"9 PLACES - 9 TREASURES": 1 WINNER

The Schiederweiher in Hinterstoder is the most beautiful place in the whole country!

BIG SUCCESS FOR A SMALL LAKE: Schiederweiher in Stodertal emerged as the clear Austrian winner of the ORF2 live show "9 Places - 9 Treasures" on Austrian's National Day 2018!

What locals and visitors from all over the world have long known is now official: the pond, which was built between 1897 and 1902 by k.u.k. Court architect Johann Schieder at the end of Hinterstoder village is not only a place of power and a popular excursion destination, but also one of the most beautiful places in Austria.

What makes the Schiederweiher so unique: "From the lake with its crystal-clear, turquoise-blue water, you have a spectacular view of the Spitzmauer (2,446 m) and the Großer Priel (2,515 m) - a dreamlike picture, especially when the peaks are reflected on the surface of the water.Then there are the dark forests and green meadows that border directly on the Schiederweiher.No wonder this natural gem is also known as the "Pearl of the Stodertal"."

You can explore the area around the Schiederweiher along several easy hiking trails.
Even in winter time you can enjoy walks along the well prepared paths through the snow covered winter landscape of this beautiful natural setting.

To save the pond from increasing algea and silting up, the municipality of Hinterstoder ran a revamp project during the winter months of 2004/5 with assistance of public funds and the owner, Carl Herzog von Württemberg.

The weir plant at the inlet to the Schiederweiher as well as the inlet structure were renewed. The banks were secured and the weir was reconstructed as per original plan at the outlet. Along the well known Polsterlucken hiking path a viewing platform was erected and several security measures were taken.

During the dredging works about 11.000 m3 of mud were dug out and redistributed under agreement with the waterrights, forest and environmental protection officials in the surrounding area. The main focus during the restauration work was the ecological aspect – therefore the reed belt and low bank areas remained mostly untouched.

The fish contents of the Schiederweiher was reduced greatly by means of net fishing before the works were started. The remaining fish were settled into a neighbouring pond to survive the winter, the rest was released into the river Steyr when the weir was opened.

Unwelcome guests (European otter) have reduced the fish in the winter pond by two thirds. A big part of the fish food hidden in the sediments at the bottom of the pond was lost due to the dredging works.

Today the Schiederweiher is home to many indigenous fish, like the original brown trout among others, taking special care to keep the ecological variety of the region alive, including the European crab and more.