The Seebensee is one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the Northern Alps – and reachable from the Gaistal on a rewarding half-day tour. Here’s everything you need to know.
Seebensee quick facts
| Info | Detail |
|---|---|
| Altitude (Seebensee) | 1,657 m |
| Start | Salzbach car park (P5), Gaistal |
| Length | 14 km out and back |
| Elevation gain | 650 m |
| Duration | approx. 4.5 hours |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Refreshments at the lake | Seebenalm, daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
The route step by step
1. Salzbach car park (P5) → Hochfeldernalm
Wide forest track, gentle ascent, approx. 2 hours. Take a first break at the Hochfeldernalm.
2. Hochfeldernalm → Seebensee
The path becomes steeper and more alpine here. Approx. 45–60 minutes to the lake. The final section crosses scree and rock steps – sturdy footwear is essential.
3. Break at the Seebensee
The Seebenalm sits right on the shore. Stop for a meal, rest, and take in the view of the Zugspitze massif. When the water is perfectly still, you can see the rock faces reflected in the lake – utterly breathtaking.
4. Return
Same route back. Slightly quicker on the descent, approx. 1.5–2 hours to the car park.
When is the best time?
- June–September: Main season, Seebenalm open, path usually snow-free
- May: Experienced hikers with poles only; residual snow possible
- October: Beautiful autumn colours, few crowds – but Seebenalm often already closed
What you absolutely need to know
- No dogs on the path to the Seebenalm (grazing area)
- Weather: Storms can build fast – aim to be at the lake by 1 p.m. at the latest
- Parking: Start early at weekends; P5 is the smallest car park in the Gaistal
- Alternative: From the Ehrwald side, the path to the Seebensee is shorter (approx. 2 hours)
The Seebensee is also listed via the Seebensee & Seebenalm Route in our route overview.