Grawa Alm to Blaue Lacke

Technical difficulty: 1/10
Fitness: 2/10
Objective danger: 1/10
Landscape: 7/10
Busy: 8/10

A nice in-and-out route in the Stubai Valley passing two huts and a waterfall on the way and ending at a beautiful Blaue Lacke. A great option for hot summer day.

Starting point: Grawa Alm Parking
Ending point: Grawa Alm Parking
Length: 12km
Vertical: 800m
Speed: well maintained single track all the way. Can get slow passing other people on busy days.

Route:

In today's post, we'll take you along a scenic route that is a popular weekend destination for both tourists and locals. With its manageable distance, lack of steep terrain, and moderate vertical gain, and an array of interesting things to see along the way, it's no wonder this route gets busy on sunny days and weekends.

We start and finish at the parking lot next to the Grawa Alm in the Stubai valley. Within the first few hundred meters, we come to a viewing platform at the base of a powerful waterfall. On hot days, the refreshing mist from the waterfall feels really refreshing.

We then continue to ascend alongside the right-hand side of the waterfall, stopping at two more viewing platforms along the way. Once we reach the top of the waterfall, we arrive to an unexpectedly flat plateau, where the Salzenau Alm sits. Here, we have our first possible stopping point for a bit of rest, a snack, or a full meal.

Continuing past the plateau's flat expanse, we climb alongside another waterfall towards the Salezau Hütte. Nestled at the top, this hut presents another chance to stop for food or drink.

It is only 10 more minutes from here to the Blaue Lacke. This lake, known for its striking blue waters, is an inviting spot for a quick dip, especially on a hot summer day.

The return journey is straightforward: simply retrace your steps back to the parking lot.

Pro tip: the Salzenau Hütte gets very busy and is a bit overpriced so try one of the other places for lunch ;)

Photos by @the.running.nomad