From the Reiteralm to famous Mirror Lake

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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.

This hiking tip is a leisurely, short mountain hike to a beautiful destination – the "Spiegelsee", meaning Mirror Lake. Its original name is actually Mittlerer Gasslsee, but over the last 30 years, many photo-loving hikers have re-christened it.

In a wonderful setting, whenever winds are calm it serves up the most beautiful reflections imaginable. If you stand on the south shore, you are treated to an amazing reflection of the south face of the Dachstein Massif! The colors are spectacular from mid June on, when the rhododendron come into full bloom (Rhododendron Festival), delightful summer scenery in July and August, while the golden-yellow larches of October bring us magnificent contrasts. We are but a short climb from the Obersee, a small Ice-Age tarn, picturesquely and peacefully nestled in the rearmost cirque at the foot of the Rippetegg and Pichler Schober. Magnificent panoramic views of the Dachstein and Bischofsmütze.

IMPORTANT NOTE: the Spiegelsee is a relatively shallow, small mountain lake in the vicinity of a fragile ecosystem. Please be considerate of nature and other nature lovers and do not go swimming in the lake!

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

Best season

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

The tour in numbers

easy

Level of difficulty

4,0 km

Route

1:25 h

Time

139 hm

Uphill

139 hm

Downhill

1880 m

Highest point

Map & downloads

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More information

Approximately 4 km West of Schladming take exit Pichl from highway B320 Ennstalbundesstraße and continue on Preuneggstraße road towards Reiteralm. Taking a couple of switchbacks you reach the valley terminal of Preunegg-Jet gondola which operates also in summer (operating times at www.reiteralm.at).

You can also continue on Reiteralmstraße road (toll road) to Eiskarhütte, Reiteralmhütte or Gasselhöh'-Hütte huts.

From the mountain terminal (or the car parking at Gasselhöh'-Hütte Inn respectively) follow trail n° 66 around Reiteralmsee Lake and follow the signage and trail n° 66 into the forest towards Spiegelsee Lake. The easy hiking trail runs along the East slopes of the ridge between Rippetegg and Gasselhöhe summits.

After approximately 45 minutes you reach the picturesque "Mirror Lake". A couple of minutes more and you reach the small Obersee Lake between the summits of Rippetegg and Schober.

Alternatives for the way back:

Another possible way back is via the Reiteralm High Trail (via Rippetegg and Gasselhöhe summits) with an additional 2 hours
On the way back you can also make a smaller detour via trail n° 66a and Untersee Lake (an additional 30 minutes).

On the way back make a small detour via trail n° 66a and Untersee Lake.

Ramsauer Verkehrsbetriebe offers a bus connection to the valley terminal of Preunegg-Jet gondola on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.

Buses of Ramsauer Verkehrsbetriebe: www.rvb.at

From there you take the cable car Preunegg-Jet to Reiteralm.

Parking is available at the valley terminal of Preunegg Jet gondola as well as at the huts of Eiskarhütte, Reiteralmhütte or Gasselhöh'-Hütte.

Tourist information: www.schladming.com

Information about bus schedules: www.rvb.at

Information about cable-car hours: www.reiteralm.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.