Hiking · Nature
Steirischer Bodensee – Autumn Hike in the Seewigtal
approx. 1-3 hours (loop trail approx. 45 min., longer with the waterfall) · easy · from 1 person, ideal for families · from 3 €10,7 km
Some places you simply have to see – the Steirischer Bodensee is one of them. Barely half an hour's drive from your room, this crystal-clear mountain lake lies at 1,143 metres in the quiet Seewigtal, framed by forests and the rock faces of the Schladminger Tauern. In autumn the valley shows its most beautiful side: the larches glow golden, the air is clear, and the Hochwildstelle is reflected in the calm water. Whether it's a leisurely loop with the children, a romantic rowing boat outing for two or an ambitious hike towards the waterfall – this is where you'll find your perfect autumn day. And as a reward, fresh trout awaits at the Gasthof right on the lake.
What awaits you
The Steirischer Bodensee is the largest of five mountain lakes in the Seewigtal – together with the Hüttensee, Obersee, Filzsee and Grubersee it forms a true natural stage. From the car park at the lake you set off directly on the almost level loop trail no. 17, which takes you once around the lake in about 45 minutes. The water is so clear you can see all the way to the bottom – swimming, however, is not permitted, so the lake keeps its natural-gem status. If you want more, hike on to the rushing waterfall at the head of the valley or climb up to the Hans-Wödl-Hütte on the Hüttensee.
Rowing boat & Forellenhof
Right on the shore sits the Gasthof Forellenhof – refreshment stop and boat station in one. Here you hire a rowing boat and glide across the mirror-smooth water while the mountain panorama all around is doubled in the lake. Afterwards a stop is well worth it: the trout come freshly caught from the clear mountain water onto your plate – it doesn't get much more regional than that. On sunny autumn days in particular, the terrace is a wonderful place to sit before you continue your loop around the lake.
Getting there from Schladming
By car, drive east on the B320 to Aich and turn off there via Gössenberg onto the 4.5 km asphalted toll road into the Seewigtal (alternative access via Ruperting near Haus). After around 20-25 minutes you'll be at the car park right by the lake. From roughly the end of May until mid-October, the Planaibus (Schladming – Haus – Steirischer Bodensee line) also takes you comfortably into the valley – perfect if you'd rather leave the car behind.
Why autumn is the best time
In September and October the Seewigtal belongs to those who savour it: the summer day-trippers are gone, the larches turn golden, and the clear autumn air makes the distant views of the Hochwildstelle and Höchstein especially impressive. The flat loop around the lake is pleasant even on cooler days – but pack a warm layer, as at 1,143 metres it quickly turns chilly in the shade. Note: towards the end of October the season on the mountain ends, after which the valley is only reachable as a winter walking trail.
- Easy loop trail (no. 17) around the mountain lake at 1,143 m, approx. 45 minutes
- Rowing boat hire at the Gasthof Forellenhof right on the lake
- Fresh trout dishes at the Forellenhof for your refreshment stop
- Option to extend to the waterfall at the head of the valley or to the Hans-Wödl-Hütte
Tip: Start early in autumn: in the morning the Hochwildstelle is often mirrored crystal-clear in the still lake – the best moment for photos and a quiet boat ride.
Getting there: From Schladming approx. 20-25 minutes: on the B320 heading east to Aich, then via Gössenberg along the 4.5 km toll road into the Seewigtal to the car park at the lake (alternative access via Ruperting near Haus). Until mid-October the Planaibus also runs (Schladming – Haus – Steirischer Bodensee line).
Price: Access via the toll road into the Seewigtal (small toll, most recently approx. € 2.80 per adult), the hike itself is free. Rowing boat hire at the Forellenhof for a fee; ask for current rates on site or at the Gasthof. As of July 2026.
Last updated: July 22, 2026
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frequently asked questions.
How long does the hike around the Steirischer Bodensee take?
The easy loop trail no. 17 around the lake takes around 45 minutes over a length of about 3 km with hardly any ascent. With a detour to the waterfall at the head of the valley, you should allow 2-3 hours.
Is the hike suitable for children?
Yes, the loop trail is almost level and manageable even with an all-terrain pushchair. The boat ride on the lake is a highlight for children.
How much does the outing cost?
Access via the toll road costs a small toll (most recently approx. € 2.80 per adult, as of July 2026); the hike is free. You hire the rowing boat for a fee at the Forellenhof.
Can you swim in the Steirischer Bodensee?
No, swimming is not permitted in the lake – that way the crystal-clear mountain water stays protected. Instead, you can experience the lake by rowing boat.
Until when is the lake reachable in autumn?
The toll road and the Planaibus generally operate until mid/late October. After that, the Seewigtal is only reachable on foot as a winter walk. Current information at schladming-dachstein.at.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are welcome on the loop trail on a lead. Please be considerate of wildlife and other hikers.
