Almsee

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Almsee: Idyllic mountain lake for nature lovers and hikers

The Almsee, situated at 589 metres above sea level, is a picturesque mountain lake in the Upper Austrian part of the Salzkammergut, more precisely in the municipality of Grünau im AlmtalNestled at the northern foot of the Dead Mountains, the Almsee is a popular destination for nature and hiking enthusiasts due to its idyllic location. With its natural shores and impressive flora and fauna, the lake represents an intact ecosystem that has been under nature protection since 1965. It is owned by the Kremsmünster Abbey and offers numerous leisure opportunities in a quiet and unspoilt environment.

Short info:

Where is the Almsee?: In the Salzkammergut, municipality of Grünau im Almtal, Upper Austria. You can park directly by the lake.
size and depth: 2.3 km long, 700 m wide, about 85 ha area, average depth 2.5 m, deepest point 9 m.
How long does it take to go around? About 1.5 hours walk.
nature reserve: Protected since 1965, natural banks and habitat for many animal and plant species.
activities: Hiking, ice skating, curling, rowing (seasonal), nature observation.
gastronomy: Lake house on the south shore with catering.

hike along the lake

A popular walk along the Almsee starts at the car park and leads along the western shore on a well-paved and level path to the inn “Seehaus“. The route offers numerous opportunities to enjoy the impressive landscape, as the path leads directly along the shore, past idyllic bays and small forests. It takes just under an hour. Along the way, you will repeatedly be treated to wonderful views of the lake and the surrounding Totes Gebirge. The path is particularly beautiful in the morning or late afternoon, when the sun is low and the mountains are reflected in the water.

At the Seehaus, hikers and visitors can refresh themselves and enjoy the view of the peaceful Almsee. We recommend the trout from the lake!

The return journey is usually made along the same route, as the alternative route largely follows the road and is less attractive.

leisure activities and hikes

There are numerous hiking trails around the Almsee, which are suitable for both leisurely strolls and ambitious mountain tours. The following are particularly recommended:

Trail 404 (Voralpenweg 04): This long-distance hiking trail runs along the eastern shore of the Almsee and is part of the Alpine foothills trail that crosses the Salzkammergut. It offers impressive views of the lake and the surrounding mountain landscape.
Trail 420 (high path): This path connects the Almsee with the Offensee and leads through varied landscapes with dense forests and rocky passages. It requires surefootedness and good fitness.
Trail 213 (Grieskarsteig): This trail leads through the impressive rocky landscape of the Röll and up to the plateau of the Totes Gebirge. It is challenging and aimed at experienced mountaineers.
Trail 214 (Sepp-Huber-Steig): A challenging hike that also leads through the Röll to the plateau of the Totes Gebirge to the Pühringerhütte. This trail requires alpine experience and a head for heights.

A particularly recommended viewpoint is the Ameisstein, which can be reached in about an hour's walk and offers a fantastic view of the Almsee.

Please note that some of these trails are challenging and require alpine experience and appropriate equipment. It is advisable to check current conditions and possible closures before starting the hikes.

nature and recreation

The Almsee is a nutrient-poor lake, whose largely natural shores and adjacent wetlands are home to a rich ecosystem. Thanks to its quiet location, the lake is a popular place for nature lovers, who can observe rare animal and plant species here. In winter, the lake often freezes over completely and is often used as a ice skating or curling Because of the low water temperatures, the Almsee is less known as a bathing lake, but more as a place of relaxation and rest.

Boating and Nature Conservation

During the summer months rowing and paddling allowed on the Almsee, but only between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Between October 1 and April 15, boat trips of any kind are prohibited in order to protect the sensitive ecosystem of the lake. diving, sailing and surfing are prohibited all year round in order to preserve the peace and untouched nature of the lake. With its quiet atmosphere and limited water sports activities, the Almsee offers ideal conditions for nature observation and relaxation.