Hike to the Spronser Seen Lakes
Experiencing the fascinating high Alpine lake plateau in South Tyrol
Both challenging for the considerably steep climb as well as its duration, this hike is also worth the effort with a spectacular mountain terrain and the fascinating high Alpine lakes.
Starting point: Pfelders
Endpoint: Pfelders
Refreshment stop: Faltschnal Alm Alp, Lazins Alm Alp, Lazins Inn
Directions
The ascent: via the Spronserjoch to the lakes
Your hike begins at the parking area in Pfelders (1,622 m) and first follows the wide forest road (trail no. 6) towards Lazins. At the end of the village, directly above the tennis court and ice-skating rink, you leave the forest road and turn left onto a narrow woodland trail towards Faltschnal Alm Alp/Spronserjoch. From here, the path climbs more steeply through the shaded mountain forest up to Faltschnal Alm Alp (1,871 m), which lies picturesquely at the tree line. You should allow about one hour for this first section.
From the alpine hut, the trail continues gently uphill deeper into the valley. At first, you follow a forest track and then a footpath that runs more or less alongside the stream to the end of the valley. Here you cross the stream before the trail becomes significantly steeper and leads you up to the Faltschnaljöchl (2,424 m). Once at the top, you are rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of the mighty Pfelders mountains. From the Faltschnal Alm to this point, the hike takes about two hours. From the pass, you continue uphill at a moderate incline for another 40 minutes to reach Spronserjoch (2,590 m), located 170 vertical metres higher.
Now comes the highlight of the tour: the descent to the lakes. The main destination is the Langsee lake, the largest of the ten Spronser Seen Lakes, all of which are protected as unique natural monuments. To reach it, follow trail no. 6 past the Kesselsee lake and the Schiefersee lake, descending around 250 vertical metres to the Grünsee lake (2,339 m). From there, continue on trail no. 22 and climb the final 50 vertical metres up to the shimmering the Langsee lake (2,381 m).
Good to know: The remaining lakes are scattered across the barren alpine landscape: the two Milchseen lakes are located above the Langsee lake towards the Milchseescharte/Tschigat saddle, the Schwarzsee lake lies above the Schiefersee lake, and the remaining bodies of water stretch out towards the Oberkaseralm.
The return route: via Lazins Alm Alp and Zeppichl
For the return hike, follow the same trail back up to Spronserjoch. Shortly after crossing the Joch, however, turn left this time onto trail no. 42 towards Lazins Alm Alp. The alpine trail leads past the unstaffed Zielhütte and descends into the valley floor of the Lazinsertal Valley near the Bockhütte (also unstaffed). You then cross the stream and follow the trail to the rustic Lazins Alm Alp (1,882 m). The final stretch back to Pfelders is an easy and relaxing walk along the wide forest road (trail no. 8).
The trail is not suitable for strollers an wheelchairs.
Recommended equipment
War sturdy hiking boots, appropriate clothing for the weather and bring sufficient water and provisions.
• Coming from Meran towards the Passeiertal Valley, take the Jaufenstraße SS44 to St. Leonhard, continue towards Moos, take on the Timmelsjochstraße and continue on the SP114 to Pfelders
• Coming from the Timmelsjoch, take on the Timmelsjochstraße to Moos and continue on the SP114 to Pfelders
• Coming from the Jaufenpass towards St. Leonhard, take the Jaufenstraße SS44, continue towards Moos on the Timmelsjochstraße and continue on the SP114 to Pfelders
Chargeable public car park at the entrance to the village of Pfelders
Choose a more environmentally friendly way to travel and use our public transport services:
• Bus line 240 from Meran to Pfelders
Bus stop "Pfelders"
You can find the timetables at www.suedtirolmobil.info or on the Passeiertal app!
Always stay on marked trails, check the weather conditions before you hike and pay particular attention to snow, wet ground, or slippery sections.
