Hiking · Nature
Hike to the Duisitzkarsee (from late spring)
3–4 hours (circular route) · moderate · from 1 person, also for families with children used to hiking · from 0 €9,9 km
Some places look as though they've been painted — the Duisitzkarsee is one of them. At 1,648 metres it lies nestled in the Schladminger Tauern, shimmering emerald green, with rustic wooden huts right on its shores. From the Eschachalm in the Obertal, you hike up to this natural gem in around two hours and roughly 400 metres of ascent — one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Styria. At the top, not only does the ultimate picture-postcard scene await, but also a cosy stop at the Duisitzkarseehütte or the Fahrlechhütte. Whether as a family outing, a half-day tour for two or a quiet morning alone by the water — this hike is among the most rewarding experiences around Schladming.
Prices, parking & season
The hike itself is free. The public Eschachalm car park in the Obertal (about 80 spaces) costs €7 per day, or €5 with the Schladming-Dachstein Card (as of July 2026). Best time is from late May to mid-October — in spring there is often snow higher up, so plan no earlier than mid/late May. The huts at the lake are open from early June to the end of September. Cycling is not permitted beyond the car park; the path is for hikers only.
Getting there from Schladming
By car, drive from Schladming via Rohrmoos into the Obertal to the valley head — after about 20–25 minutes you reach the Eschachalm car park, the trailhead. In summer a hiking bus also runs from Schladming (Planet Planai) to Eschachalm; with the Schladming-Dachstein Card the ride is free, and you avoid parking hassles on busy weekends. In high summer the bus is usually the more relaxed option as the car park fills up quickly on fair-weather days.
- Mountain lake at 1,648 m in the heart of the Schladminger Tauern
- Approx. 400 metres of ascent from the Eschachalm
- The Duisitzkarseehütte opens around mid-May/early June
- Circular trail around the lake
Tip: In March and April there's usually still snow up here — plan the tour for mid to late May at the earliest, and check beforehand whether the Duisitzkarseehütte has opened. Start early and you'll have the lake almost to yourself.
Getting there: Approx. 20–25 min by car into the Untertal to the Eschachalm car park, then on foot from there.
Price: Hike free of charge; Eschachalm public car park €7/day (€5 with the Schladming-Dachstein Card) — As of: July 2026
Last updated: July 23, 2026
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route.
9,9 kmas the crow flies from winter.gartenTour on bergfex ↗Google Maps ↗
frequently asked questions.
Do I have to pay to hike to Duisitzkarsee?
No, the hike is free. The Eschachalm public car park costs €7 per day, or €5 with the Schladming-Dachstein Card (as of July 2026).
