Highlight • Lake
Wildensee
Hiking
4.8
(69)
Mountaineering
5.0
(14)
Wildensee is a pristine mountain lake nestled high in the Totes Gebirge (Dead Mountains) of Styria, Austria, within the picturesque Salzkammergut resort region. Situated at an elevation of approximately 1,535 meters above sea level, this natural monument offers a truly wild and serene alpine experience. Known for its exceptional water quality and designation as a natural monument, Wildensee is a significant landmark for hikers exploring the rugged beauty near Altaussee.
Visitors consistently praise the tranquil atmosphere and untouched natural beauty of Wildensee. Many find it an ideal spot for a peaceful break, recommending it as a perfect place to unpack provisions and simply soak in the surroundings. The lake is particularly enchanting in autumn, when the surrounding trees burst into vibrant colors, and equally captivating in summer and spring, thanks to the abundance of beautiful alpine flowers blooming along its banks. The refreshing, cool waters are also a highlight for those seeking a dip after a strenuous hike.
Before embarking on a Wildensee wanderung, hikers should be prepared for an intermediate mountain environment. The terrain around the lake features sandy areas on its southeast side, contrasting with predominantly rocky and steep banks elsewhere. Given its high-alpine location in the Totes Gebirge, appropriate footwear and clothing are essential for comfort and safety. While the lake offers a wonderful cooling-off opportunity, especially after climbs like the Rinnerkogel, remember to bring all necessary provisions as amenities are limited in this wild setting.
The best time to visit Wildensee depends on your preferences. Spring and summer showcase a spectacular display of alpine flowers, while autumn transforms the landscape with breathtaking foliage, making it a prime season for photography and scenic walks. Hiking is the primary activity here, with many enjoying the challenge of the Wildensee lake trails. Wild swimming in the crystal-clear, drinking-quality water is also a popular way to refresh after exploring the area.
The unique hydrology of Wildensee adds to its mystique; its outflow forms a small waterfall before disappearing into a doline on the Styrian side, only to resurface about 500 meters further down at the Jägerbründl. This fascinating natural phenomenon, combined with the lake's diverse aquatic life, including Arctic chars and minnows, makes for a truly immersive experience. The surrounding area is rich with flora, from fine stonewort to hair-leaved water crowfoot in shallower areas, adding to the ecological interest.
For those looking to explore the best hikes Wildensee lake area has to offer, a variety of routes are available, catering to different fitness levels. Whether you're seeking a challenging ascent or a more leisurely Wildensee lake family friendly walk, the region provides ample opportunities to connect with nature. You can discover numerous Wildensee lake trails and routes, plan your adventure, and find detailed information on komoot to make the most of your visit to this stunning Austrian gem.
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Naturschutzgebiet - Westteil des Toten Gebirges
Tips
June 29, 2020
Hiking
•
June 20, 2022
Hiking
Great cooling off after climbing the Rinnerkogel with a swim in the cool lake.
•
June 3, 2018
Mountaineering
•
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Wildensee
4.8
(74)
657
hikers
13.3km
06:21
950m
950m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.4
(14)
95
hikers
15.7km
07:35
1,170m
1,170m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
5
hikers
7.24km
03:42
520m
520m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
Details
Informations
Elevation 1,600 m
Weather
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Friday 8 May
12°C
4°C
51 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 8.0 km/h
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical hiking difficulty and terrain around Wildensee?
The terrain around Wildensee is generally considered an intermediate mountain environment. Hikers should expect varied conditions, including sandy areas on the southeast side of the lake, but predominantly rocky and steep banks elsewhere. Given its high-alpine location in the Totes Gebirge, appropriate footwear and clothing are essential for comfort and safety. Routes to the lake often involve significant elevation gain, making them suitable for those with a good level of fitness.
Are there any specific viewpoints or unique natural features to look out for at Wildensee?
Absolutely. Beyond the stunning lake itself, a notable natural feature is the lake's unique hydrology: its outflow forms a small waterfall before disappearing into a doline on the Styrian side. This water then resurfaces about 500 meters further down at the Jägerbründl. The surrounding area also boasts diverse flora, including fine stonewort and hair-leaved water crowfoot in shallower areas, and a spectacular display of alpine flowers in spring and summer.
Is Wildensee suitable for a winter hike, or what are the seasonal considerations outside of peak times?
While the intro highlights the beauty of Wildensee in autumn, summer, and spring, winter hiking presents a different challenge. The lake is situated at 1,535 meters above sea level in the Totes Gebirge, meaning heavy snow and icy conditions are common. Winter visits would require specialized gear, experience with alpine winter conditions, and careful planning. It's generally recommended for experienced winter hikers, as many trails may be impassable or require snowshoes/skis.
What are the parking options and public transport accessibility for Wildensee?
Wildensee is located in a remote high-alpine area, and direct public transport access is very limited. Most visitors arrive by car, typically parking at trailheads in nearby towns like Altaussee. From there, the journey to the lake is exclusively on foot. Due to the popularity of the region, especially during peak seasons, parking areas at common starting points can fill up quickly. Arriving early in the day is often recommended.
Are there any family-friendly hiking options or activities around Wildensee?
While the overall environment is intermediate, there are routes that can be considered more family-friendly, depending on the age and experience of the children. These typically involve less strenuous ascents or shorter distances. The lake itself offers a wonderful spot for a break, where families can unpack provisions and enjoy the serene surroundings. However, parents should be prepared for mountain trails and ensure children have appropriate footwear and stamina for the chosen route.
Is Wildensee a dog-friendly destination for hikers?
Generally, the trails around Wildensee are dog-friendly, allowing hikers to bring their canine companions. However, given the high-alpine environment and the presence of wildlife, dogs should be kept on a leash, especially in sensitive areas or near grazing animals. Owners are also responsible for cleaning up after their pets and ensuring they are well-behaved and capable of handling the mountain terrain.
What kind of aquatic life can be found in Wildensee?
Wildensee is home to a fascinating array of aquatic life, indicative of its pristine water quality. The lake is known to host Arctic chars (Salvelinus umbla), including both slender 'hunger forms' and more robust predatory forms. Minnows (Phoxinus phoxinus) are also present. In shallower areas, you can observe various aquatic plants such as fine stonewort (Chara virgata) and hair-leaved water crowfoot (Ranunculus trichophyllus).
Are there any cafes, pubs, or accommodation options directly near Wildensee?
Wildensee is situated in a truly wild and untouched high-alpine setting. There are no cafes, pubs, or direct accommodation options immediately at the lake. Visitors should bring all necessary provisions, including food and drinks. The nearest amenities and accommodation would be found in surrounding towns like Altaussee, which serve as common starting points for hikes to the lake.
How long does it typically take to hike to Wildensee?
The duration of a hike to Wildensee varies significantly depending on the starting point, the specific route chosen, and the hiker's fitness level. As a general guide, hikes from common trailheads in the Altaussee region can range from 3 to 6 hours or more for a round trip, often involving considerable elevation gain. It's advisable to consult detailed route descriptions and plan accordingly, allowing ample time for breaks and enjoying the scenery.
What makes Wildensee's water quality so exceptional, and is wild swimming permitted?
Wildensee is renowned for its exceptional water quality, often described as having drinking water quality. This purity is due to its high-alpine location, minimal human impact, and natural filtration through the surrounding karst rock. Wild swimming is indeed a popular activity, especially after a strenuous hike, offering a refreshing dip in the cool, clear waters. However, visitors should be mindful of the cold temperatures, even in summer, and respect the natural environment.