Tressenstein 1201m: Above Altausseer see and Grundlsee
Hike to Tressenstein (1201m) for panoramic views of Altausseer See, Loser, and Grundlsee. A peaceful trail near Temel Camping perfect for nature lovers.
Where is Tressenstein?
Tressensteinwarte Nähe Tressensattel, 8990 Bad Aussee
Telefon +43 3622 523 – 23
E-Mail info.badaussee@ausseerland.at
Web www.badaussee.at
Between Altausseer See and Grundlsee
Tressenstein sits perfectly between two stunning lakes — Altausseer See and Grundlsee — in the heart of Austria’s Salzkammergut. The viewpoint is perched at 1201 meters, offering sweeping views of both lakes and the surrounding mountains. From the top, you can easily spot the sparkling water of Altausseer See to the northwest and the quieter, more hidden Grundlsee to the southeast. It’s the perfect midpoint if you want to experience the best of both worlds.
Reaching Tressenstein is surprisingly easy. If you’re staying in Bad Aussee, the drive to the trailhead takes just around 10 minutes. But if you’re camping at Temel Camping, you’re in for a treat — the trail begins just above the campsite! That means you can literally wake up, grab your boots, and hike straight to one of the best panoramic points in the region without ever needing a car.
Hiking to the Tressenstein Viewpoint (1201m)
Trail Options and Difficulty
The hike to Tressenstein is short but steep — only 1.3 kilometers one way, with an elevation gain of 236 meters. While it’s not a long route, the incline makes it a moderate workout. The forest trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, making it suitable for families and casual hikers with a reasonable fitness level.
At the summit, you’re rewarded with not one but two fantastic viewpoints:
- A wooden lookout tower, perfect for panoramic photos of Altaussee, Loser, and the Dachstein range.
- A viewing platform facing Bad Aussee, giving you a bird’s-eye perspective of the town nestled in the valley below.
It’s the kind of trail that delivers maximum views with minimal time investment.
Starting Point and Parking Tips
The most convenient place to start your hike is from the parking lots near Gasthof Trisselwand, just above Altausseer see. These small car parks are paid, but really cheap. They can fill up quickly on sunny weekends, so arriving early is a good idea.
From the parking area, the trailhead is clearly marked, and you’ll be heading uphill through beautiful forest within minutes. If you’re staying at Temel Camping, you can even walk up to the trailhead directly without moving your car.]
Tressenstein reviews
Amazing lookout tower, accessible from a paid parking lot after about 250 vertical meters along a rocky, rugged path. We managed it with the kids in 40 minutes and the reward was absolutely perfect. From the lookout tower you can really see 360 degrees all around!!! You have everything in the palm of your hand and you just have to enjoy it! Moreover, there weren’t many people here.
Short steep hike, but worth to come here. The views all around are just amazing. Altaussee, Grundlsee and mountains everywhere🗻🏞️🏔️🌄👍👌
One of the most beautiful lookout towers I’ve visited and there are many 🙂 Why? From this lookout tower you can see beautiful 360° panoramas. “You can see beauty all around” 🙂 From the parking lot you walk 1km uphill along a forest path. I think the parking lot was paid until 6pm. According to the signs it takes 1 hour, we did it in about 25 minutes by brisk walking. The lookout tower is free, it is freely accessible.
What Can You See from the Top?
Views of Lake Altaussee and Grundlsee from Tressenstein
From the top of Tressenstein (1201m), you’ll have a front-row seat to two of the Salzkammergut’s most beautiful lakes — Altausseer See to the northwest and Grundlsee to the southeast. On a clear day, the water sparkles beneath the surrounding alpine peaks, and you can trace the shape of both lakes nestled in their valleys. It’s a picture-perfect reward for a short uphill hike.
Stunning Loser Mountain Panorama
The Loser mountain rises impressively just across the valley, with its distinct peak and the scenic Loser Panoramastraße curling up the slopes. Whether you’ve hiked Loser before or not, seeing it from Tressenstein provides a new angle — one that highlights its sheer cliffs and dramatic shape. During sunset, the light often paints Loser in golden and pink tones.
Nearby Peaks and Valleys
Beyond Loser, you’ll also spot major peaks of the Totes Gebirge (Dead Mountains), along with the more distant Dachstein glacier, especially from the top of the wooden lookout tower. The Ausseerland valley lies below you, with Bad Aussee, Altaussee, and Grundlsee all visible from different angles. If you enjoy landscape photography, this spot is a dream.
Tressenstein Webcam
Want to check the view before you hike? There’s a Tressenstein summit webcam installed near the viewing platform. It gives you a live feed of the weather and visibility from the top. It’s a great tool for planning your visit — especially if you want to catch sunrise or sunset from the summit.
Tressensteinwarte in Winter
In winter, Tressensteinwarte transforms into a magical lookout. The snow-covered trees, crisp mountain air, and soft silence of the season make the hike feel like a walk through a fairy tale. The trail is still accessible, but hikers should come prepared with proper winter boots and possibly spikes if conditions are icy.
Reaching the wooden lookout tower at 1201 meters feels even more rewarding when the landscape is blanketed in snow. From the top, you’ll see snow-draped peaks, frozen lakes, and the jagged silhouette of Loser cutting through the winter sky. It’s one of the best spots for winter photography in the Ausseerland region.
If you’re lucky and visit just after fresh snowfall with clear skies, the contrast between the white trees and the deep blue sky — like in the photo below — is truly breathtaking.
Combine Tressenstein with Other Adventures
Visit Grundlsee After Your Hike to Tressenstein
Once you’ve taken in the views from Tressenstein, head down and take a short drive to Grundlsee, often called the “Styrian Sea.” It’s a peaceful spot for a post-hike swim, paddle, or scenic boat ride. The lakeside promenade is perfect for an easy stroll, and there are a few traditional Gasthäuser where you can grab a meal with lake views. The crystal-clear water and serene setting make it a refreshing way to wind down.
Relax by the Lake at Altaussee
If you’re staying closer to Altaussee, the lake there is just as beautiful — and even more dramatic with the Loser mountain towering above. After hiking Tressenstein, treat yourself to a lakeside coffee, visit the small village center, or simply sit by the shore and watch the reflections on the water. It’s a great contrast to the forested hike — and a reminder of why this region is so special.
Stay Overnight at Temel Camping
For those who want to fully immerse themselves in nature, Temel Camping is a fantastic base. Located right below the Tressenstein trailhead, it’s a quiet and scenic campground surrounded by forest and mountain views. You can pitch a tent or park a campervan, and in the morning, you’re only a short walk from one of the best viewpoints in the area. It’s the perfect setup for a relaxed weekend of hiking and lake adventures.
Final Thoughts
Why Tressenstein is a Local Favorite
Tressenstein isn’t the highest peak in the Salzkammergut, nor the most famous — but that’s exactly what makes it special. Locals love it because it’s easy to reach, quiet, and deeply scenic. Whether you’re starting your morning with a quick hike, showing visitors your favorite lookout, or catching the golden light at sunset, this spot never disappoints. It’s the kind of hidden gem that feels like it was made just for you — and once you’ve been there, you’ll want to return in every season.
A Peaceful Retreat with Unforgettable Views
With a short, rewarding trail, a panoramic lookout at 1201 meters, and views of Altausseer See, Loser, Grundlsee, and the Ausseerland valley, Tressenstein delivers big scenery with little effort. Whether you’re visiting in summer, fall, or wrapped in winter snow, this is a place where you can slow down, breathe fresh alpine air, and soak in some of the most beautiful views Austria has to offer.
So lace up your boots, charge your camera, and let the trail above Temel Camping lead you to one of the most peaceful summits in the Salzkammergut.