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From 2026, our blog posts will be exclusively vegan! This means: we emphasise vegan-friendly places and refreshment stops to actively support vegan activities and vegan leisure tips. I've extended my radius for excursions a little for once. For the circular route around the Gleinkersee lake, I was drawn to Spital am Phyrn, more precisely to Roßleithen.
I had been planning a trip around the Gleinkersee for a long time. Just as we like to pass on tips like this, I was caught out too. I happened to see this excursion tip in one of the countless groups on social media. As a hobby photographer, I was immediately captivated by the fantastic photos I found. So the decision was made to head to Gleinkersee.
Directions and parking facilities
First of all, I wanted to put together a route for you using public transport. Unfortunately, I haven't really found a sensible route. In short, the first route would be by train to Linz. Now it takes two hours and a change of trains to Roßleithen at the railway station. Unfortunately, it doesn't really go any further from here. You would still be about 6 kilometres away from the circular hiking trail around Gleinkersee and no public transport would take you anywhere near there. If anyone does find a great connection, please let us know and we will add it.
By car
The easier and faster way for me personally. By car, take the motorway in the direction of Linz/Vienna. Follow the motorway to exit 195 - Sattledt and join the A9 towards Slovenia/ Graz/ Kirchdorf. From here the route continues for about 37 kilometres. Stay on the A9 until the Windischgarsten exit. Now turn left and continue on the B138 for 2 kilometres before turning right onto Gleinkerseestraße. Stay on Gleinkerstraße for around 4.5 kilometres, which takes you directly to the Gleinkersee car park. Now you are only a 5-minute walk away from starting your walk directly along the lake.
Parking facilities
As already mentioned, the destination is right next to a car park. You really can't miss it, as it is the only starting point for the circular route around the Gleinkersee. There is parking space for around eighty cars here.
What awaits you on the circular trail around Lake Gleinkersee
Summer
Camping at Gleinkersee, an ideal spot. What could be nicer than waking up in such a beautiful place and starting the day? Of course, swimming and cooling off in the Gleinkersee is also permitted. There is also a sunbathing lawn for visitors and a nice playground for the kids - the sunbathing lawn is only open in good weather from 09:00 - 20:00.
Prices for camping (as of February 24)
The camping season starts on 1 May 2024 and ranges from €7 per night for a small tent for two people to €16 per night for a motorhome - €14 per person, €9 for children aged 6-14 and €4 per dog.
For those who want something a little more luxurious, there is also the option of a wooden tent for two people including electricity for €70 per night.
All very acceptable prices for me. I'm happy to pay that for a short holiday including the circular route around the Gleinkersee. Here you can find a detailed Price list and the campsite rules.
Refreshment stop on the circular trail around the Gleinkersee lake
From May the Organic - Gasthaus Seebauer at the Gleinkersee opens its doors again. Homemade and organic - quality is a top priority here. Meat from organic farms in the region, as well as the rest of the food - for example bread and pastries - are sourced from the Organic bakery Brotsüchtig from Steyregg.
Restaurant opening hours
May/June/September: Wednesday to Sunday from 9:00 - 18:00 (closed on Mon and Tue)
July/ August: Monday - Sunday daily from 09:00 - 18:00 (no day off)
End of season 30 September 2024 (as of February 24)
Directions and details of the circular route around Lake Gleinkersee
Start from the Gleinkersee car park. A 5-minute walk along a tarmac road takes you directly to the lake. Now you can decide whether you want to start your circular route around the Gleinkersee in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction. For me, it's always anti-clockwise on a loop. For the next 2.5 kilometres, a beautiful gravel path leads you directly around the lake. For once, there's not much more to say here - except that it's also possible with a pushchair. There is almost no elevation gain and the path should not cause any problems - during my visit there were two pairs of parents with pushchairs.
Key data for the tour
- ✅ highest point 806 m
- ✅ Distance 2.5 kilometres
- ✅ 30 metres in altitude
- ✅ 45 - 60 minutes pure walking time
- ✅ No grazing livestock
- ✅ Refreshments available (Lake builder at Gleinkersee)
- Suitable for children
- Suitable for dogs
- ⚠️ a rather short and cosy round
- ⚠️ Gravel path - possible with a pushchair, but a little bumpy
My summary of the circular trail around Lake Gleinkersee
The circular route around the Gleinkersee lake is a really beautiful circuit. Not too long a tour for a family outing with children and perfect for a new, varied walk with the dog. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to enjoy the refreshment stop at Gasthaus Seebauer this time, but I will definitely make up for it. I always love it when there's the opportunity to stop for a coffee or a small treat after a walk. The only negative point for me on this tour is the size. I drive almost 2 hours (there and back) for a short walk around the lake. If the circular route around Gleinkersee is ever on my route, I will definitely visit it again, as it is really beautiful there.
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1 Comment
I would reconsider the Phyrn. Could also be called Pyhrn
Lg