Reiteralm: trip to Lake Spiegelsee

Spiegelsee, officially named Gasslsee, got its nickname only in the last 30 years when photography-loving tourists started hiking to the lake, breathtaken by the magical reflection of the Dachstein peaks on its surface. It’s no wonder that Reiteralm owes its popularity mainly to Spiegelsee.

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Spiegelsee – Reiteralm

The Reiteralm resort, which is one of the popular ski destinations in the Schladming Dachstein area during winter, is known primarily for this stunning trek where you can admire several lakes and conquer a few peaks from spring to autumn. It can be said that there’s something for everyone here, regardless of age and physical condition.

Spiegelsee – Reiteralm / photo: Austrian Lakes

Spiegelsee – Reiteralm

Route and parking at Reiteralm resort

The Reiteralm resort is located in the Schladming Dachstein area, about 3-4 hours drive from České Budějovice. You’ll need an Austrian highway vignette for the journey. Regarding parking, if you have a local tourist card, which you receive at most hotels, there’s an option to park at the lower cable car station.

You can then take the cable car to the starting point of our today’s trip, the upper station of Preunegg Jet, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain landscape. The toll road to Reiteralmhütte is also free with the card.

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Parking at Reiteralm resort / photo: Austrian Lakes

Parking at the cable car in Reiteralm / photo: Austrian Lakes

However, if you’re going to Reiteralm for a day trip, expect to pay about 10 EUR for the high mountain road and the opportunity to park at the upper cable car station parking lot. Even for 2021, there was a high-capacity parking lot on a prepared meadow below the upper station. This makes parking at Reiteralm resort practically hassle-free. From this point, you can comfortably walk (uphill) even with a stroller or wagon to the restaurants and fun attractions located at the upper cable car station.

Reiteralm / photo: Austrian Lakes

Reiteralm – area map / photo: Austrian Lakes

Right at the upper cable car station of Reiteralm resort, there’s a marked easy trail for strollers. The route is about 1.5 km long and you can walk it at a leisurely pace in under 1 hour. Don’t forget to take a photo in the traditional frame as a souvenir along the way.

Reiteralm / photo: Austrian Lakes

Reiteralm – upper cable car station / photo: Austrian Lakes

Reiteralm – trek to Spiegelsee / photo: Austrian Lakes

Trek to Spiegelsee

Our trip today starts at the Reiteralmsee dam, right at the upper cable car station. Before setting off, you can fuel up with some traditional dishes at the local Gasselhöhütte or Reiteralmhütte, or save a visit to these restaurants as a reward at the end of your trip.

Reiteralmsee / photo: Austrian Lakes

The easy hike to Spiegelsee avoids the panoramic trail over the peaks, which you would reach by climbing to the right of the dam. It starts with a walk around Reiteralmsee, where the path is marked in several directions. We take the trail to Untersee and Spiegelsee lakes.

After a few minutes of walking, you can decide whether to turn onto the Silent Waters (Stille Wasser) themed trail and then continue through Waldsee and Untersee, but we personally recommend saving the walk to these other lakes for the way back, or for another day. It all depends on your physical condition and the time you’ve set aside for the trip.

Reiteralmsee / photo: Austrian Lakes

Reiteralm – Stille Wasser trail / photo: Austrian Lakes

Once you pass the second, rocky turn-off to Untersee, which you’ll have a direct view of from your trail, only a few minutes of gentle ascent will separate you from Spiegelsee. This trail is popular among families with children and recreational hikers. At the same time, it offers unforgettable views of the surrounding mountain landscape and the stunning lakes, of which there are several here.

Reiteralm – trek to Spiegelsee / photo: Austrian Lakes

Reiteralm – trek to Spiegelsee, view of Untersee with a raft across the lake / photo: Austrian Lakes

Reiteralm – trek to Spiegelsee / photo: Austrian Lakes

When you reach Spiegelsee, you’ll most likely be greeted by the local mountain goats. On hot summer days, they usually rest in the shade under the trees, but during the morning and afternoon hours, you’ll also meet them on the other side, on the rocks. It’s on the other end of Spiegelsee where, in the right weather conditions, you’ll be waiting for the promised reward in the form of the Dachstein peaks reflecting on the lake’s surface.

It’s ideal if you’re lucky enough to have no wind, when the surface of Spiegelsee is truly like a mirror. It’s said that the most beautiful photos are taken early in the morning and during late afternoon, but we didn’t miss out even at noon.

Spiegelsee – Reiteralm / photo: Austrian Lakes

Spiegelsee / photo: Austrian Lakes

The best time to hike to Spiegelsee is from mid-spring to early autumn. Perhaps the most beautiful period here is from mid-June, when festivals are held in Reiteralm at the beginning of July and alpine roses bloom here, and you can have colorful rhododendrons in your photos.

On weekends and during the main summer season, a lot of tourists come to Reiteralm, but because you can reach the lake from two sides and it’s possible to combine the route with other interesting places, you don’t have to worry about not finding a free spot for your picnic right at Spiegelsee.

Spiegelsee – Reiteralm / Austrian Lakes

If you’ve already admired the lake and know you’re in good physical condition, you can continue along the trail to Obersee. It’s a small ice age lake at the foot of the Rippetegg (2126 m) and Schober (2133 m) peaks. From here, you also have breathtaking views of the Dachstein. You can then return via the Gasselhöhe peak (2001 m) and descend at the Reiteralmsee dam.

If you take this panoramic ridge trail, expect about 2 hours of additional walking time. The basic hike from Reiteralmsee to Spiegelsee should take you about 1 hour. If you decide to return via the lower path through the aforementioned Untersee, Waldsee lakes and the Stille Waters educational trail, add approximately one more hour to the hour back.

Reiteralm – trek to Spiegelsee / photo: Austrian Lakes

Given that there are several attractions at the lower lakes that not only your children will appreciate, we recommend allowing for a larger time budget. For example, you can try crossing the lake on a raft, or climb up a small rock following the markings. Since most tourists head mainly to Spiegelsee, these attractions are practically empty.

Reiteralm – Stille Wasser trail / photo: Austrian Lakes

* Spiegelsee is shallow and swimming is prohibited due to possible contamination. We thank you for respecting this and saving swimming for the ponds and pools at the local hotels. We offer one verified tip for a luxury resort where you can secure accommodation in the Schladming area at the end of today’s trip inspiration.

Accommodation in Reiteralm

As for accommodation in Reiteralm, there are a few hotels and resorts available right in the resort. They are located along the high mountain road leading up to the upper cable car station and, among other things, you’ll enjoy a beautiful view not only of the Dachstein. Their capacity is often fully booked, so don’t hesitate with reservations if you want to have accommodation directly in Reiteralm (Pichl).

You can find and book accommodation by clicking on the previews in the partner booking system

Apartments close to the cable car at Reiteralm: