Top 20 Lakes around Schladming

For swimming and leisure, consider Pichl Lake (Freizeitsee Pichl), which is family-friendly with shallow entry and often free with the Schladming-Dachstein Summer Card. The Aich Leisure Lake is another natural swimming spot. For the warmest natural bathing experience, visit Putterersee in Aigen im Ennstal, known for its excellent water quality.

Yes, several lakes are great for families. The path to Steirischer Bodensee in the Seewigtal valley is wide and well-maintained, making it suitable for strollers. For Riesachsee, you can choose a cozy forest path that is stroller-friendly, or a more adventurous gorge path. Pichl Lake and Aich Leisure Lake are also excellent for families, offering playgrounds and shallow swimming areas.

The Mirror Lake (Spiegelsee) on the Reiteralm is famous for its almost perfect reflection of the Dachstein massif, especially on calm days, making it a prime photo motif. The Giglach Lakes, situated at around 1,900 meters, offer breathtaking alpine panoramas. Duisitzkarsee and Moaralmsee also provide picturesque settings for nature photography.

The Giglach Lakes are a classic destination for mountain hikers, located at around 1,900 meters above sea level. The moderately difficult approach via the Ursprungalm is highly rewarding. Duisitzkarsee in the Obertal valley is another impressive high-alpine lake, recommended for its scenic beauty and offering excellent photo opportunities.

Yes, the Ignaz-Mattis Hut is located directly below the Giglach Lakes, offering overnight stays for around 60 mountaineers. It serves as a perfect base for summit tours in the Schladminger Tauern. Near Riesachsee, the Gfölleralm provides a place for refreshments.

Beyond hiking to the lakes, the region offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous easy hikes, such as the Mandling circular route or the Talbach Waterfall loop. For cycling enthusiasts, there are gravel biking routes like the Enns River Cycle Path, and road cycling options including routes around Ramsau am Dachstein. You can explore more routes in the easy hikes, gravel biking, and road cycling guides for the Schladming area.

The best time to visit the lakes is generally during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn (May to October). This period offers pleasant hiking conditions and allows for swimming in the leisure lakes. Mid-June is particularly beautiful around Mirror Lake when rhododendrons are in bloom, adding to its scenic charm.

Yes, while many lakes are beautiful to visit, swimming is not recommended in some for various reasons. For instance, in Mirror Lake (Spiegelsee), swimming is generally not recommended due to its shallow depth and nature conservation efforts. The water in high-alpine lakes like the Giglach Lakes is also very cold, though swimming is generally permitted.

Ramsau Beach Leisure Park, located on the sunny high plateau of Ramsau, is an ideal spot for active families. It features a lake with mountain views, an adventure playground, beach volleyball courts, and a relaxation zone. It also includes a shallow children's area, making it safe and enjoyable for younger visitors.

Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning natural beauty and diverse experiences offered by the lakes. Many enjoy the breathtaking alpine panoramas at spots like the Giglach Lakes and the unique reflections of the Dachstein massif in Mirror Lake. The opportunity to cool off in the clear waters, enjoy family-friendly walks, and find peaceful retreats away from crowds are also highly valued.

Moaralmsee, located at Hauser Kaibling, is considered a quiet, mystical, and somewhat insider tip. It's nestled in a tranquil alpine landscape and offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking solitude and beautiful natural scenery away from more crowded spots.