Zirmtalsee + Zirmtalalm (South Tyrol)

Lake Zirmtalsee - an idyllic mountain lake with blue, crystal-clear water in Val Venosta. The lake is surrounded by numerous stone pines, from which it gets its name. Right next to it is the Zirmtaler Alm, which was awarded the most beautiful alpine pasture in South Tyrol in 2014. A wonderful spot to linger and soak up the sun!

• Start: Schartegg parking lot (above Castelbello)
• Destination: Lake Zirmtalsee + Zirmtal Alm
• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
• Signposts: No. 9, No. 18
• Trail length: approx. 8 km (ascent and descent)
• Walking time: approx. 1 hour 45 minutes (ascent), 1 hour (descent)
• Altitude difference: approx. 655 m
• Altitude of destination: 2,114 m above sea level
• Refreshment stops: Zirmtaler Alm
• Experienced: End of May 2020

Drive to the starting point

Since the lake is quite well known among South Tyroleans and tourists, it's worth getting up early. One reason to start our hiking tour at 8 in the morning.

It's a sunny day. Although it's still pleasantly cool so early, we know it will get warm later.

We drive towards Val Venosta. At the junction to Tschars, we turn left and cross the railway tracks and the Adige river.

A single-lane asphalt, forest road leads us past the village of Tomberg and up the mountain. Even now, you can enjoy the view of Val Venosta.

Note: The forest road is less suitable for cars with low ground clearance, as it is stony and uneven. In that case, it is better to park your car about 1 km before the Schartegg parking lot.

Start of the tour

We drive up to the Schartegg parking lot. From there we begin our ascent on foot.

We follow trail no. 9, which leads us through the wonderfully beautiful forest.

At a green meadow, where a beautiful natural stream flows past, trail no. 18 crosses. We continue there.

The connection with nature is incredible. Already, you can feel the peace and idyll that this place brings.

The hike, which was quite easy at first, turns out to be a bit steeper for the last 20 minutes, but that's no reason to turn back.

Arrived at the lake and the alm

After we also managed this part, we spotted the Zirmtalalm at around 10 am and right behind it the beautiful Zirmtalsee. The hike takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. It is also well suited for families, but not with strollers, as the path is quite stony and sometimes a bit steep.

Not to be overlooked are the green stone pines, which gave the Zirmtal its name (Did you know that Zirm is the dialect term for stone pines?). They surround the crystal-clear, dark blue mountain lake and make the place appear magical. Numerous small rivers flow into it. In late summer, fishermen also love to come here.

Our tip: Just 5 minutes behind the lake you will find another idyllic oasis with ponds, moors and panoramic views of the surrounding mountain peaks.

The Zirmtalalm offers a place to stop for refreshments and invites hikers to linger and recharge their batteries with delicious South Tyrolean specialties, such as dumplings or goulash, on its sun terrace. Unfortunately, there is no Kaiserschmarrn.

Return path

After we too relaxed and rested by the lake, at 1 p.m. we returned the same way to the Schartegg parking lot, which we reached around 2 p.m.

Conclusion

The hike to Lake Zirmtalsee was very pleasant. Unfortunately, the tour is not suitable for families with strollers, as the path is partly very stony and steep.

The lake is a wonderful idyllic place to switch off, and the nearby Zirmtal Alm offers refreshment stops for lingering and enjoying.

We will be back! :-)

Anna & Tristan