The Schlegeisspeicher Parking Lot
Looking for a place to park at the Schlegeis Reservoir? This stunning destination in the Zillertal Alps is incredibly popular. However, if you plan to drive up, there are a few important things you should keep in mind. In this guide, I will explain everything you need to know about the Schlegeis parking lots, from available spaces and parking fees to overnight stays.
To reach the reservoir, you will drive along the Schlegeis Alpine Road, a scenic toll road that begins in Ginzling in the upper Zillertal valley and winds its way up into the mountains. The parking areas are located right at the end of this panoramic road, offering gorgeous views of the turquoise lake and the surrounding peaks. –> how to get to the Schleigeisspeicher
Day parking is free with the purchase of your toll ticket for the Schlegeis Alpine Road. You buy this ticket at the toll station on your way up, and it covers both road access and parking for that calendar day. If you plan to stay longer (for example, overnight), you must purchase an extended parking ticket at the toll station. Because parking spaces are limited, it is highly recommended to arrive early, especially during the peak summer season.
Due to strict regulations within the Zillertal Alps Nature Park, parking on the grass or off the paved lots is strictly prohibited. This can cause parking shortages on busy days. To help you plan, electronic signs at the exit of Mayrhofen and in Ginzling display the current parking availability in real time. If the signs show red, the parking areas at the top are full. We highly recommend forming carpools whenever possible! If the lots are completely full, you can easily take the public bus line 4102 from Mayrhofen or Ginzling.
Schlegeis Parking Lot P1: Right by the Dam Wall
Schlegeis Reservoir Parking Lot P1 is the very first parking area you will reach by the lake. As you drive out of the final tunnel of the Schlegeis Alpine Road, the massive Schlegeis dam wall appears right ahead of you on the left. About 200 meters past the tunnel exit lies the large, paved P1 parking lot, which is the one I highly recommend for most visitors. It is more spacious than the others and puts you just steps away from the dam wall and the meeting point for the guided dam tours. It is also the ideal trailhead for hikes to the Hoher Riffler, Petersköpfl, and the Friesenberghaus, and is just a short walk from the Dominikushütte.
Schlegeis Dam Wall:
An imposing 131-meter-high and 725-meter-long structure that creates the Schlegeis Reservoir. Built in just three years, visitors can explore its interior on a guided tour or enjoy a scenic walk across the top with spectacular alpine views.
–> Schlegeis Dam
Hoher Riffler: This hike takes you up one of the Zillertal’s prominent 3,000-meter peaks (3,231 meters). The standard route via the south ridge is technically manageable but requires a steady foot and good endurance. The Friesenberghaus (2,498 meters) serves as an excellent base camp, from which you can reach the summit in about 2.5 hours.
Dominikushütte:
From the P1 parking lot, it takes just 2 minutes to walk up to this mountain hut. It features one of the most beautiful viewpoints over the reservoir (marked with a large heart—perfect for Instagram photos). The terrace serves fantastic food; we highly recommend their Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancakes), but they also offer classic Schnitzel, Tiroler Gröstl, and Käsespätzle.
Schlegeis Parking Lot P2: The Trailhead for the Olperer Hütte
If you are planning to hike to the Olperer Hütte or visit the famous Zillertal suspension bridge, you should head to Parking Lot P2, located a few hundred meters further along the lakeshore. The hiking trail up to the hut is clearly signposted from here. This is also the starting point for mountaineers tackling the Olperer summit itself or the scenic Neumarkter Runde loop trail.
Olpererhütte Bridge:
The spectacular Olperer Hütte suspension bridge offers breathtaking views of the lake and glaciers. Many visitors hike up solely to take a photo on this famous bridge.
–> Olpererhütte Bridge
The Olperer:
A striking peak in the Tux Ridge reaching an altitude of 3,476 meters. Climbing to the top is highly demanding and requires excellent physical fitness and alpine experience. For a less challenging alternative, the nearby Riepenkopf is a great option.
Schlegeis Parking Lot P3: The End of the Road
Parking Lot P3 is the final parking area at the Schlegeis Stausee, situated about 200 meters past P2. This is where the Schlegeis Alpine Road ends. From here, you have direct access to the popular hiking trail up to the Pfitscherjoch pass on the Italian border.
Pfitscherjoch:
Located at 2,260 meters, this mountain pass marks the border between Austria and Italy, offering breathtaking views. The hike from the reservoir follows beautiful alpine paths, providing a perfect balance of moderate challenge and pure nature.
Finding the Parking Lots & Prices
If you want to view the exact locations on a map to orient yourself before your trip, you can use our map link: –> Google Maps
All of these parking lots are completely free for the day of your arrival, as parking is fully included in your Schlegeis Alpine Road toll fee. You only pay extra if you plan to leave your car for 2 days or longer. In that case, simply request an extended parking ticket from the cashier at the toll station. Please note that driving or parking on the dam wall itself is strictly prohibited. While parking spaces can get tight on beautiful summer weekends during peak season, there is usually plenty of space on regular days.
| Parking Duration | Toll Fee incl. Parking (EUR) |
| 1 Day | €18.00 |
| 2 Days | €33.00 |
Check the opening hours
Before you go, make sure to check the current road hours so you don’t make the long drive to the end of the Zillertal valley in vain:
–> Schlegeis Reservoir Opening Hours
Buy Your Ticket Online
To secure your parking spot for a specific date and get the best available price, you can purchase your toll and parking ticket in advance online:
–> official Ticketshop
