Short Information:
- What is Spiegelsee? A picturesque mountain lake in the Schladming-Dachstein region.
- Why is it called that? On calm days, the distinctive Dachstein massif reflects in the Middle Gasselsee, actually called Spiegelsee.
- What makes it special? With crystal-clear water and a surrounding mountain backdrop, Spiegelsee invites for a relaxed time in nature.
- How to get there? Valley station Preunegg Jet. Then take the cable car up, followed by approximately 45 minutes of hiking.
- Entrance fee? Access to Spiegelsee is free, as is parking at the valley station. Here are the prices for the cable car ride. In summer, it’s covered by the Sommercard.
- Dining options? Gasselhöh Hütte at the mountain station
Spiegelsee in General
Spiegelsee, actually Mittlerer Gasselsee in the Schladminger Tauern, earned its name due to its impressive reflection of the Dachstein massif. This mountain lake is located at 1,860 meters south of Reiteralm near Schladming in Styria and is one of the three lakes below the 2,133-meter-high Schober.
The Schladminger Tauern, part of the Niedere Tauern, consist of gneiss, mica schist, and phyllite, resulting in rugged mountain slopes and the formation of numerous mountain lakes in the cirques. The flat Spiegelsee stands out for its perfect view of the Dachstein massif, creating an impressive reflection on the water surface on calm days.
Spiegelsee is popular not only for its geological features but also as a photographic subject. Its shallow structure makes it prone to drying up in hot, dry summers. A sign on the shore reminds visitors that swimming in the lake is not allowed to protect nature and fellow visitors. Spiegelsee was even crowned the most beautiful spot in Austria by ORF.
Tip: Before embarking on an autumn hike, make sure to check if there is water in the lake. Unfortunately, it was not the case during our visit. Nevertheless, we highly recommend the hike. Visit the lake on a calm day for the perfect reflection.
How to Reach Spiegelsee?
Arrival and Parking
Public Transport: On Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, there is a hiking bus connection from Ramsau am Dachstein to the valley station of the Preunegg-Jet cable car. The ride is free with the Sommercard.
Car: Turn off the Ennstal Bundesstraße at Pichl and drive up the Preuneggstraße to the valley station of the Preunegg-Jet cable car. Alternatively, take the Reiteralmstraße (toll road) to the Eiskarhütte, Reiteralmhütte, and Gasselhöh’-Hütte.
Shortest Path to the Lake
From the parking lot at Gasselhöh’-Hütte, follow trail No. 66 to the lake. Walking time: 45 minutes, elevation gain: 284 m.
Directions
From the mountain station of the Preunegg Jet, continue on trail No. 66, past the Untersee and along the rocky and steep path to Spiegelsee at 1,860 meters. The lake offers a spectacular view of the Dachstein massif and is surrounded by hiking trails to other peaks in the region. The return journey to Reiteralm takes about 45 minutes.
You can also find our article here: Lake Hike: from Reiteralm to Spiegelsee and Untersee. During this hike, we ascend to Spiegelsee and pass by Untersee and other lakes on the way back. This part of the hike is also known as “Stille Wasser” or Silent Waters.