On the dam wall of the Schlegeisspeicher in the Zillertal valley there’s one of the most spectacular fixed rope routes of the world
Image gallery: Lake Schlegeis
Like the lakes Zillergründl, Stillup, Durlassboden and Gmünd, also the Schlegeis Basin is one of the five artificial lakes of the Zillertal valley. In 1965, the construction works of the basin began, and in 1970 the hydroelectric facility were commenced by the Tauernkraftwerk AG. In the course of the works, the Dominikus Mountain Hut was swallowed up by the water masses. In order to replace it, a larger hut was constructed in a slightly higher position.
Today, Lake Schlegeis covers parts of the so-called Schlegeisgrund. Several hiking trails snake past its waters, one of the most popular photo motifs is the 131 m high dam wall. On the wall, you can see climbers: The #Schlegeis 131 is the only via ferrata of this kind. Further up, surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the Olperer Glacier, at 2,389 m a.s.l., there is the Olperer Mountain Hut, that can be reached from the lake within 1.5 hours.
The 15 km long Schlegeis Alpine Road is subject to charge and open only in summer. It takes you from Ginzling to the parking space at the lakeside and is characterised by eight hairpin bends and four natural tunnels. This high alpine road is above all popular with those who love motorbiking...
Altitude: 1,782 m a.s.l.
Surface: 220 hectares
Maximum depth: 59 m
Bathing: no
Water sports: no
