Pure refreshment courtesy of Mother Nature: water experiences in the valley of a thousand springs and lakes

Water shapes the landscape of Schladming-Dachstein in very distinctive ways. Mountain lakes, springs, and waterfalls accompany you on hikes through the alpine countryside, offering countless moments of pure refreshment - whether you pause along the trail or take a deep breath at a quiet spot next to the water.

1,000 springs, 300 mountain lakes, 100 waterfalls

With more than 1,000 springs, 300 mountain lakes, and 100 waterfalls, Schladming-Dachstein boasts water in more abundance than practically anywhere else in the Alps. That’s why it’s aptly known as “the valley of a thousand springs and lakes.” Here, water shapes the landscape at every turn - from high-alpine terrain and untouched habitats to moorlands, naturally cool spots, marble gorges, and mineral-rich springs - all coming together to create a truly distinctive experience..

Hiking alongside water in countless forms

Flowing from springs, bubbling along streams, surging through gorges, thundering over waterfalls, lying placid in mountain lakes, or frozen in the glacier - water takes on many forms as you hike through the Schladming-Dachstein region..

Along themed trails such as Wild Waters in Rohrmoos, or on multi-day routes like the Schladminger Tauern High Trail, new perspectives on the region’s diverse water landscapes are revealed to you at every turn. Emerald-green mountain lakes, babbling streams, and dramatic waterfalls ensure that every hike is varied, vibrant, and utterly engaging.

Alpine tarns shape the landscape of Schladming-Dachstein in distinctive ways. The Giglach Lakes, Mirror Lake, and the Steirischer Bodensee reflect the variety of lakes found across the region and invite you to pause, let your eyes roam across the mountains, or take a well-earned refreshment break by the water. Whether for a quiet moment along the trail or as the destination of an all-day trip, water is a natural part of summertime in Schladming-Dachstein.

20 Years of the Wild Waters Theme Path

This year marks a special anniversary for the Wild Waters trail in Rohrmoos: for 20 years, it has drawn visitors by offering a striking water-focused hiking experience through the Untertal and Obertal valleys. What began as the idea for an alpine trail through the Höll Gorge has grown into a multi-award-winning flagship project - even declared the “First Official National Geographic Hiking Trail” in 2009. Following historic alpine pathways, the route leads past the thundering Riesach Waterfall, through the spectacular Höll Gorge, and to quiet, energizing oases by the water. The 20-year anniversary highlights impressively how trail development, nature conservation, and high-quality tourism have gone hand in hand in Schladming-Dachstein for two decades.

More info: www.schladming-dachstein.at/water-hikes