Tauplitzalm is a high plateau in the Totes Gebirge (Dead Mountains) in the Salzkammergut region of Austria. Situated between 1,600 and 2,000 meters, this is Central Europe’s largest lake plateau, distinguished by its six mountain lakes.
The hiking season atop Tauplitzalm stretches from June to October, with autumn being particularly captivating due to its many golden larches. Most hikers visiting Tauplitzalm for the first time set their eyes on the 6-Seen-Wanderung, which as the name suggests connects all six lakes of the plateau.
Kati and I hiked a shorter variation of the 6 Lakes Trail, which I have summarized below.
To start the hike, drive up the 10-kilometer Tauplitzalm Alpenstraße—a toll road linking Bad Mitterndorf with the sprawling mountain pasture. From the designated car park, hike to Lake Steirersee, Lake Schwarzensee, and Leistalm (only if open), before looping back.
- Tauplitzalm Alpine Road Toll Station: Bad Mitterndorf | Google Maps
- Trailhead: Parkplatz Tauplitzalm | Google Maps
- Distance: 13 km circuit
- Time Needed: 4:15 hours
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 401 meters
- Difficulty: Easy
- Minimum Elevation: 1445 meters
- Maximum Elevation: 1662 meters
- When to Hike: June – October
- Weather Forecast and Webcam: Bergfex Weather Tauplitzalm
- Where to Stay on Tauplitzalm: Schermer Hütte (chalets), or Hotel Alpenrose (3-star hotel)
- Where to Stay in Pürgg: Krenn
- Where to Stay in Bad Aussee: Podenhaus (charming guesthouse), Spa Hotel Erzherzog Johann (town center hotel), or Die Wasnerin (adults-only half board hotel – best hotel in the area)
- Recommended Itinerary: Salzkammergut Itinerary
Tauplitzalm Hiking Map
Tauplitzalm – Lake Steirersee – Lake Schwarzensee Trail Description
From the Tauplitzalm car park, follow the paved road to the junction, marked with two large info boards and stacked yellow trail signs. Turn right in the direction of “Waldweg zur 4er Sesselbahn.”
The trail crosses a meadow, encircled by stands of larch and a few private cabins. After walking beneath a lift line, join the wide gravel road.
Soon, turn right on the paved road, called Tauplitzalm Plateauweg. Lake Tauplitzalm is on your left side. The way progresses smoothly across the hut-studded plateau, bordered by the Totes Gebirge mountains to the north.
Continue on the same trajectory in the direction of Steirersee (trails 218/295).
When a path branches off to the left, leaving the road, follow it to the Lake Steirersee viewpoint. This beloved autumn photo spot overlooks a cluster of huts, standing in the foreground of the larch-encircled lake.
The trail twists down to the huts, among which are Almrauschhütte and Trawenghütte. Turn left, and follow the balcony path across the lake’s northern flank.
At the junction, where the Lake Steirersee trails merge, continue east to Lake Schwarzensee.
From Lake Schwarzensee, the trail continues 20 minutes to Leistalm, open in summer during good weather (cash only).
Return to Lake Schwarzensse and then at the junction take the left trail down to Lake Steirersee.
The trail hugs the southern shore and then rises to the western bank. The path steers you directly to Almrauschhütte and Trawenghütte. It’s an idyllic scene that looks like a painting.
Retrace your steps along the Tauplitzalm Plateauweg road. At the junction, bear right, passing Grazerhütte, Lake Tauplitzsee, and Hotel Alpenrose.
Views open up to Lake Großsee on your right and Mount Grimming on your left. Continue hiking west and loop back to the car park.
More Austria and Salzkammergut Travel Guides
Places to Visit in and around Salzkammergut
Day Hikes:
- Best Day Hikes in Austria
- Best Hikes in Salzburg
- Best Treks in Austria
- Austrian Alps Hiking Destinations
Seasonal Guides:
Travel Itineraries:
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