Stage 8: the Kieler Trail & Riffler Trail

Niederelbe Hütte – Diasalpe – Schmalzgrubenscharte – Schmalzgrubenseen – Edmund Graf Hütte

From Niederelbehütte lodge, the trail runs to Obere Seßladalpe and further downhill along the picturesque Kieler Trail. It leads you through Kappl ski area and across Diasalpe, which offers splendid views. Passing by the Alblittköpfe and Lattejoch mountainsides, a very steep and demanding ascent takes you up to Schmalzgrubenscharte at 2,697 metres above sea level. From there, continue towards the northern slope of the mountain range. A downhill trail leads you to the romantic Schmalzgruben lakes, where you can take a well-deserved break right by the lakeshore. After the lakes, continue downhill along „Riffler Trail” to get to the end of the stage. Edmund- Graf-Hütte lodge and the pertaining small lake are located at 2,375 metres above sea level, perched against the spurs of Hoher Riffler mountain.

Our tip: Time and weather permitting, you can climb up to Hoher Riffler at 3,168 metres above sea level from Edmund-Graf-Hütte (walking time: approx. 2.5 h from hut to summit). From the top, you enjoy stunning views of the Paznaun valley, Stanzer valley and the Oberinntal.

Getting to and around the Paznaun valley | Region Paznaun – Ischgl
 

Parking in Galtür, Ischgl, Kappl & See | Region Paznaun – Ischgl


 

Buses in the Paznaun valley | Region Paznaun – Ischgl