Nussensee Lake

Past legendary Wildenstein castle ruins to Nussensee Lake

The Facts

The Hahnbaum landmark is the starting point for this charming and idyllic hike to the peaceful forest lake in the foothills of Katrin, Nussensee Lake. One hikes in direction Kaltenbach in the shade of the tree-lined alley along the Ischl esplanade. From the base station of Katrin cable railway one follows the ski route to get to the impressive walls of the Wildenstein castle ruins. One can also take a short but rewarding detour along Engleitenstrasse road and Soleweg trail, past the Emperor’s hunting statue to the Römerweg junction to get to the ruin. Absorbed in the legends one follows Römerweg trail in direction Nussensee Lake. The peaceful lake in the forest is surrounded by many benches, from where one enjoys a fantastic view of the lake and at times of the surrounding mountains. The trail back leads along Nussensee brook to the first houses of the village of Lindau. From there one follows Lindaustrasse road until one gets to Grabnerwirt guesthouse after a 20-minute hike. Grabnerwirt is a typical Ischl guesthouse offering a great variety of local culinary delights (e.g. the “Holzknecht Nocken” a hearty specialty of the house). In good weather one should sit at the terrace and enjoy the unique view of Ischl valley. After a break one returns past the village of Ahorn, along the Elisabeth Forest Trail and the Calvary church back to the Hahnbaum landmark.