From the Ursprungalm to the Giglach Lakes

Accessible by public transport

Hiking bus (within 15 minutes walking distance from starting point)

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 8,3 km

Time 3:15 h

Uphill 425 hm

Downhill 425 hm

Highest point 1988 m

Easy, short hike at elevations between 1700 and 1900 m, on a good trail to two very photogenic mountain lakes with splendid views of the Dachstein.

Long, beautifully formed Preuneggtal Valley is accessed via a toll road, with a hiking bus traveling out as far as the Ursprungalm several times a day. This is a small alpine hamlet, enjoying a picturesque setting amid a verdant basin at the foot of the towering Steirische Kalkspitze. Leaving from the Ursprungalm, we hike along a good mountain pathway (way no. 771) and, in about one hour, reach the Giglach Lakes. The valley basin is flanked by imposing alpine peaks, while the two lakes are separated only by a narrow strip of land and are definitely worth hiking around. Two alpine refuge huts offer hospitality straight from the heart, accompanied by beautiful views. They serve as important bases at this alpine trail crossroads in the heart of magnificent mountain scenery.

Best season

January

February

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April

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June

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November

December

More information

From Schladming either via Rohrmoos or Pichl to the Preuneggtal. Starting at Strickbrücke bridge you continue on the toll road to Ursprungalm.

A nice wide trail (n° 771) takes us from Ursprungalm towards the Giglachsee Lakes. The trail ascends fairly steep in the beginning and in the end with flatter sections in between. Reaching Preuneggsattel you grasp the first view into the Giglachkar cirque. We walk along the left side of the Lakes and continue to Ignaz-Mattis-Hütte. Back along the other side of the Lakes we also pass by Giglachseehütte. Again walking past Preuneggsattel we make our way back to Ursprungalm where we started.

Approximately from half-way up to Preuneggsattel you can also hike along a historic Roman trail.

Hiking bus (# 972) from Planet Planai in Schladming via Rohrmoos to Ursprungalm in Preuneggtal valley.

www.planaibus.at

Parking area at Ursprungalm.

Info about buses: www.planai.at

Hiking map Schladming, 1:25.000, available at the tourist office Schladming.
Hiking map Schladming-Dachstein, 1:50.000, available at the tourist office Schladming.