Highlight • Lake
Blue Tarn
Hiking
5.0
(239)
Mountaineering
5.0
(33)
Blaue Lacke, German for "Blue Puddle" or "Blue Lake," is a stunning high-alpine lake nestled in the Stubai Alps of Tyrol, Austria. Situated at an elevation of approximately 2324 meters, this natural monument is renowned for its vibrant turquoise waters and picturesque surroundings within the scenic Stubaital valley, near Innsbruck. It lies north-east of the Wilder Pfaff peak and just southwest of the popular Sulzenauhütte mountain refuge.
What truly captivates visitors to Blaue Lacke is its serene beauty and the…
Tips
July 31, 2020
Hiking
•August 16, 2020
Hiking
•Sign up for a free komoot account to get 17 more insider tips and takes.
Sign up for free
Nearby routes
Best routes near Blue Tarn
4.9
(407)
2,129
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.7
(6)
66
hikers
6.03km
03:04
470m
470m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4.9
(317)
1,585
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Details
Informations
Elevation 2,320 m
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Tuesday 10 March
-6°C
-11°C
17 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 7.0 km/h
Most visited during
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the elevation of Blaue Lacke and what kind of terrain can I expect on the hike?
Blaue Lacke is situated at an elevation of approximately 2,289 to 2,294 meters above sea level. The terrain around the lake is typical alpine, characterized by granite boulders and high-altitude vegetation. While the hike, especially from the Sulzenauhütte, is considered relatively short and pleasant, sturdy footwear is highly recommended due to the uneven, rocky paths.
Are there specific landmarks or viewpoints around Blaue Lacke that I should look out for?
Beyond the stunning lake itself, you'll find numerous Steinmännchen (stone cairns) scattered around the area, adding a unique, almost mystical ambiance. These cairns are often built by hikers and are a notable feature. For panoramic views, the immediate surroundings of the lake offer excellent photographic opportunities of the turquoise water against the rugged alpine backdrop.
What are the parking options and public transport access for Blaue Lacke?
Access to Blaue Lacke typically involves reaching the Stubaital valley first. For parking, you would usually drive to a trailhead further down the valley, such as the one leading to the Sulzenauhütte, and then hike up. Specific parking areas like the one at the Grawa Alm or the Sulzenaualm are common starting points. Public transport options include buses that run through the Stubaital, connecting various villages and trailheads, making it possible to reach starting points without a car.
Is Blaue Lacke suitable for a winter visit, or is it only accessible in warmer months?
While the intro highlights warmer months for hiking, visiting Blaue Lacke in winter presents a different challenge. The area becomes snow-covered, and trails can be difficult or dangerous due to snow and ice. Access might be restricted, and specialized winter hiking equipment (snowshoes, crampons) and experience are essential. It's generally recommended for experienced winter hikers only, and conditions should be checked thoroughly before attempting a winter visit.
Is the trail to Blaue Lacke family-friendly or dog-friendly?
The hike to Blaue Lacke, particularly the section from the Sulzenauhütte, is often considered manageable for families with older children who are accustomed to alpine hiking. For younger children, the elevation gain and rocky terrain might be challenging. Dogs are generally welcome on trails in the Stubai Alps, but they should be kept on a leash, especially in areas with grazing livestock or wildlife. Always ensure your dog is fit enough for the alpine environment and carry enough water for them.
Are there any cafes, restaurants, or accommodation options near Blaue Lacke?
Blaue Lacke itself is a high-alpine lake without direct amenities. However, the nearby Sulzenauhütte mountain refuge, located about 500 meters southwest, offers food, drinks, and overnight accommodation during the hiking season. Further down in the Stubaital valley, you'll find a wide range of cafes, restaurants, and hotels in villages like Neustift im Stubaital or Fulpmes.
How long does it typically take to hike to Blaue Lacke?
The hiking time to Blaue Lacke depends on your starting point. From the Sulzenauhütte, it's a relatively short detour, often taking around 15-30 minutes one way. If you're starting from the valley, for example, from the Grawa Alm parking area, the hike to the Sulzenauhütte and then to Blaue Lacke can be a half-day or full-day excursion, typically ranging from 2.5 to 4 hours one way, depending on your pace and fitness level.
Can I swim in Blaue Lacke, and what is the water temperature like?
While the water of Blaue Lacke is famously icy-cold due to its glacial origin and high-alpine location, some brave visitors do enjoy a quick, refreshing dip. It's not a designated swimming spot, and there are no facilities. Be prepared for extremely cold temperatures, even on warm summer days, and exercise caution if you decide to enter the water.
What are some alternative or less crowded trails near Blaue Lacke?
Blaue Lacke is a highlight along the popular Wilde Wasser Weg (Wild Water Trail). If you're looking for less crowded options, consider exploring other sections of the Wilde Wasser Weg that might be less frequented, or venture onto trails that lead to higher, more remote peaks or other smaller tarns in the Stubai Alps. Consulting a detailed hiking map of the region can reveal numerous alternative routes.
What is the geological history behind Blaue Lacke's formation?
Blaue Lacke is a relatively recent geological formation, a product of climate change and glacial retreat following the last ice age. It was formed by the melting of the Sulzenau Glacier (Sulzenauferner) and is dammed by the glacier's moraine from around 1850. The lake's vibrant blue color is often attributed to glacial flour—fine rock particles suspended in the water—reflecting the blue spectrum of light.
Are there any circular routes that include Blaue Lacke?
Yes, Blaue Lacke can be incorporated into several circular hiking routes. A common approach is to start from the valley, hike up to the Sulzenauhütte, visit Blaue Lacke, and then continue on a different path back down to the valley, perhaps via another hut or a different section of the Wilde Wasser Weg. Many hikers combine it with a loop that explores the upper Sulzenau valley before descending. You can find various route suggestions on hiking platforms.
What makes the water of Blaue Lacke so distinctly turquoise?
The striking turquoise color of Blaue Lacke's water is primarily due to glacial flour. This refers to extremely fine rock particles, ground down by glacial erosion, that remain suspended in the water. When sunlight hits these particles, they scatter the blue and green wavelengths of light, giving the lake its characteristic vibrant hue. The intensity of the color can vary depending on the light conditions, cloud cover, and the amount of glacial meltwater flowing into the lake.