Tressensteinwarte (Lookout Tower)

The lookout tower Tressensteinwarte on mount Tressenstein rewards its diligent hikers with a unique 360° view of the surrounding mountains and lakes of the Ausseerland region all the way to the Dachstein massif and the mountains of the upper Enns valley. At this popular excursion destination, one can see lake Altausseer See with its local mountain Loser, lake Grundlsee, and the foothills of the mountains of "Totes Gebirge" (Dead Mountains), as well as the spa town Bad Aussee from the airy height. Significantly less strenuous than the ascent to its big brother mount Trisselwand, the hike is also particularly a highlight for families.

After the ascent, visitors can enjoy a short break on the multi-level observation tower and let themselves be refreshed by a light breeze and the colorful sounds of the surrounding nature. Even on the "Kanzel" - a viewing platform built near the tower - little and big adventurers can enjoy a dreamlike view over the town of Bad Aussee up to the impressive mount Dachstein in the backdrop.

The tour to the lookout tower Tressensteinwarte is accessible by foot from Bad Aussee, Grundlsee, and Altaussee, depending on the desired length & difficulty. From the side of Grundlsee, the rewarding panoramic view at the summit can be reached the fastest. Starting from the Tressensattel parking lot in the municipal area of Grundlsee, the approximately 16-meter-high tower can be reached in less than an hour. Equipped with good hiking shoes, the short but vigorous ascent can be well managed. Those who have mastered the shady forest path to the top will be rewarded with a unique viewing experience of the highest class at the Tressenstein.

For biking enthusiasts, the Bike & Hike variant to the lookout tower Tressensteinwarte is worthwhile, which combines hiking and biking. From Grundlsee, the route leads through the districts Mosern and Untertressen, thus guaranteeing an exploration tour by bike through part of the municipality by the Styrian sea.

Ideally, the tour can be rounded off with a dive into the cool water of one of the lakes just admired at the lookout tour - be it lake Grundlsee or lake Altausseer See: The refreshment in the crystal-clear water makes the day in the Ausseerland region a perfect experience.

Even Empress Elisabeth, better known as Empress Sissi, enjoyed the breathtaking view from the top of Tressenstein. When she was here on June 23, 1888, for a tour through the mountains of "Totes Gebirge" in Grundlsee, she also explored the approximately 1200-meter-high Tressenstein.

The Construction of the former, 24-meter-high Tressensteinwarte began in 1901, and was completed in 1907. With the joint initiative of the Austrian Alpine Club, the local population, and many sponsors, one of the most successful projects of the Alpine Club Ausseerland was ultimately created. Quietly resting on the summit of Tressenstein, the tower unfortunately did not have its safe place for long. After the theft of the copper lightning rod and the following subsequent lightning strike, the former tower had to make way. Directly afterwards, the new 16-meter-high observation tower was opened in 1953.

The reconstruction tells a story of solidarity and perseverance, without which one of the most popular excursion destinations in the Ausseerland region would no longer exist today. To this day, the Tressensteinwarte with its breathtaking view remains a true favorite spot for locals and visitors from all over the world.