Hirzkar Lake

The Hirzkarseelein is a small mountain lake on the high plateau of the Dachstein massif in Upper Austria, within the municipality of Obertraun. It sits at 1,814 metres above sea level, surrounded by low moorland and framed by peaks like the Hirzkarkogel to the southwest and Margschierf to the northeast. The lake is one of several small pools that once formed a group of three, though two have since dried up. Nearby lie further remnants of former lakes, now reduced to peat bogs and wet depressions. The lake is worth visiting for its pristine setting and ecological importance. It lies within the Europe-wide protected area of the Dachstein and belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hallstatt–Dachstein/Salzkammergut. Rare plants such as the marsh marigold and the carnivorous sundew grow around its shores. The lake also holds drinking-water quality, making it a rare spot for safe summer bathing at such altitude. Visitors reach the lake by a marked path from the Krippenstein cable-car mountain station near the Gjaidalm. The route passes the ruins of the old Hirzkaralm before arriving at the lake’s edge. From here, paths lead on to the Dachstein viewing point, the Krippenstein ice cave, and the nearby Däumelsee. The still waters reflect the surrounding peaks, offering a quiet retreat in the high Alps.