Mountain lakes
TRANQUIL WATER in the Hohe Tauern National Park
When the eternal ice retreats, it is TRANQUIL WATER that remains. With this glacial retreat in the corries and on the high plains in the Hohe Tauern, up to 150 mountain lakes emerge. Wonderful, shimmering jewels – the water feeds into the many thundering mountain streams, which then channels its way via the waterfalls, through ravines and gorges into the valley.
The loveliest hikes
Gößnitztal – Langtal lakes
The hike to the Langtal lakes is an extensive and a strenuous undertaking. Anyone who takes on this task, will be hiking through the loveliest valleys imaginable. The Elberfelder Hütte at 2346m provides a place to stay the night. The route proceeds via a fantastic altitude trail with plenty of views, taking in the three high mountain lakes – the Langtal lakes. A dreamy tour for experienced hikers.
Seebachtal – Stappitzer See
As hikers, we get to see the two guises of Seebachtal. The front, farmed section is flat and easy to hike on, before at Schwußner Hütte a trackless high Alpine landscape takes over, and it couldn’t be any more impressive. Stappitzer See is a paradise for migratory birds enjoying a well-deserved rest here as they make their way southwards. A superb place, even if it is not quite that easy to access.
Dösental – Dösener See
This tour is super too, particularly since on the banks of Dösener See the tradition-filled Arthur von Schmid Haus awaits visitors. From the bothy, proceeding across the southern banks, you come to the impressive block glacier, or you might just get comfy on the terrace and enjoy the views to the impressive Säuleck rock pyramid (3086m), which provides views right across the valley. An easy-going tour with a leisurely refreshment stop in an Alpine inn.
Elendtäler educational nature trail
The ‘Elendtäler’ (‘misery’ valleys) educational nature trail requires endurance, yet it does not feel one bit “miserable”, as you might now surmise. The tour proceeds via the Zwischeneldendscharte (2692m), with the ascent requiring skill and fitness. Your reward: the superb views from the wind gap over both Schwarzhornsee lakes and to the Hochalmspitze, which is also known as the “Tauernkönigin”. Osnabrücker Hütte provides a refreshment stop, or you could enjoy an overnight stay.
Gradental/Keeskopf – Gradensee
The Gradental valley is surrounded by three-thousand-meter peaks. Under the gigantic rock faces you follow the tumbling waters upwards, across a fantastic flat moor, until you arrive at the enchanting, turquoise mountain lakes. The Adolf Noßberger Hütte is idyllically situated on the shores of the turquoise blue Gradensee.
Wangenitz Valley – Lake Wangenitz
The Wangenitzsee (2.464 m) with the Kreuzsee offer a grandiose scenery and embed the Wangenitzsee hut with the three-thousand-meter peak north of the hut wonderfully into the basin once scraped out by glaciers. The Wangenitzsee hut (2,508 m) is the highest refuge in the Schobergruppe in the Hohe Tauern National Park.
Tip
We always keep our distance from animals in the wild
We always keep to the hiking trail
We do not leave any rubbish – especially not in the mountain lakes
We do not take any plants and animals home with us
We always keep dogs on a lead
We do not camp and do not put any tents in the natural surroundings
We do not make any noise or listen to loud music
We are aware of Alpine dangers and always keep an eye on the weather
We only head into the mountains with good equipment
Anyone who has ever seen that alluring green of a shimmering mountain lake, will no longer be able to do without it.
Please get on touch for more information & details or send us a no-obligation holiday enquiry. Telephone us on +43 4824 2700
