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In addition to the neighbouring climbs to Hochwurtenspeicher and Oscheniksee, the asphalted trail to Großsee is the third demanding climb up to an water reservoir in Austria's Mölltal. The trail to Großsee is somewhat behind the other two monstrous climbs in terms of its key data, but still has more than 1,400 metres of altitude gain to offer in just 15 kilometres, making it one of the most demanding of its kind.
The profile of the climb provides for alternating flat and steep sections, and it gets steeper towards the end.
It starts in the village of Döllach and turns left towards Zirknitz.
At the end of the village the climb begins after a turn right.
A quick gain in altitude with a view back
A few nice hairpin bends in the lower part
Always along Zirknitz creek
Here the path divides. We continue behind the barrier in the direction of Klein Zirknitz valley - from now on completely free of motorized traffic.
The path continues upwards in an idyllic, moderate manner.
The path becomes narrower and more winding.
Some adventurous places for the road bike
As always in the Alps: Above tree line it gets much more interesting.
Great view ahead
And view back
Remnants of snow at 2,000m
Shortly before the dam wall of the Großsee, the Lake Kegele lies embedded in the Alpine panorama.
At the dam wall the path splits. On the left, the path actually goes a little higher to a tunnel entrance. But considerable snow remains prevent us from continuing. So up to the right.
And then you stand at the right end of the dam wall and see nothing behind it. The lake is empty!