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Easy

Around the Rifflsee, the largest lake in the Ötztal Alps

St. Leonhard · Mandarfen · with the Pitztal Sommer Card

An hour-long loop around the turquoise lake at 2,230 m with views of the Pitztal glaciers. Wetlands with cotton grass, a raft on the lake and the Riffelseehütte.

Free with the Pitztal Sommer Card: Rifflseebahn up and down. A family of 2 adults and 2 children saves €108 on this trip.

Length
3.0 km
Ascent / descent
↑ 63 m · ↓ 64 m
Walking time
1 h
Altitude
2,232 m – 2,292 m
Route type
Loop

Who for Older children · Seniors · Experienced hikers

Elevation profile of the route. Hover to show the spot on the map.
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Route description

  1. From Mandarfen take the Rifflseebahn gondola up to the Sunna Alm (2,290 m). From there you can see the Rifflsee, the largest natural lake in the Ötztal Alps.
  2. A gravel track drops about 60 m to the north shore, past the kiosk and the raft jetty, and you head west.
  3. At the western end of the lake, where the Rifflbach flows in, are wetlands with cotton grass. According to tirol.tl this is the most beautiful spot on the loop.
  4. Along the south shore you reach the Riffelseehütte above the lake and are back at the Sunna Alm in 15 minutes.

Good to know

Raft on the lake

In July and August a raft crosses the lake (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday at 10:30 and 13:30). It costs extra.

Altitude

The lake lies above 2,200 m. Bring a jacket even in summer.

With the card

The Pitztal Sommer Card covers one lift or the XP Adventure Park each day. The other partners and buses are included every day.

Why “easy”

Blue trail: wide paths, gentle climbs.

Trip FAQ

Is the lift free with the Pitztal Sommer Card?

Yes. Included with the Pitztal Sommer Card: Rifflseebahn up and down. Without the card it costs €34 per adult and €20 per child (children born 2011–2017), so a family of 2 + 2 saves €108.

Who is this trip suitable for?

Older children, seniors, experienced hikers. Blue trail: wide paths, gentle climbs.

How long is the trip?

3.0 km, 63 m up and 64 m down, 1 h of walking. Route type: loop.

How do I get the Pitztal Sommer Card?

One cable car a day including two glaciers (up to 3,440 m), buses and plenty of attractions, paid for with a nightly fee at partner accommodation. How to get the Pitztal Sommer Card

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