Dead Lake, Dead Church, Dead Ridge
Easy summit tour with a bit of history and deckchairs by the lake
Start directly from Stöffl into this easy adventure, which might sound a bit like a horror movie but is actually just beautiful! You'll head up to the Totenrücken (Dead Ridge), passing the Totensee (Dead Lake) and the Totenkirchl (Dead Church). Don't worry, no zombies here, just breathtaking views and maybe a few happy hikers. So, rest assured, only boredom dies here! The Totenkirchl was built by hand in the 16th century by diligent miners from the Sarntal valley and lovingly restored in the 80s. At the Totensee, you can feel like kings and queens of relaxation and let your soul dangle on the wooden loungers. And from the Totensee, it's really just a stone's throw to the Totenrücken. The names aren't as morbid as they sound: the term "tot" (dead) simply means that no useful crops grow on this soil – for farmers, this earth was "not alive". But for us hikers, it's vibrant and beautiful! And if that explanation isn't enough for you, think of the GDR: they have a dish called "Tote Oma" (Dead Grandma), which is said to taste quite good.
This hike is wonderfully suitable for families with children and is also a highlight in winter.
Important details:
Length: approx. 4.2 km
Altitude Difference: approx. 130 m