Bluntau Valley Hike to Lake Bluntausee, Austria (2026)

The hike to the Bluntau lake in the Bluntau valley of the same name in Austria is a bit reminiscent of an idyllic fairy tale. You walk along the babbling brook with its light blue glacial water, look at the moss-covered stones between the trees and eventually come to the emerald-green Bluntau lakes – there are actually two of them side by side, a larger upper one and a smaller lower one – in which the surrounding mountains are reflected and here and there a fish likes to jump out of the water. And the best thing is that this hike is in no way crowded and you can enjoy the tranquility of nature.

Last updated: July 2026

Facts about the Bluntausee Hike

Parking at the Bluntau Valley

Right at the Bluntaustraße you’ll find two parking options: the gravel car park P1 (7 € per day for cars, 28 € per day for buses, charged year-round) and the P2 short-term parking zone (2 € per hour, maximum 180 minutes, 8am–8pm, also charged year-round). These figures are confirmed by the local Tourismusverband Abtenau. 

Start of the Bluntau Valley Hike

The hike in the Bluntau Valley nature reserve starts about 10 minutes away from the public parking lot. You walk up to the road and then just straight ahead. The first signs already point the way to the Bluntau bridge, where the hike can finally start.

Circular route: Yes
Difficulty: Easy
Length/duration of the hike: approx. 6 km, 2 hours
Condition of the hiking trail: well-maintained gravel path, which is also suitable for children
Swimming: Swimming is not allowed in the Bluntausee lakes
Biking: Biking is allowed
Dogs: Allowed, but dogs must be kept on a leash in the nature reserve

Hotel Recommendation in Golling

We had originally planned to stay only 3 nights at Hotel Pass Lueg*, but it turned out to be 5. We simply felt right at home in this small, family-run guesthouse. The hotel is located directly in the mountains and is the starting point for various hikes. Also, the entrance to the gorge of the Salzachöfen is right next door. While you can strengthen yourself in the morning with a delicious breakfast with many homemade treats, you can relax after the hikes in the free wellness area in the sauna or steam sauna.

Hotel Pass Lueg in Golling an der Salzach

Frühstück im Hotel Pass Lueg in Golling

The Cozy Hotel Pass Lueg at Booking*

The Hike to the Bluntau Lakes

Especially in summer, the hike in the Bluntau Valley offers the opportunity to enjoy nature without breaking a big sweat. The valley in which the hike is located is encircled by the high steep walls of the Hoher Göll and the Hagen mountains. The path runs most of the time without a strenuous incline and is also mostly in the shade. There is also the possibility of a small Kneipp cure on the arms and feet at two points of the hike.

Start der Wanderung zum Bluntausee

Almhütten im Bluntautal

Kneippen im Bluntautal

You hold your feet or arms in the water up to the elbow for 20 seconds. The first few seconds are no problem … but then you notice how the cold goes all the way to your bones and 20 seconds suddenly feels like 10 minutes. To free the arms from the ice-cold water again is a relief. One notices directly how the blood circulation is promoted and feels immediately fit and refreshed for the further hike.

Torrenerbach an der Bluntautalbrücke

Blick auf die Berge vom Bluntautal aus

Torrener Bach

After the first meters of the hike, the path splits. On the left you cross the bridge and take the short path to the Bluntausee lake. Continuing straight ahead, you walk along the Torrenerbach for some time and only at the end of the hike do you come to the Bluntausee lake. In general, the left path is rather a well-developed forest path, while the right path is much more natural.

The path along the river was, in terms of scenery, the clearly more beautiful way. On the one hand, you hear the wild roar of the river the whole time, on the other hand, you can always watch how the water flows along the moss-covered rocks and stones, sometimes calmer, sometimes more hectic.

Tip: At the lower Bluntausee lake there are fish-feed dispensers, so you and your kids can feed the trout swimming in the crystal-clear water. Fishing is only allowed with a valid fishing licence, available at the entrance to the Bluntau Valley.

We only walked the circular trail along the Bärenhütte. However, you can also follow the trail further to get to the Bluntau waterfall (mostly dried up in summer) and also to the Jochalm. The Bluntau waterfall is located about 2 km from the Gasthof Bärenhof.

Hiking Route Options in the Bluntau Valley

Depending on how much time and stamina you have, you can extend the hike in the Bluntau Valley to different lengths:

• Short version to the Bärenhütte: Easy, a relaxed walk along the stream, also doable with a stroller.
• Our route – to the Bluntausee lakes: The hike described in this article, easy, hardly any elevation gain, approx. 6 km/2 hours.
• Extension to the Jochalm: From the Bluntausee lakes, the forest road continues with considerably more elevation gain to the Lower and Upper Jochalm – for hikers with more stamina.

Note: Distances for the longer variants vary depending on the source and starting point (Bluntau Valley car park vs. Golling-Abtenau train station) – roughly between 6 and 14 km. We haven’t hiked the longer options ourselves, so double-check the signage on site.

Conclusion to the Hike to Bluntau Lake

For us it was the first hike in Austria and at the same time one of the most beautiful. The combination of the beautiful stream, the Bluntau lakes with their clear water and the outstanding backdrop of high steep walls of the surrounding mountains was simply fantastic. In addition, there was the peace and quiet, as this hike is not heavily visited. You can just enjoy nature for yourself and will hardly meet other people on the way.

FAQ: Hiking to the Bluntausee Lake

Can you swim in the Bluntausee lake?

No, swimming in the Bluntausee lakes is prohibited – this is also monitored within the nature reserve.

Is the hike possible with a dog?

Yes, dogs are allowed, but they must be kept on a leash within the Bluntau Valley nature reserve.

Can you cycle into the Bluntau Valley?

Yes, there’s an official cycling route alongside the hiking trail, but you need to watch out for pedestrians.

Is the hike possible in winter?

Yes, the Bluntau Valley is accessible year-round and makes for a particularly scenic winter walk when covered in snow.

Where can you park for the Bluntausee hike?

Right at the Bluntaustraße there’s the P1 gravel car park (7 €/day) as well as the P2 short-term parking zone (2 €/hour, max. 180 minutes).

Have you been in the area around Golling and done the hike to the Bluntausee lake? How did you like the hike and do you have any other tips for Golling? Leave us a comment below. We are looking forward to it!