Hike from the Tauplitzalm to the Ödernalm and Bad Mitterndorf

This particularly scenic hike in Ausseerland is an experience for anyone looking for tranquillity, natural diversity and alpine beauty. The tour leads along three picturesque mountain lakes, over the Öderntörl with its stunning views and through the idyllic valley of the Salzabach stream down to Bad Mitterndorf.

From the mountain station of the 4-seater chairlift on the Tauplitzalm, the trail heads east, past the small mountain church with its colorful stained glass windows. It's worth taking a detour inside before heading slightly downhill to the Tauplitzsee lake. In early summer, the surrounding meadows are transformed into a colorful sea of flowers with alpine rush, gentian, hellebores and carnations.

The trail continues in a westerly direction to the Großsee, where people like to take a break - not least to watch the ducks. Shortly afterwards, you reach the Märchensee, an emerald-green gem in the middle of the alpine pasture. Just behind it, the route reaches Öderntörl, a broad rocky saddle between Schneiderkogel and Traweng.

From here, the marked trail no. 272 leads through a quiet, pristine valley. The narrow path requires surefootedness, but opens up unique impressions of alpine originality. Soon after, the rustic huts of the Ödernalm at 1,210 m above sea level appear.

The descent is via a forest path along the gently babbling Salzabach stream. The calm flow accompanies the route for around four kilometers to the so-called Rechenplatz, where it branches off onto another forest road. From here, the tour follows the markings to the center of Bad Mitterndorf.

You can easily return to the Tauplitzalm by bus or train.

• Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB)
• www.busbahnbim.at

From Tauplitz train station to the valley station of the 4-seater chairlift is about a 20-minute walk.The bus stop is located directly at the valley station.