Mirror Lake on the Reiteralm
On days when the wind is still, the Dachstein massif is reflected in this mountain lake on the Reiteralm. No wonder, then, that the “Gasselsee” (the actual name of the lake) is one of the most popular photo motifs in the entire Styrian holiday region. And if, as of mid-June, you are able to be here when the rhododendron are in full bloom, the sight of such natural beauty is quite beyond compare.
Starting point of the tour: Preunegg-Jet mountain station
Hike description: from the mountain station to the “Reiteralmsee” reservoir, then follow path No. 66 (wide) bringing you in roughly 45 minutes to Mirror Lake. Close to Alpenchalets Reiteralm, this hike can be extended by adding the Reiteralm Höhen-Rundweg as well as a detour to Ober- and Untersee.
One tip: Every year on the first Sunday in July, the “Rhododendron Festival” is celebrated at the Reiteralm.
From the Ursprungalm to the Giglachseen
One rewarding tour leads from the idyllic Ursprungalm through a trough valley and over the Preuneggsattel to the upper and lower Giglachseen. The area surrounding these two lakes was once an active mining area, whereas today it is a popular destination for hikers. From the Giglachseen, a tour to the Duisitzkarsee is also possible.
Starting point of the tour: Ursprungalm in Preuneggtal
Hike description: from Schladming / Rohrmoos to Preuneggtal, via the toll road to the parking area / Ursprungalm. If you prefer not to drive on the winding toll road, you can always take the hiking bus (included with the Sommercard) from Planet Planai to the Ursprungalm. From the Ursprungalm (1610 m), the hiking path leads over the Preuneggsattel in ca. one hour to the two Giglachseen (1921 m). Refreshment stops are possible at the Giglachseehütte as well as the Ignaz-Mattis-Hütte (1986 m).
Good to know: This tour is also possible by mountain bike.
Moaralmsee Hauser Kaibling
Perfect if you want to escape the outside world for a while: the area surrounding the Moaralmsee on the Hauser Kaibling. This turquoise and deep-blue mountain lake enjoys an incredibly beautiful setting at 1825 m above sea level, at the foot of the Höchstein (2543 m). Starting point of the tour: mountain station of the Schladminger Tauern cableway (1870 m). Ride up on the Schladminger Tauern cableway or the 8-passenger gondola and the Quattralpina. Use of the lifts is included for free with your Schladming-Dachstein Sommercard. Hike description: from the mountain station along the “Schafsinn-Rundweg” or on path No. 44, taking you in about half an hour to the “Gipfelglück” at 2015 m, to the Rossfeldsattel and then via path No. 45 in the direction of the Moaralmsee (1825 m). You can return via idyllic Gumpental or over the Bärfallspitze.
Good to know: Dogs are not permitted in upper Gumpental or in the Moaralmsee area.
