If you choose Zlem for a getaway, you can plan a range of very different activities: groomed ski pistes, an easy cross-country trail by the lake, a cycling route and mountain hikes. The options range from a cross-country trail about 5.6 kilometres long to a 26.6-kilometre cycling tour, with a short ascent and a circuit with a via ferrata also available. This lets you shape each day around the kind of activity you want, without having to combine several options into a fixed programme.
Ski pistes, cross-country trail and Spechtensee
The well-groomed ski pistes at the Spechtensee lift are at an elevation of 1,100 to 1,260 metres. Together, they are 2.3 kilometres long; the lift operates seasonally. The history of the Spechtensee lift dates back to 1966.
The Spechtensee cross-country trail offers a different kind of winter sport: it is easy, about 5.6 kilometres long and loops around Spechtensee. The options therefore differ not only in activity. For the cross-country trail, you can plan a single loop, while the 2.3 kilometres refers to the total length of the pistes at the lift.
Cycling tours and mountain hikes
The family-friendly Spechtensee Loop 315 is a 26.6-kilometre cycling tour. It starts in Stainach, leads to the Spechtenseehütte and runs through the Wörschachwald forest. Its starting point, destination and route give the loop a different character from the hikes, which focus on a summit or a short ascent.
The scenic Dachsteinblick–Gindlhorn bike-and-hike tour leads to Wörschachwald and includes a hike up Gindlhorn. The ascent from Gasthof Dachsteinblick to Gindlhorn is short and scenic, offering impressive panoramic views. The Hechlstein circuit has a different profile: the route leads to the summit via a via ferrata and returns along an easier hiking trail.
When choosing a tour, you can therefore distinguish between a cycling loop, a combination of cycling and hiking, and summit routes with different sections. The Hechlstein circuit includes a via ferrata; by contrast, the ascent from Gasthof Dachsteinblick to Gindlhorn centres on a short, scenic hiking section.
Access and directions
To reach the Wörschachwald panoramic loop and access the Spechtensee cross-country trail, take the road from the B145 at Klachau/Zlem towards Wörschachwald. The Wörschachwaldweg runs for about 6 kilometres to the Spechtensee lift. As road conditions can change, check them before setting off.
Seasonal activities and refreshments
Swimming and bathing at Spechtensee are available seasonally. Day fishing permits for the lake are available seasonally at the SpechtenseehĂĽtte; check their availability before your trip. You can consider the lake activities separately when planning: swimming and bathing are seasonal options, while fishing requires a day permit.
For a break after a longer hike, the Interhütte offers a cold drink and a small alpine snack. Check current opening hours and access arrangements before your visit. The Leistalm – Wia dahoam Hittn is located at Zlem 90a, 8982 Stainach-Pürgg; check the contact details before you travel.
The Egger-Stadl in Zlem is an event venue for high-quality events, specialising in weddings. Visits are by request. It therefore fits a different kind of travel planning than routes and seasonal activities: if you would like to visit, make an enquiry.
Discover more destinations: Pichl, Strimitzen, Gröbming, Selzthal, Mandling, Municipality of Lassing near Selzthal, Sankt Nikolai Im Sölktal, Lassing near Liezen
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