Lake Circuit Hike

The crystal-clear Seeberg lakes, nicknamed "Black Lakes" by locals, are nestled on the Sarntal side of the Villanderer Alm, behind the ridge, almost as if hiding from the Eisacktal side. Attention amateur archaeologists. Here you'll breathe not only fresh mountain air but also a bit of 3,000-year-old history! A still open adit and a prehistoric smelting site below the lake indicate copper mining in ancient times.

Directions:

First, you need to get to Totenkirchl. You can find the directions there in the respective tour description. The Totensee (Dead Lake) isn't directly on the path, but a detour is definitely worth it – if only for the comfy loungers. Just head a bit south, following the gentle incline. This mountain lake (2,208 m) seems to be a shy fellow, as it only reveals itself at the very last moment – so don't despair, it will appear! Then, head back to Totenkirchl – and perhaps a quick look inside to get a blessing for a safe tour – then turn left through the gate (don't forget to close it again, otherwise the mountain goats will complain!) and down to the fork in the path near the small Seebergalm below a wayside cross.

Then, turn right towards Prackfiedererjöchl/Gasserhütte 16B. Above the lakes, the path gently descends to the Moar in Ums Alm hut, in an elegant right-hand bend around the Totenrücken to the Prackfiedererjöchl (2,060 m). At the gate at the Jöchl (gate scene, part two!), turn left onto path 16 through the pine scrub (take a deep breath!) and then up to the summit cross of the Totenrücken (2,221 m). From here, you'll have the best view of ... even more mountains, of course!

And then? Well, then you return to the starting point via the same path. Not that we could get lost twice, but who knows what the mountain spirits are up to? So, have fun on your prehistoric hike with lake views!

• Total Length: 14.5 km

• Total Elevation Gain: 670 m