Habichen: Habicher See, Forest Paths and Bell Foundry

Habichen combines the small, blue-green Habicher See on the edge of the forest with forest paths and traces of bell-foundry history. The pond is about 25 m wide and 50 m long. Habichen therefore offers a variety of inspiration when choosing a holiday destination: you can explore paths to the lake or discover historic places and the history of bell founding. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Habichen, it helps to consider what you would like to focus on: should the landscape by the water take centre stage, or are you especially interested in cultural discoveries?

Forest paths and a detour to the lake

The “9 Treasures” hike leads through the forest towards Habichen and branches off to Habicher See. On the way to the lake, you pass the St. Anthony’s Chapel before the path turns towards the pond. The described route thus takes you through the forest, past the chapel and to the small body of water. If you enjoy combining different experiences along one path, you will find not only the lake here but also a stop with its own religious significance.

An alternative route leads through the Lindenwald forest to Habichen and is suitable for pushchairs as far as Habicher See. This can be a useful distinction when planning a trip with a pushchair. As trail conditions can vary, check the latest conditions before your visit. The routes differ in their course; the Lindenwald alternative is suitable for pushchairs as far as Habicher See.

Another route option is the Tumpen winter trail, Route No. 404: after about 300 m, a path branches off to the right towards Habicher See. The detour takes about 15 minutes. On the way back along the route, you pass Burgstall Chapel. A small viewing balcony with seating is located by the chapel and makes a good place to take a break. The chapel and seating area thus add another stop along the route to the lake and forest scenery.

Ice cellar and bell-foundry history

The ice cellar combines an unusual temperature with a former use: currents inside the rock keep it at a constant 0 to 2 °C. The ice cellar was used as a natural refrigerator until the 1960s.

The bell foundry is also connected with Habichen. In 1599, Bartlme Grassmayr cast the first bell in his family’s foundry in Habichen, laying the foundation for the family business. The Grassmayr family’s bell founder’s house is on the route to Habicher See and has fresco-painted façades. The Graßmayrhaus in Habichen is also a listed building under an official preservation order.

This gives your holiday planning a clear shift between nature and culture: Habicher See and the paths leading to it offer a focus for a day outdoors, while the ice cellar and bell-foundry history introduce other themes. Which holiday apartment is right for you therefore depends first on whether this mix of lake, forest and historic discoveries suits the kind of stay you want in Habichen.

For the overview of the wider area: Oetz.