Big lake Egelsee Steindorf

Egelsee moor lake in Seewalchen - natural attraction
The Egelsee in Steindorf is a post-glacial formation, a so-called "dead ice hole". The small moor lake can be found in the area of the "Seewald" along the "Egelseestraße" between the settlement of Neu-Steindorf and Ainwalchen in the municipal area of Seewalchen am Attersee. It is also called "Großer Egelsee" by the locals. Learn more about the disappearing lake.

DISCOVER the once large Egelsee in Seewalchen.
In the area around the moor lake, there are several such depressions with low moor-like wet biotopes in addition to the "Egelsee". The "Großer Egelsee" is the best known and largest in this area and a popular hiking destination as well as a recreational area in winter. However, this is only recognisable in rudimentary form.

The (disappearing) lake in Seewalchen - image comparison 2017- 2020
A look at the original map shows that both lakes were once connected to each other!
Unfortunately, both lakes - the large and small Egelsee - have been silting up increasingly in recent years. There are many reasons for this - such as: Over-fertilisation of the soil or climate change, as can be seen in the two pictures from 2017 and 2020.

Hiking trail to the Egelsee lake after Steindorf
If you follow the signs for the forest path and the path above the Kemating church, not in the direction of Steindorf, you will pass directly by the Seewalchner Egelsee. A road leading to the lake is also a reminder of the once large lake.

MOORS - VALUABLE HABITAT FOR PLANTS & ANIMALS
Bog areas are home to an extremely specific flora and fauna, including many endangered species. The Kreuzbauern Moor, for example, is home to the grey sedge, the fleabane sedge or the long-leaved sundew. The moor is also home to an important occurrence for Upper Austria and Austria of the highly endangered Randring Pearl-bordered Butterfly, whose caterpillars are tied to the presence of the snakeweed.

Sources & further information:
Habitat Moore Land OÖ: https://www.land-oberoesterreich.gv.at/71975.htm