Hiking · Nature
Spiegelsee Hike on the Reiteralm
3–4 hours · easy · from 2 people, also with experienced children · from 18 €5,7 km
There are moments in the mountains you never forget — and the Spiegelsee on the Reiteralm gives you exactly one of those. When the wind is still and the morning sun climbs over the peaks, the mighty Dachstein south face is mirrored perfectly in the small mountain lake at around 1,860 metres. No wonder this postcard scene became famous across Austria through the ORF programme "9 Plätze — 9 Schätze". The best part: you don't need to be a peak-bagger. The Preunegg Jet gondola carries you comfortably uphill, and after around 45 minutes of easy walking you're standing on the shore of this magical spot yourself — just 15 minutes by car from your holiday base in Schladming.
What awaits you
From the top station of the Preunegg Jet, follow the signposted hiking trail no. 66 past the idyllic Reiteralmsee — after about 45 minutes of leisurely walking you'll reach the Spiegelsee at around 1,860 metres. When the wind is still, the iconic scene reveals itself: the Dachstein south face mirrored crystal-clear in the water. The trail is family-friendly, and rustic alpine huts along the way invite you to stop for refreshments. If you'd like more, add on the loop via the Obersee and turn it into a lovely half-day tour. Important: swimming is not allowed in the Spiegelsee — the small, shallow mountain lake sits in a sensitive ecosystem that needs protecting.
Prices & operating times
The 2026 summer season runs from 22 May to 1 November. The Preunegg Jet operates daily from 8:45 am to 5:00 pm, and even until 5:30 pm on weekends in July and August. The return trip costs €29 for adults and €17 for children (as of July 2026). With the Schladming-Dachstein Sommercard, which many hosts include, one return trip per day is free. Alternatively, the Reiteralm toll road (€18 per car, free with the Sommercard) takes you to the car parks at the Eiskarhütte, from where you can also set off on your hike. You'll find current details at reiteralm.at.
Getting there from Schladming
From Schladming you'll reach the Preunegg Jet valley station in Pichl/Gleiming (Preunegg 70) in about 15 minutes by car — simply follow the B320 westwards and turn off in Pichl. Parking is available right at the valley station. Alternatively, you're also well connected by bus. If you'd rather drive up yourself, take the Reiteralm toll road to the hikers' car park at the Eiskarhütte and start from there. Our tip for relaxed days: gondola up, hike, stop at a hut, and float comfortably back down — that way you'll have plenty of energy left for the rest of your holiday day.
Insider tips for the perfect reflection
The famous reflection appears most reliably in the early morning: that's when the air is usually still and the lake lies as smooth as a mirror. Take the first gondola at 8:45 am — on summer weekends there's even the Early HIKE&BIKE offer from 8:00 am — and you'll have the photo scene almost to yourself. Autumn is especially enchanting, when the golden larches are mirrored in the water too and the long-distance views are at their clearest. Allow three to four hours in total, and happily more with the Obersee loop and a hut stop.
- Iconic Dachstein reflection in the lake
- Only approx. 45 min walk from the top station
- Preunegg Jet gondola running until the end of October
- Refreshment stops at rustic alpine huts
Tip: Take the first gondola up at 8 am — in the early morning the lake is usually mirror-smooth and you'll have the photo scene almost to yourself. If you fancy more, add on the loop via the Obersee.
Getting there: Approx. 15 min by car to Pichl/Gleiming to the Preunegg Jet valley station (Preunegg 70), also reachable by bus.
Price: Preunegg Jet gondola return trip €29 per adult, children €17; alternatively toll road €18 per car. Free with the Schladming-Dachstein Sommercard. The hike itself is free of charge. As of July 2026
Last updated: August 21, 2026
AI notice: This article and its featured image were created with the help of artificial intelligence and reviewed editorially. For binding details (prices, opening hours), please refer to the respective provider.
route.
5,7 kmas the crow flies from winter.gartenTour on bergfex ↗Google Maps ↗
frequently asked questions.
How long does the hike to the Spiegelsee take?
From the top station of the Preunegg Jet, you'll reach the Spiegelsee via hiking trail no. 66 in around 45 minutes. With photo stops, the Obersee loop and a hut stop, allow 3–4 hours in total.
How much does the trip up to the Spiegelsee cost?
The return trip with the Preunegg Jet costs €29 for adults and €17 for children (as of July 2026). With the Schladming-Dachstein Sommercard, the ride is free. Alternatively, the toll road costs €18 per car.
Is the hike suitable for children?
Yes, the trail from the top station to the Spiegelsee is family-friendly and can be walked in around 45 minutes. For very small children, a child carrier is recommended, as the path is rooty in places.
When is the Dachstein best reflected in the lake?
In the early morning when the wind is still and the weather is clear — that's when the lake is usually mirror-smooth. It's best to take the first gondola at 8:45 am; on summer weekends it runs from as early as 8:00 am as part of Early HIKE&BIKE.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, dogs are welcome on the Reiteralm. For the gondola ride you'll need a dog ticket (€8 for the return trip, as of July 2026). Please keep your dog on a lead.
Can you swim in the Spiegelsee?
No, swimming is not allowed in the Spiegelsee. The small, shallow mountain lake sits in a delicate ecosystem and is under special protection.
