Spronser Lakes Circuit – Route from Vellau

Starting point

Leiter Alm mountain hut (approx. 1,552 m)

End point

Leiter Alm mountain hut

Leiter Alm mountain hut – Hochganghaus mountain hut – Hochgangscharte – Spronser Lakes – Oberkaser mountain hut– Pfitscher Schartl – Taufenscharte – Leiter Alm mountain hut

From Leiter Alm mountain hut, follow the Merano High Mountain Trail Nr. 24 to the Hochganghaus mountain hut (1,839 m). Here turn right onto trail 7 and climb steeply to the Hochgangscharte (2,441 m) – an exposed section suitable only for experienced hikers.

From the pass continue towards the Spronser Lakes (short detour possible to the Milchseen), then along the Langsee lake to the Grünsee lake.

Descend on trail 6 into the Spronser valley to the Oberkaser mountain hut(2,131 m). Turn right onto trail 22, passing the Mückenlacke lake and Pfitscherlacke lake , then climb moderately to the Taufenscharte (2,230 m).

A steep descent with switchbacks leads back down to Leiter Alm, completing the circuit.

Sure-footedness and a head for heights are essential.

Did you know?

At the Pfitscher Schartl (approx. 2,130 m), located shortly after the Pfitscherlacke lake near Oberkaser mountain hut, hikers pass through a unique Bronze Age cult site.

In 1933, painter Josef Tscholl discovered more than 1,300 cup marks on 40 stone slabs, some arranged within the remains of a pentagon-shaped stone structure.

Particularly well known are:

• the Cult Stone (169 cup marks)
• the Sun Stone (186 cup marks, especially striking in morning light)
• the Star Stone, whose markings may have astronomical significance

Their exact meaning remains uncertain. They may have served ritual purposes, been offering sites or even early astronomical calendars.