Schiederweiher, Salzkammergut Lakes Travel Guide

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Discover the idyllic Schiederweiher in Hinterstoder: crystal-clear waters, stunning mountain views, and tranquil hiking trails await!

Schiederweiher is an artificial lake in Hinterstoder, Upper Austria, celebrated as the "most beautiful place in Austria" in 2018. Nestled at the foot of the Großer Priel mountain, its crystal-clear waters reflect the stunning peaks of the Totes Gebirge range, creating a picturesque scene perfect for nature lovers and photographers.

A brief summary to Schiederweiher

Hinterstoder, AT

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Schiederweiher.

Arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure parking at the Schiederweiher car park.
Bring change for the parking fee, as the machine may not give change.
Take a headlamp if you plan to photograph the sunset or sunrise.
Enjoy a longer hike by taking the Polsterlücken-Runde, a 2-hour trail around the lake.

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Explore Schiederweiher on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Schiederweiher, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the Schiederweiher car park, the lake is a short, easy walk of about 15-20 minutes. Follow the well-signposted path towards the lake. The trail crosses the Steyr River via a bridge and continues along a gravel road. The path is mostly flat and suitable for families with pushchairs. Be aware that the path can be crowded, especially during peak season.
Public Transport

From Hinterstoder, take the valley bus line 432 towards Polsterlucke. Get off at the Schiederweiher bus stop. The bus connects the village center with the hiking areas. Alternatively, from Hinterstoder Bahnhof (train station), take bus line 431 to Hinterstoder Hössbahn Talstation. From there, transfer to bus line 432 or walk to the Schiederweiher car park. Bus fare is approximately €4-€7.
Driving

Drive into the valley through the village of Hinterstoder. The Schiederweiher car park is located on the right-hand side, clearly signposted. Parking fees are applicable: Up to 6 hours costs €6.00, and up to 24 hours costs €9.00. A 7-day parking ticket is available for €18.00, and an annual ticket costs €35.00. Note that on weekends and during peak season, when the Schiederweiher car park is full, visitors will be diverted to free parking spaces at the entrance to the village. From there, you can take the valley bus or hike to the lake.

Discover more about Schiederweiher

The Schiederweiher, or Schieder Pond, is a stunning artificial lake created between 1897 and 1902 by Johann Schieder by impounding the Krumme Steyr river. Situated at 612 meters above sea level, it lies in the Polsterlucke area of the Stodertal valley. The lake is approximately 2 hectares in size, with a depth of 1 to 1.5 meters.Visitors can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, walk along the shoreline, and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Numerous benches are available for relaxation, and information boards provide insights into the local flora and fauna. The nearby Polsterstüberl inn offers refreshments and hearty snacks in a cozy setting.The lake is fed by a ditch from the Krumme Steyr and by wells on the lakebed, with drainage regulated by a wooden weir. In the early 2000s, the lake underwent remediation to address algae formation, with calcium-rich marl added to the bottom to support diverse aquatic plant life. Today, the lake is home to various fish species, including river trout and arctic char.The Schiederweiher is easily accessible and offers several hiking opportunities. The "Polsterlücken-Runde" is a popular 2-hour hike that leads along the lake and through the surrounding meadows to the Polsterstüberl. The purple trail of the Via Alpina also passes by the lake.