Schwarzsee – Riepenspitze (2,774 m)

This hike takes in one of the most beautiful lakes in East Tirol, a mighty mountain peak, a pretty traditional village and plenty of wooden huts. All in all, hikers will be walking for seven hours and must be both fit and sure-footed to complete the mountain ascent. However, all that hard work is certainly worth it. The views which await at the top of the 2,774m Riepenspitze are spectacular and stretch all the way to the Sexten Dolomites, Hochgall, Venediger Mountains and Glockner Mountains.
This hike begins at the Unterstalleralm in Innervillgraten (1,664 metres). From the small chapel, hikers cross the Arntaler Bach stream and continue along the steep trail number 15 to the Restlangarten with its stone cattle shelter surrounded by fields of mountain roses (2,241 metres). From here, hikers stay left and wind their way up along several switchbacks to the sparkling Schwarzsee lake (2,455 metres) hidden from sight. The path to the Riepenspitze mountain passes along the right-hand side of the lake and then turns off left. Stone steps, mighty rocks, small ponds and the Hintere Gsieser Lenke all feature as walkers make their way to the northern ridge of the Riepenspitze mountain. The final section of the ascent then leads up onto the summit with its mighty cross at 2,774 metres above sea level.