The Seven Lakes Tour in Ridnaun Valley: One of the Region's Most Beautiful Hikes

A Hike That Doesn't Hold Back  Let's be upfront: this is not a relaxed afternoon stroll. The classic circular route starts at the BergbauWelt Ridnaun mining museum in Maiern (1,435 m) and covers roughly 20.5 kilometers with about 1,430 meters of elevation gain and loss up to its highest point, the Egetenjoch pass at around 2,700 m. Pure walking time exceeds seven hours, breaks not included. This makes it a demanding full-day tour for fit, experienced hikers, and an early start is essential.

The Seven Lakes

The name says it all: along the way, hikers pass no fewer than seven mountain lakes, sitting at roughly 2,470 to 2,695 meters above sea level — the Moarer and Senner Egetenseen. Highlights include the Middle, Upper, and Lower Moarer Egetensee, the Rear Senner Egetensee, the Great Front Senner Egetsee, the Small Front Egetsee, and the turquoise-blue Trüber See, the seventh and final lake of the loop. Between them lies a terraced, high-alpine lake plateau, one of the most striking landscapes in the southern Stubai Alps.

The Route

From Maiern, the trail leads through the Lazzacher Valley past the Stadlalm and the Poschhaus up to the Moarerbergalm. From there, it continues climbing to the Moarer Egetenseen and over the Egetenjoch pass. On the far side, the trail passes the remaining lakes, crosses the Sandböden (with a few exposed sections secured by cable) and descends to the Grohmannhütte. The descent continues via the Aglsboden and the Aglsbodenalm back to Maiern.

The Shorter Variant With Taxi Support

Hikers who'd like to take it a bit easier can take a shuttle taxi from the BergbauWelt in Maiern up to the Moarerbergalm (2,112 m). This saves around two hours of walking time and about 700 meters of ascent. The shortened variant comes to roughly 15 kilometers and about 6 hours of walking — still a long, moderately difficult mountain hike, but considerably more manageable. Advance booking with the shuttle operator is required; information is available through the Ridnaun Mining Museum.

Refreshment Stops Along the Way

The Grohmannhütte and the Aglsbodenalm offer welcome rest stops along the route. One tip: the Grohmannhütte usually closes in mid to late September, so anyone planning the tour in late summer should check opening times in advance.

What to Bring

For this high-alpine tour, solid equipment is essential: sturdy hiking boots, a wind- and rainproof jacket, sun protection, plenty of food and water, a map or hiking app, a charged phone (note: there's no mobile signal for long stretches), and a first-aid kit. It's also worth checking current weather and trail conditions locally before setting out.

Getting to the Trailhead

The trailhead in Maiern is easily reached from Ratschings via Sterzing and on into the Ridnaun Valley — free parking is available at the BergbauWelt.

Who This Hike Is For

The Seven Lakes Tour is not a route for beginner hikers or families with young children. But for those with experience on long, high-alpine tours and the fitness to match, it rewards with one of South Tyrol's most impressive lake landscapes. For those who prefer something more relaxed, we recommend our family hikes to alpine huts or the gentler trails right in the Ratschings-Jaufen hiking area.