A trip to Steirischer Bodensee is one of the most beautiful you can take in the Schladming Dachstein region. Today we’ll tell you about an easy walk leading only to the lake and along the trail around it. In one of our upcoming trip tips, we’ll then discuss in detail the 3-lake hike via Hüttensee to Obersee.
>> SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION DEALS IN SCHLADMING HERE <<
Steirischer Bodensee / Austrian Lakes
Steirischer Bodensee
Steirischer Bodensee can be found in Styria, in the Schladming Dachstein area. It lies at an altitude of approximately 1,140 m above sea level and covers an area of around 0.5 square kilometers, making it one of the smaller mountain lakes. However, due to its picturesque beauty, we personally consider it one of the most romantic lakes you can visit in Austria. Although swimming is strictly prohibited for both people and dogs in the lake, the breathtaking views and trails leading around the lake and further into the mountains will certainly make up for the lack of swimming. You can also rent a boat here for a fee, and according to information from the restaurant, anglers can arrange fishing permits here (inquire in advance at the tourist office).
Steirischer Bodensee / Austrian Lakes
Steirischer Bodensee is hidden among steep mountain ridges and lush forests, creating an idyllic scenery that you’ll hardly find elsewhere. The mountains are reflected in the crystal-clear water surface, and the entire landscape feels like a place where time has stopped. The perfectly romantic atmosphere is completed by local waterfalls. The Bodensee waterfall is visible from the very arrival at the lake in nice weather, and if you venture further beyond the lake, you’ll get right up to it. If you go on a trip after rainy days, like we did, the waterfall experience will be even more enhanced.
Steirischer Bodensee – Bodensee waterfall / Austrian Lakes
Accommodation in Schladming
Since Steirischer Bodensee lies only about 12 kilometers from Schladming, we chose accommodation in this popular Styrian town for this time. Schladming and Ramsau am Dachstein have been our favorite reliable choice for accommodation during summer and winter holidays for many years, so we’re happy to recommend hotels and apartments here.
Hotel JOHANN has been our favorite for many years, thanks to its renowned restaurant, which we’ve had the opportunity to visit several times. Finally, the time came to try its hospitality in terms of accommodation as well. In addition to beautiful rooms, a panoramic rooftop pool awaits you here, where you can enjoy perfect relaxation after a whole day of hiking or on the slopes in winter.
Pets are allowed in the hotel upon request and for a possible fee
>> FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE HOTEL CLICK HERE <<
ALPINE CLUB APARTMENTS – SCHLADMING
- 4* apartments for your undisturbed vacation, any time of year
- In summer provides a base for hiking trips
- In winter you’re only about 200 m from the first slope
- Excellent price/quality ratio
- Modernly equipped apartments
- Four-legged friends are unfortunately not allowed
>> FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE APARTMENTS CLICK HERE <<
4* BURGFELLNERHOF – ADULTS ONLY
- Beautiful hotel in traditional Austrian spirit
- Ideal for couples who want to spend a peaceful and relaxing vacation
- Children can stay here from age 14
- Private biotope for swimming – access only for hotel guests
- Four-legged friends are unfortunately not allowed
>> FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE HOTEL CLICK HERE <<
Route and Parking at Steirischer Bodensee
If you’re going here as a day trip, for example from České Budějovice, the journey will take about 3.5 hours by car. Just to be sure, I remind you of the necessity to purchase an Austrian highway vignette. From accommodation in Schladming, count on a journey of maximum half an hour, depending on where exactly you’re staying. You can reach the upper parking lot, which is located about 15 minutes walk from Steirischer Bodensee, through the village of Aich, via a toll road, for which we paid €4.30 per person at the beginning of August. The parking lot itself is then free, and even on a beautiful summer day there was no problem parking here. There are public toilets and a popular restaurant at the parking lot.
Parking at Steirischer Bodensee
Trail around Steirischer Bodensee
From the parking lot, at Seewigtalstüberl, a well-marked hiking trail opens up before you leading to today’s trip destination of Steirischer Bodensee. The route is approximately 4 km long and will take you about an hour of easy walking without stops. Along the way you can look forward to beautiful mountain scenery, rushing waterfalls and fresh forests, where we appreciated a bit of shade in the scorching summer.
Steirischer Bodensee / Austrian Lakes
Steirischer Bodensee / Austrian Lakes
Note: The trail around Steirischer Bodensee is suitable for families with children and less experienced hikers. If you’re more active, you can extend your trip by several more kilometers and head further into the mountains, around the Bodensee waterfall. We’ll describe this trip in one of our upcoming tips.
Steirischer Bodensee / Austrian Lakes
Steirischer Bodensee / Austrian Lakes
When you arrive at Steirischer Bodensee, you’ll be greeted by a fascinating view of the clear lake surface surrounded by steep mountain peaks. The lake is surrounded by hiking trails that allow you to discover the surrounding nature from different angles. One of the main attractions is the Bodensee-Wasserfall, a tall waterfall that flows into the lake. A short walk to the waterfall is definitely worth it, and if you’re lucky, you might see a rainbow created by sunlight and water mist.
Steirischer Bodensee / Austrian Lakes
Steirischer Bodensee / Austrian Lakes
Another option is relaxing by the lake, where you can enjoy a picnic or just admire the natural beauty and clean mountain air. In summer, the lake is also popular for romantic boat rides, which you can rent here. During our summer trip, it was so hot by the lake that many locals took advantage of the icy water from the waterfall and bathed with their children in the local river. However, swimming in the lake is officially prohibited. Beyond the bridge, in the river, cooling off is tolerated by locals on hot days.
Steirischer Bodensee / Austrian Lakes
Steirischer Bodensee / Austrian Lakes
Steirischer Bodensee / Austrian Lakes
After exploring the lake area and enjoying the natural beauty, you can treat yourself to a rest at Gasthof Forellenhof, which is a traditional Austrian mountain hut offering excellent local cuisine. It also completes the romantic view of Steirischer Bodensee, as it’s reflected in the lake along with the mountain peaks. The local specialty is freshly caught trout, which is served in various ways. In addition to food, you can also enjoy sitting on the terrace with a view of the lake.
When to Visit Steirischer Bodensee?
The best time to visit the lake is from spring to autumn, specifically from May to October. During these months, nature is in full beauty, alpine flowers cover the meadows and mountain trails, and the lake captivates with its clear water and fish in it, which you can feed with permitted food for a fee. For children, this is naturally one of the most popular activities here. Summer months are popular for hiking, while autumn is ideal for observing the colorful transformations of the landscape.
Steirischer Bodensee / Austrian Lakes
Steirischer Bodensee / Austrian Lakes
In winter months, when the lake freezes, the region transforms into a snowy idyll, which is especially appreciated by lovers of winter sports and snowy walks in the Schladming Dachstein area. The trail around Steirischer Bodensee is usually maintained in good weather and you can visit here year-round. However, we always recommend checking the current weather forecast and paying attention to signage along the way.
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