The high moor region of lake Egelsee

Easy hike with beautiful viewpoints. The Egelsee is a moorland lake with rare moorland plants. Pure nature experience!
The starting point for this hike is the church square in Unterach. From here, you start in the direction of the sweet chestnut forest (here you have the option of following the forest nature trail towards the jubilee tree), continue along the bypass road and turn left after 200 metres at a farm. Continue along the edge of the forest and turn left after the game reserve. Follow this path until you reach the Panoramagasthof Druckerhof.

The route then continues towards the Egelsee nature reserve. The frequent alternation of forests and meadows, numerous viewpoints and the idyllic Egelsee lake make this hike an experience. Once you reach the dark moorland lake, you are rewarded with an attractive landscape and a special view of the western Höllengebirge mountains.

The high moorland lake at 624 metres above sea level is 105 metres long, 65 metres wide and up to 7 metres deep. The Egelsee owes its formation to the last ice age and is surrounded by botanically valuable siltation zones. The presence of six carnivorous plants and twelve orchid species alone reflects the diverse flora. The return journey follows the familiar route.

Refreshment stops:
Panoramagasthof Druckerhof +43 7665 8295
Restaurant Stadler +43 7665 8346

Egelsee and Egelseemoor   - nature reserve since 1965
The Egelsee and the surrounding Egelseemoor are not only a popular recreational area, but also the oldest nature reserve in the Attersee-Attergau region. The Egelsee, a moorland lake around 105 metres long and 65 metres wide, is a relic of the Ice Age. It lies in a so-called dead ice hole, which is surrounded by silting moors and a wide variety of fescue grasslands. The area provides an ideal habitat for numerous but very sensitive plant species. In 1965, around 4.1 hectares were designated as a nature reserve by decree. Find out more about Lake Egelsee, the "Venus Trap" among the nature reserves in the Attersee-Attergau region!

DISCOVER the protected natural jewel of Lake Egelsee in Unterach

PROTECTED PLANTS IN THE EGELSEE AND EGELSEEMOOR
Sensitive & conservation-grade plant species such as sundew, lousewort & more

Both the small moorland lake and its surroundings with a complex of fescue grassland, fens, large sedge swamps and remnants of raised bog (Egelseemoor) are protected. All the sundew species found in Austria can be found at Lake Egelsee, as well as the marsh lousewort or dwarf hedgehog cattail and numerous other species of high conservation value. The presence of six insectivorous plants (e.g. sundew / Drosera) and twelve orchid species alone reflects the phytosociological diversity.
The banks of Lake Egel are quite steep and the lake is up to seven metres deep. A dense forest of various species of bracken algae grows on its bottom. In between, pond horsetails and pond lilies have colonised the shoreline. The water, which becomes increasingly opaque as the depth increases, is home to several species of native fish such as pike, roach and carp. In the shore area, a fescue grass floats on the lake water, which are bog plants saturated with water.

PLEASE STAY OFF THE PATH DESIGNATED FOR VISITORS

Please stay on the path designated for visitors

Many plants around the Egelsee are threatened with extinction and are very sensitive to trespassing. The aim is to protect this unique plant diversity for the next generation. In line with the motto "protect and utilise", the good ecological condition of the biotope complex has been largely preserved by demarcating the sensitive areas and signposting the hiking trail.

Sources & further information:
Land OÖ Egelsee: https://www.land-oberoesterreich.gv.at/69147.htm
Land OÖ Schutzgebiete: https://www.land-oberoesterreich.gv.at/92726.htm
Land OÖ Pflanzen: https://www.land-oberoesterreich.gv.at/files/publications/n_pflanzen.pdf
Atterwiki Egelsee: https://www.atterwiki.at/index.php?title=Egelsee