Via the Kaltenbachseen to the Deneck

This attractive alpine tour is also thoroughly recommended as a family hike, especially since we can also tackle it in stages.  Above the Kaltenbachalm, off a sharp bend, is a small P.  From there the trail leads us across the stream and then via a series of switchbacks to the first Kaltenbachsee.  When the rhododendron are in bloom, the hillsides are a single sea of color, with gentian also native to this area as well.  Above the tree line, the trail takes us via an extended mountainside up to the Oberer Kaltenbachsee. Time on trail is a little more than 1 hour.  This lake has a distinctive alpine character, yet is a splendid place to spend some time.  However, the next waypoints are no less enchanting: on the left shoreline, we make our way along a ridgeline and via a rocky outcropping up to a small cirque, also home, of course, to a small tarn which, in early summer, is enchantingly surrounded by marsh marigolds.

Our next waypoint is a stream that sprays out a fine mist, for it is here that the trail takes us over a short, though quite steep rocky shoulder up to the Etrachböden. This is a broad, lovely area of high pastures, serving up glorious panoramic views of the Tauern mountains.  The view of the lakes and Sölkpass road, with its striking curves, both of them deep below, is impressive, clear evidence of how high we have already climbed. Once up here, we’ll want to stay a while; small brooks cut across the meadows, divided by gentle hilltops.  Avid mountaineers will follow the trail along the right-hand crest (unmarked), descending briefly into a hollow, then crossing rugged terrain (marked), ascending on the south-west side to the big summit cross.  We will return the same way.  Poles are a real advantage on this hike – be careful in wet conditions.