The Ödseen mountain lakes are a fairytale place for all lovers of hidden natural beauty. They are located just a few kilometers from the town of Grünau im Almtal, where we recommend you stay. Haven’t heard of these two small lakes yet? Then today’s tip for Austrian lakes is just for you.
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Ödseen / Austrian Lakes
If you are looking for a place where nature meets tranquility and where every step offers a new breathtaking view, then the Ödseen lakes, hidden in the idyllic Hetzau valley, are the right choice for your next trip. These two natural gems lie in the embrace of the Totes Gebirge mountains, which provide a breathtaking contrast to the emerald surface of the lakes.
It probably won’t surprise you that this place is a protected nature reserve, which means that the landscape here remains untouched and wild, with only minimal human intervention. The lakes, divided in translation into Velké and Malé Ödsee (Great and Small Ödsee), are home to rich fauna and flora.
Accommodation near Ödseen
To be close to today’s trip, we recommend looking for accommodation in Grünau im Almtal. There is not much accommodation on offer, so book it well in advance, especially for the summer months. We recommend our verified accommodation with excellent ratings:
1. JUFA Hotel Grünau im Almtal
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Getting to and parking at Ödseen
For today’s trip, we are setting off from České Budějovice, from where the journey takes about 2.5 hours by car in the early morning hours. An Austrian motorway vignette is a matter of course. The route leads classically via Linz, after which, instead of Traunsee, we turn off according to the navigation to Grünau im Almtal.
A literally panoramic road awaits us, which we really enjoy in good weather. In the summer season, from May 1 to September 14 (may be adjusted according to the current situation), it is possible to reach the lakes by bike or car to the Almtalerhaus inn, from where a comfortable hiking trail leads to the lakes.
Getting to Ödseen / Austrian Lakes
Getting to Ödseen / Austrian Lakes
If the upper car park is full, which can happen if you come here during sunny weekends during the holidays, we recommend first heading to Almsee or parking at the entrance to the nature reserve and taking a longer walk to the Ödseen lakes. The path that takes you to the upper car park is quite narrow, so keep a reasonable speed.
Getting to Ödseen / Austrian Lakes
Parking at Ödseen / Austrian Lakes
When you come here in the summer season, you can take advantage of several hiking trails that lead around the lakes and provide wonderful views of the surrounding landscape. From easy walks to more challenging tours leading high into the mountains, everyone is able to find the right thing for themselves here.
If you didn’t turn off to Ödseen, you would continue to Lake Almsee, which you can read about in our next travel tip under this link:
Almsee / Austrian Lakes
Lakes Ödseen
In addition to hiking, the Ödseen area is also a popular place for paddleboarding and swimming in the waters of the lakes, which are ideal activities for warm summer days. We personally swam here in June and then in August, when we no longer had to persuade ourselves to get into the water.
For lovers of nature and tranquility, this place is literally a paradise on earth. If you arrive in the early morning or late afternoon hours, you can also find your own little beach just for yourself. Otherwise, there are several sandy and grassy areas that can accommodate more tourists at the same time.
Kleiner Ödsee / Austrian Lakes
Ödseen / Austrian Lakes
Kleiner Ödsee / Austrian Lakes
From Kleiner Ödsee it is only a few minutes along the path to the second, Grosser Ödsee. The second lake is larger and some say it is even more beautiful. We will leave the assessment to each of you. If you come here after rainy days, you can also go to the local waterfalls.
Getting to Grosser Ödsee / Austrian Lakes
Ödseen / Austrian Lakes
Grosser Ödsee / Austrian Lakes
When is the best time to visit Ödseen?
The best time to visit the Ödseen lakes is from late spring to early autumn, when the weather is most pleasant and the landscape blooms in full beauty. Ideally in the period from May 1 to September 14, when you can get to the upper car park by car. In September and autumn, however, it should be borne in mind that access to the lakes may be restricted due to the hunting season. Therefore, pay attention to the signs that are located along the road.
Ödseen / Austrian Lakes
Whether you are an avid hiker, a lover of water activities, or just looking for a place to relax in the middle of almost untouched nature, Ödseen will provide something for everyone. Thanks to its easy accessibility and rich possibilities for spending free time, this place is an ideal destination for day trips and longer stays in connection with a visit to Almsee or Cumberland Wildpark Grünau.
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