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Coolcation Osttirol

Still waters, high mountains, pure happiness

Climate change and its record-breaking temperatures are leading more and more people to rethink their summer vacations. Instead of exposing themselves to the intense heat of the south, many are longing for a cool summer retreat in the mountains. Covering an area of just 2,020 square kilometers, Osttirol is home to 266 peaks over 3,000 meters, no fewer than 365 mountain lakes, and over 90 mountain huts. Some of these are located right next to these crystal-clear gems of water and offer overnight accommodations. Here are four tips for hikes that offer a refreshing escape.

Mirror, mirror in the lake

When the mountain lake is still and calm, hikers are treated to a truly bizarre sight: the mighty Virger Nordkette mountain range, for example, is perfectly reflected in Lake Zupal in the Lasörling Group, lending the landscape a wild and romantic character. No less impressive is the location of the hut of the same name, as this rustic retreat perches on a gently rounded hilltop at the edge of the slope directly above the lake’s shore. For the ascent to the lake and the Zupalsee Hut (30 beds), hikers should plan on about five hours of walking time (1,250 meters of elevation gain). Alternatively, a hut taxi to the Wetterkreuz Hut at 2,106 meters shortens the trip to one and a half hours.

Icy Beauty at 2,260 Meters

The turquoise-shimmering Laserzsee lies at an elevation of 2,260 meters in the heart of the “Unholden,” as the Lienzer Dolomiten are also known. Fed by meltwater, this natural gem rarely reaches temperatures above 12 degrees Celsius, even in midsummer. The standard route is an easy hike starting from the Dolomitenhütte above Amlach near Lienz, offering views of the Seekofel, Roter Turm, and Simonskopf, and reaching the destination in less than two hours.

 

The ascent via the Rudl-Ellerweg, secured with steel cables, is somewhat more challenging. Near the emerald-green mountain pond, the Karlsbader Hütte (80 beds) beckons for a rest stop. This cozy lodge is equally popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and climbers. The surrounding area features seven via ferratas and rock faces with multi-pitch alpine routes.

Große Felsbrocken im Laserzsee bei der Karlsbaderhütte in den Lienzer Dolomiten.
Laserzsee is a place of power and a base camp for climbing trips or hikes in the Lienzer Dolomiten in Osttirol, Austria.

A Natural Gem with a Cooling Effect

Nestled in the heart of the Venediger Group in Osttirol at an elevation of 2,586 meters, the Neue Reichenberger Hütte (24 beds, 28 sleeping spaces) sits directly on the shore of Lake Bödensee. The surrounding peaks are beautifully reflected in the dark, often mirror-smooth surface of this mountain lake. A quick dip of the feet in the ice-cold mountain water is thoroughly refreshing and does not disturb the fragile ecosystem.

 

Hiking enthusiasts can reach the shelter via two main trails from the Virgen or Defereggental valleys in just under five hours. On the Lasörling ridge crossing, this high-alpine lodge serves as a stopover or base camp for further summit tours.

Neue Reichenbergerhütte
The final reward before the finish line: Lake Bödensee invites you to take a break, while the Neue Reichenberger Hütte is already in sight.

Alpine Triple: Cave, Cabin, Happy Kids

Nestled amid the panoramic scenery of the Gailtal Alps lies the deep-blue Obstanser See. The family-friendly hike from the mountaineering village of Kartitsch through the Winklertal valley turns into a little adventure thanks to exciting stops along the way, such as the Prince Heinrich Chapel, the Gatterwand, and a mysterious ice cave.

 

Once at the top, the welcoming Obstansersee Hut, at 2,304 meters, greets hikers right on the shore, where they can refuel with regional delicacies and even spend the night (72 beds). The safe and flat surroundings of the lake offer children plenty of space to explore and play. A highlight for young and old alike: the pedal boat rental—a rather unusual feature at such high altitudes.

Die Obstanserseehütte direkt am See auf 2.304 Metern Seehöhe in Osttirol. Im Hintergrund der Großglockner.
A view that makes every climb worthwhile: the deep-blue Obstanser See in the Osttirol section of the Carnic Alps, with the hut of the same name.

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