Pießling Spring

The source of the Piessling is in Roßleithen, in one of the biggest karst springs of the Eastern Alps. In summer, on average 2,000 litres of water per second flow from the syphon shaped cave. During the snow melt or after storms, this can swell to 7,000 litres and more. This means, the source of the Piessling could meet the water needs of 700,00 people.

From Gasthaus Sengsschmied in Roßleithen, you hike past the scythe factory to the Pießling spring.

The path through the cool valley is perfect for a leisurely stroll on a warm day!

The underground drainage system that feeds the karst spring consists of large cavities and collecting veins that branch out into an extensive network of pipes. The precipitation on the high plateaus of Warscheneck seeps into these over an area of 94 km² in countless crevices, joints and fissures in the limestone mountains until it emerges again at the foot of the mountain in this large spring.

The masses of water flow upwards with great force from the spring pot, which is around 32 metres deep and shimmers in all shades of blue and green. This makes cave diving very dangerous and after two deaths it has now been strictly forbidden.

Hiking trail number: 19