This varied hike in
Ausseerland combines exercise with the enjoyment of nature. With several ascents and descents and a destination that is one of the scenic highlights of the region: Lake Ödensee, the heart of Pichl-Kainisch. An informative circular trail with adventure boards and viewing platforms makes the lake a popular excursion destination for hikers, families and nature lovers.
From the station forecourt in Bad Aussee, the route follows the signs to Ödensee, initially in the direction of the town center. At the soccer stadium, the path branches off to the right into Sießreithstraße. After about one kilometer, you cross the Ödenseetraun on a bridge. The path then continues to the left for about 700 meters until the next bridge, which crosses the Kainisch Traun.
Immediately after the bridge, at the Stahelschützen Bad Aussee-Unterkainisch rifle clubhouse, the signposted hiking trail branches off to the left. The well-marked gravel path leads upstream along the Kainisch Traun, under a railroad bridge and past the waste disposal center.
The trail continues southwards below Brandgraben, Lahngraben and Rabenwand, above the Wasenbrücke bridge. After around 1.5 kilometers, the route meets a forest road, which is followed uphill to the right. Shortly afterwards, it continues flat to the access road to Ödensee. The lake is reached after another 750 meters.
The spring-fed lake is idyllically nestled in the surrounding nature and is perfect for a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear water in summer. If you still have time and energy, you can complete the two-kilometre
nature trail around the lake.
You can return to Bad Aussee
by cab or train (Kainisch stop).