Grawa Alm to the Sulzenau glacier lake – Melting Giants
Grawa Alm to the Sulzenau glacier lake – Melting Giants
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hikers
Grawa Alm to the Sulzenau glacier lake – Melting Giants
06:35
14.1km
960m
Hiking
This tour takes you from the Stubai Valley to the picturesque Sulzenau glacier lake. Here you can impressively see the retreat of the glacier - the lake was only created in 2003 and was largely covered with ice until a few years ago.
It starts at the Grawa Alm bus stop in the Stubaital, which you can easily reach with bus number 590 from Innsbruck main station. Already at the starting point you can hear the roar of the first highlight of the tour - the Grawa waterfall. You follow the path, which can be slippery at times, uphill next to the waterfall. Two viewing platforms offer you fantastic views of the rushing water.
After the first steep climb you reach the Sulzenau Alm, which is located in a picturesque high valley. At the end of the valley, the Sulzenauffall, which is over 200 meters high, attracts everyone's attention. Another climb takes you up to the cozy Sulzenauhütte. You now follow the Sulzenaubach towards the glacier. You still have to overcome one last rocky barrier before you find yourself on the banks of the glittering Sulzenau glacier lake.
As mentioned above, the lake was only created in 2003 due to the steady retreat of the Sulzenauferner. At that time the glacier still reached over the rock face down to today's lake. In 2011 the lake was almost completely covered by glacier ice; in 2016 it was only just under a third. At the beginning of summer 2023, only a tiny amount of ice was left. An information board on the bank also provides information about the retreat of the glaciers.
You hike back via the outward route. Optionally, you can also combine the tour with a night at the Sulzenauhütte and explore the area even further - it's worth it.
Last updated: June 10, 2024
Tips
Includes a segment that may be dangerous
A part of this route comprises technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience may be required.
After 6.15 km for 1.77 km
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
2.44 km
Sulzenaubach High Valley
Highlight • River
Translated by Google •
Tip by
4.71 km
Sulzenau Hut
Highlight • Mountain Hut
Translated by Google •
Tip by
6.94 km
Sulzenausee
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
14.1 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
9.10 km
3.21 km
1.70 km
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
9.44 km
2.29 km
2.02 km
290 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (2,470 m)
Lowest point (1,520 m)
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Weather
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Today
Thursday 14 May
-5°C
-12°C
97 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 5.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
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Trail Reviews
Pictures say more than a thousand words. P.S. The spinach dumplings at the Sulzenauhütte are definitely worth the climb :)
Departure from the parking lot of the Grawa wasserfall (see where the track ends). First you enter the wood and after about 1h you arrive in the valley where there is the Sulzenau Alm. The valley is beautiful and very large. At the bottom is a waterfall. The path to the Sulzenau Hütte begins to the right of the waterfall (45 min). From the Hütte in 20 min you can go to the Blue See but having already been there in 2019, we prefer to go to the glacial lake Sulzenau See (1h and 15'). Beautiful!!!! There is some ice left in the lake of a spectacular sky blue/turquoise color. The track starts when the excursion has already started because the app crashed.
From the Grawa Alm directly at the Grawa waterfall, climb steeply up the mountain through the forest to the Sulzenau Alm. Impressive landscape! Further up over many snow fields to the Sulzenau hut. (still closed in May) then the blue lake and the Sulzenau lake were actually the goal. Unfortunately there were too many deep snow fields for us. 🫣 So back to the Grawa Alm and have a delicious meal 😎
On the way back, do not take the turnoff to the Grawa Falls, it is very blocked and steep, it is better to walk back via the Sulzenauhütte car park.
From the Dresdner Hut to the Grawa Waterfall – over mountain lakes, alpine pastures, and thundering water The tour starts at over 2,300 meters at the Dresdner Hut – surrounded by rugged peaks and the gentle rumble of the glacier. The trail leads uphill through alpine terrain, past boulders and small streams. We soon reach Lake Sulzenau – turquoise blue, tranquil, and powerful. A place that invites pause. The descent to the Sulzenau Hut is varied: over trails, scree fields, and meadows. We stop for refreshments on the sun terrace before continuing down to the Sulzenau Alm. The valley opens up, the roar becomes louder. And then it is before us: the Grawa Waterfall – wide, mighty, breathtaking. Spray fills the air, the roar fills the entire valley. A crowning conclusion to a varied and impressive tour.
Top tour for experienced hikers T3-T4 a few exposed places
It is best to start at the Dresdener Hütte, the descent from the yoke there seems uncomfortable.