Hike up the Ameisstein and around the Almsee lake

The hike up the Ameisstein and around the Almsee is a top excursion destination. A sporting activity, a varied day out with your dog or a lovely family outing.

I've often been to the Almsee for a short walk and I've also been up the Ameisstein. However, as I have to drive about an hour to these two routes if everything goes well, they are worth seeing, but clearly too short for me. So why not tackle both in one day? The hike up the Ameisstein and around the Almsee not only makes the trip more worthwhile, I think it's also far more beautiful.

Directions & parking facilities

The journey to the starting point at the Almsee car park is by car, unfortunately I have not found a real plan for public transport. Take the A1 motorway to the Laakirchen West exit past the paper mills, drive through Laakirchen in the direction of Gmunden. There are two roundabouts - take the second exit at both. Follow this road for approx. 13.5 km in the direction of Scharnstein. Shortly before you reach Scharnstein, turn right and cycle along the road to Scharten and on to Grünau im Almtal. From here it is about 12 kilometres to the Almsee car park, our starting point.

Start and access - Hike up the Ameisstein around the Almsee - Details

Formica stone

From the Almsee car park, walk a little way back along the road in the direction of the „Deutsches Haus“. From here, a narrow path leads upwards. The first few metres in altitude are done - forest roads and forest paths follow to the Ameisstein. The hike to the Ameisstein is relatively short, it is about 2.5 kilometres to the top, half of the route is already behind you. What comes next is a narrow forest path and the last few metres up to the summit cross. I can only recommend you take a short break here, recharge your batteries, enjoy the view and simply relax.

The way back is the same route, except that for the circular route around the Almsee lake you go down to the road a little earlier to arrive at the Ameisstein car park. However, if the tour at the Ameisstein is enough for you, you can simply walk back to the starting point. On the hike without the lake circuit, you cover around 5 kilometres and 250 metres in altitude in 2 hours.

Almsee

From the Ameisstein car park, walk along the road for less than 2 km, then turn right and follow the path over the bridge. From here, it's 3 kilometres along the shore on a forest road to the starting point. A really beautiful and cosy route. The many seating options invite you to take your next break. Take your time and grab a bench to sit on or make yourself comfortable on the lakeshore. When the temperatures are high in summer, there's nothing better than cooling off after a hike. So get out of your shoes and into the crystal-clear alpine water.

Brief key data

✅ Highest point 776 m

✅ approx. 11 km

✅ approx. 270 metres in altitude

✅ Duration 3 - 3.5 hours (pure walking time)

✅ Suitable for children and dogs

✅ Enough parking spaces available (subject to charge)

✅ It's best to bring your own snacks

⚠️ Sturdy shoes and good equipment recommended

⚠️ Pack an „ice pack“ for safety in winter

⚠️ You should be careful with children at the top of the Ameisstein - danger of falling

⚠️ Despite the many car parks, you should set off as soon as possible at the weekend - the Almsee is a very popular excursion destination

⚠️ ATTENTION: We expressly point out that we accept no liability for accidents or possibly closed trails. Before hiking, check the availability of the trail and reflect on your own fitness.

What you can look forward to on this hike

You can tackle this tour all year round.

A wonderful hike up the Ameisstein followed by a dip in the Almsee lake. Perfect for the summer, a tour that is not too strenuous but still makes you work up a sweat. What could be better than swimming a lap in the Almsee and returning home refreshed?. 

⚠️ATTENTION: Swimming in the lake is at your own risk.

Refreshments & catering

Update 01.01.2026: Unfortunately, we were unable to find out whether there are plant-based / vegan options in the surrounding inns, which is why we are not mentioning any refreshment stops or further information at this point. It's best to bring your own snacks. 🌱

My summary of the hike up the Ameisstein and around the Almsee lake

Whatever the time of year, whether in the cold months, when the whole panorama is transformed into a winter wonderland, or in summer with the perfect opportunity to cool off. For a family outing on a Sunday, a varied walk with the dog or simply for a tour with friends. A nice long loop, enough metres in altitude with a view of the lake afterwards and the way back along the shore to relax and enjoy. Everything I personally need for a perfect tour. So pack a coffee and a snack and it will be an unforgettable excursion.

Komoot tour to follow yourself