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Adlerweg-Etappe 17: Ehrwald – Lorea Hütte
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Picturesque Alpine lakes, spectacular views, knife-edged mountains, and a dizzying array of wildflowers and wonderful groves – this hike is simply gorgeous and a pure nature experience. In Ehrwald follow Moosweg (literally, ‘Moss Trail‘) to Lermoos. Ride Grubigstein Gondola up to Grubigalm Alpine Pasture Hut (elev. 1,720m), effortlessly gaining vertical feet. You’re at the heart of scenic Tiroler Zugspitz Arena here and a gentle stroll up and down dwarf pine fields and old-growth forest takes you to Fern Pass Road. Beautiful Blindsee Lake can be seen glinting through the trees. Follow the ancient Via Claudia Augusta Road, the historic Roman Road that was built 15 BC and bears witness to the fascinating building achievements of the Romans. At Fernstein Castle, a whole new world opens, the Mieming Plateau & Fernpass Lakes Area, a gorgeous and sunny upland plateau epitomizing scenic beauty. But don't be fooled while you contemplate the serenity of nature, it’s still a long journey to Lorea Hütte Hut, the shelter that is your destination. Climbing steeply, the trail furiously works its way up there.
trail description: Trailhead is at Ehrwald between “Grüner Baum” Hotel and Sparmarkt super market: Follow the level, signed (“Moosweg nach Lermoos”) track and walk from Moosbrücke Bridge across Loisach River to the entrance of the village of Lermoos, either on the left or right side of Lussbach Creek. Walk through the village until you reach the base of Grubigstein Gondola. Ride the gondola to Grubigalm Alpine Pasture Hut (elev. 1,720m). Beyond the base of the 6-passenger chair lift, take footpath No. 15 and walk up to an elevation of around 1,750 metres above sea level on a path with easy ups and downs. Then, walk down on a broad footpath through the forest. Now, the route enters thick stands of dwarf pines, offering occasional views of the Blindsee Lake, an aquatic jewel. Some parts of the descent are rather steep. Eventually, the trail breaks into the woods again and emerges onto a forest road which you walk further down. The route continues to Fern Pass Federal Road (“Fernpassbundesstrasse”). Walk next to the road for about 5 minutes, heading to the right towards Fern Pass. North of Fernpass Inn, gently descend on the Roman Road (“Nassereith”, “Via Claudia Augusta”). Bear right at the fork and thereafter descend on the left, heading towards Fernstein and Nassereith, crossing a scree slope. A short distance ahead, you will pass Schanzlsee Lake. Stay on the route for cyclists and walkers after the lake. The Old Roman Road (a short portion of it is a singletrack trail) gently rolls down to Fernstein Castle and Fernstein Castle Hotel.
Continue your descent from Fernstein Castle on the Old Roman Road. After a few metres, the singletrack trail to Lorea Hut branches off to the right into the woods. The route steeply zigzags up through forest right next to a stream. When you break into high meadows and dwarf pine fields, the steep grade lessens. A gentle final climb brings you to Lorea Hut (elev. 2,022m), a cosy self-catering hut nestled southeast of Lorea Peak.
Adlerweg-Etappe 17: Ehrwald – Lorea Hütte
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