OBERGURGL -> SOOMSEE
Moderately difficult mountain path; suitable for sure-footed and experienced mountain hikers.
Good physical condition, mountain experience, and mountain equipment (see equipment) are necessary. Please check the current weather report at: www.oetztal.com/de/sommer.html
Appropriate equipment such as breathable and weather-appropriate outdoor clothing, ankle-high hiking boots, wind, rain, and sun protection, a hat, possibly gloves, is required for all hikes and routes. Carrying a first aid kit, a mobile phone, and possibly a hiking map, as well as sufficient provisions for hikes without the option to stop for refreshments, is necessary.
On path 10, cross the Pirchhütter Ach bridge and turn left after the Loobbach. The path leads in switchbacks along the steep but beautifully vegetated mountainside to the large terrace area of the lake plateau. On the way on the “lake plateau,” you will encounter an extraordinary high-alpine diversity of flowering plants, animals, and various habitats. You pass by many remnants of glaciation, the idyllic lakes and cirques formed from it, with rushing streams. Water is omnipresent here. From Soomsee always southwards, partly flat, partly slightly descending to Lehnerkar and further down to Ramolweg, Küppelealm. From there back to Obergurgl.
Walking time: 5 hours
Travel comfortably and safely by train to the Ötztal train station. The final stop or exit point is the ÖTZTAL station. Then you can travel comfortably and quickly by public transport or local taxi companies throughout the entire valley to your desired destination. The current bus schedule is available at: http://fahrplan.vvt.at.
The following parking options are available in Gurgl:
Parking garage village center Obergurgl (downhill to the right in front of the church), paid | € 2.00 per hour
Parking garage entrance to town – valley station Festkoglbahn, paid | € 6.00 per day
Parking lot Hochgurglbahn valley station, free – no overnight parking
Parking lot Top Mountain Crosspoint, free
Parking lot Hochgurgl, free (very small parking lot)
