foaming, bubbling, rippling: the WildeWasserWeg

It bubbles, foams, splashes and gurgles. The view into the depths of the Ruetz Cataract is a promising prelude to the WildenWasserWeg, which winds its way in three stages from the babbling mountain stream over two levels to the glacier landscape of the Sulzenauferner. A path that makes it possible to experience the precious commodity of water and at the same time leads through an impressive mountain landscape in the Stubai Valley.

The healthy spray from the Grawa waterfall

We start the hike with mixed weather forecasts at the Ranalt quarry, where an art installation vividly depicts the three stages of the trail and their distinctive waymarks. For us, the tour is not just pure pleasure, but a “performance test” for the planned hike to the Rinnenspitze. In order to take a look at our fitness level, mountain guide Robert is going to the wooded area today. Only rarely does it go below the tree line.

The first stage of the WildenWasserWeg leads in just under 3.5 kilometers from the roaring water in the Ruetz cataract along the peacefully flowing Ruetzbach via the Tschangelair Alm to the imposing Grawa waterfall. With a width of 85 metres, the Grawa Waterfall is the widest waterfall in the Eastern Alps and at the same time the highlight of the WildenWasserWeg. The spray has been medically proven to have a health-promoting effect. The information board in front of the waterfall also promises a “rejuvenating” effect. As a precaution, I take a deep breath of the air saturated with water droplets. Afterwards we follow the steep path uphill along the waterfall, which offers spectacular views of the spraying spray at two points.

A valley basin with a view of the glacier

The second stage of the WildenWasserWeg leads in 4 kilometres and around 650 metres in altitude from the Grawa waterfall over the plateau of the Sulzenegg up to the Sulzenau hut at over 2,000 m above sea level. After the first steep ascent, the plateau offers a welcome breather and an impressive view of the valley basin. On all sides, the water plunges over rugged rock faces down into the valley and collects in the meandering Ruetzbach.

We stop briefly at the Sulzenau Alm to admire the wood carvings of the Almwirt. Every single chair has been turned into funny character heads. In the meantime, Robert has convinced himself that we are bringing Pfupf with us, and wants to march on directly to the Sulzenau hut, which is enthroned high above the Sulzenaufall. Although the weather is not on our side on this day, the sun flashes between the clouds the moment we pass the Sulzenaufall and makes the almost 200 meters of vertically falling water glitter wonderfully.

Up to the Eagle’s Nest

For the next 60 minutes, it’s time to take another breath. But the effort is rewarded. To the left and right of the hiking trail, the alpine roses bloom in all their glory and the panorama is reason enough to pause from time to time and enjoy the view in amazement. Unfortunately, the onset of sunshine is short-lived. The third and last stage of the WildenWasserWeg leads from the Sulzenauhütte over the Blue Lacke through a moraine landscape to the Sulzenauferner. This is where the tens of millions of water droplets are stored in order to reach the sea on a wild ride from the mountain stream to the sea after hundreds of years. On this day, the glacier stubbornly hides behind the clouds. So, after a detour to the Blue Lacke, we stop at the Sulzenauhütte for a well-deserved portion of Kaiserschmarrn. On the way, Robert came to the conclusion that we were fit enough for the Seven Summits. Thumbs up for the adventure of the gutter peak the following day.

Hiking holidays in the Stubai Valley

The Stubai Valley is located southeast of Innsbruck and can be easily reached from Zurich by Railjet in about 4.5 hours with a single change in Innsbruck. As a hotel guest, you receive the Stubai Super Card, which includes one-time free use of numerous mountain railways as well as discounted admission to various attractions. We stayed at the Aktiv- und Vitalhotel Bergcristal. A classic Tyrolean four-star hotel with a beautiful, newly made wellness area. Otherwise rather “unagitated”.

I like how the mountains, the water and the panorama are skilfully staged in the Stubai. The Seven Summits as well as the WildeWasserWeg or the “Top of Tyrol” viewing platform are unique attractions that focus on the individual mountain experience. No “over-staging” but simply inspiring hiking routes with beautiful background stories.

Our stay in the Stubai Valley was supported by the Stubai Tourist Board. As always, all impressions/opinions are my own.