The trail to the Sulzenauhütte in the Stubai Valley is one of the most rewarding hikes in the Austrian Alps. Two waterfalls, alpine meadows, dramatic mountain scenery, an authentic mountain hut, and the turquoise waters of the Blaue Lacke make the hike to the Sulzenau hut an unforgettable adventure.
Sulzenauhütte Hike Basics
| Location | Stubai Valley, Tyrol, Austria |
| Duration | 2 – 2,5 hours ascent, 1,75 hours descent |
| Elevation gain | 745 m |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Overnight | Sulzenauhütte |
| Best months for hike | Late June to September |
The hiking trail to the Sulzenauhütte follows the Wilde Wasser Weg (Wild Water Trail) in the Stubai Alps in Tyrol. The route stays close to water for much of the ascent, taking in the Grawa Waterfall and the Sulzenau Waterfall before reaching the hut.
Getting to the Trailhead & Parking Lot
By Car
From the A13 Brenner motorway, take the Schönberg im Stubaital exit and follow the B183 Stubaital Straße up the valley for about 27 km (roughly 30 minutes) to the parking area at Grawa Alm, the recommended starting point for this hike. A free car park is also available a little further up the valley at the Sulzenauhütte bus stop, though summer spaces here fill quickly.
By Public Transport
Regiobus lines 590–593 run from Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof through Schönberg up the Stubai Valley to the Stubaier Gletscher terminus, stopping at both Grawa Alm and Sulzenauhütte. From late June to mid-September buses run every 15 minutes between Schönberg and Mutterberg. Guests with a valid Stubai guest card (Gästekarte) travel free within the valley. Check the current timetable on stubai.at or the VVT app before you travel, as services and fares can change seasonally.
Alternative Ways to Join the Trail
From the Tschangelair Alm – This traditional mountain hut restaurant is directly next to the main road and on the Wilde Wasser Weg. The hiking trail, about 2,2 km downstream of the Grawa waterfall, starts on the right bank of the Ruetz cataract. You reach the waterfall after about 45 minutes and a 120 m climb.
From the Grawa Alm – The waterfall is in plain sight of the Grawa Alm, the like-named restaurant next to the main road. Simply follow the hiking trail from the restaurant for about 10 minutes.
Our Sulzenauhütte Hike Experience
We´ve hiked to the Sulzenau Hut twice with visiting family. It´s one of the best things to do in Stubai in summer. Once we enjoyed a two-day adventure which included an overnight stay and once we did a day hike.
Here is a short description of what to expect along the way.
Sulzenau Hut Car Park
We began our hike at the parking area next to the bus stop above the Grawa Alm. Parking here is still free, but you need to be early to find an open spot. Rather than heading directly uphill, we first walked down to one of the highlights of the valley.
Grawa Waterfall
The Grawa Waterfall is one of the widest waterfalls in the Eastern Alps. Take a few minutes to explore the viewing platforms before beginning the climb. This is also a good place to refill water bottles if needed.
Climb to the Sulzenaualm
Hiking almost to the top of the Grawa waterfall before turning away towards the Sulzenegg basin, is the steepest part of the trail. Fortunately, there are many beautiful distractions. Several viewing platforms invite you to rest, while the fern forests and green moss under the trees is something to marvel at. Hiking is made easier by wooden stairs on uneven, muddy parts.
You know the hardest part of the trail is almost behind you when the path stops winding. By now, the Stubai valley is far below. After a last bend, there is a wooden gate blocking the way. What lies behind, is a vista that will make you stop to catch your breath for a different reason than being tired. Just take a moment to let your eyes roam over pastures, cliffs and waterfalls.
About halfway along the Sulzenegg basin, the Sulzenaualm makes for a welcome stop. Don´t forget to take a closer look at the unique hand-carved wood sculptures that forms part of the furniture. We treated ourselves to the most delicious fresh liver dumplings here on our way to the Sulzenau Hut. Check the alm’s website for current opening times and what’s on the menu before you set off.
Sulzenaualm to Sulzenau Waterfall
The Sulzenegg basin isn’t very long. Without the stop at the Sulzenaualm, you can cross it in 15 minutes. From the alm, the next stop is the foot of the Sulzenau Waterfall. If you let your eyes follow it all the way to the top, you will see the Sulzenauhütte perching above.
Sulzenau Waterfall to Sulzenauhütte
From the waterfall, the hiking trail swerves off to the right, winding its way through diverse vegetation, including the biggest variety of wild flowers I’ve seen on a hike. The Sulzenauhütte is reached in about 1,5 hours after leaving the Sulzenau Alm.
The Sulzenau Hut
Sulzenauhütte (2,191 m) is an Austrian Alpine Club hut above the Sulzenaualm. It is one of eight huts along the Stubai High Trail. Opening dates, room types and booking arrangements are seasonal, so check the hut’s official website before planning an overnight stay.
Sulzenau Hut Key Info
| Altitude | 2,191 m |
| Hut type | Austrian Alpine Club (ÖAV) hut, part of the Stubai High Trail |
| Season | Roughly late June to early October (check the before planning) |
| Rooms | Double rooms, 4-bed rooms (bunk), 6-bed rooms and larger dormitories. |
| Check-In | From 15:00 to 17:00 |
| Overnight price | Varies by room type, season and Alpine Club membership. Starts at €30 per person in a double room with Alpine Club membership. |
| Meals & times | Breakfast 06:30–08:00 (pre-order the day before). Dinner served at 18:00. Lunch is a la carte. |
| Shower | €1 token for 2-3 minutes of hot water. |
| Booking | Via the hut’s official website. Reserve ahead, especially for weekends and school holidays. |
| Payment method | Cash only |
The hut is in a prime position overlooking the valley basin with the Sulzenau Alm far below. In the opposite direction, numerous trails lead to various other natural highlights. The crystal clear Sulzenau river rushes right past the hut – so loud you must close your bedroom window to get some sleep.
What is the first thing to do when reaching a hut after climbing almost 700m in altitude? Order a beer. The second thing? Take off your hiking boots. (This doesn’t apply to kids. They were way ahead of us, dropped their backpacks outside the hut and dashed off to some snow in the distance.)
The beers on the sun terrace of the Sulzenauhütte while taking in the views toward the Stubai glacier in the distance was a satisfying end to the first day of our hike. Not long after, we were chased inside by a mighty thunderstorm.
Eating & Drinking at Sulzenau Hut
Our first taste of the culinary offerings of the Sulzenauhütte was freshly baked Apfelstrudel in a custard sauce and Kaiserschmarrn (thick pancake pieces) with apple sauce. Absolutely delicious.
Given its isolated mountain location, the menu is quite extensive. For dinner, most of us opted for the substantial schnitzel with potatoe, while Mattheus had a platter with bread and cheese. It was so filling, we abandoned plans to have more Kaiserschmarrn.
Dining Hours
Dinner is served at 18:00. Afterwards, you may stick around in the “stube” (dining room) until 22:00 when the quiet hours start. We played games before retiring to our room at about 20:30.
Breakfast is served from 06:30 to 08:00 and must be ordered the day before. It´s a basic breakfast – a few slices of bread with butter, marmalade, cheese, and ham. The coffee and hot chocolate is excellent.
Rooms
We booked a 4-bed room (2 bunk beds) as well as a double room in the annex, which was the only room where Jenga the dog was allowed. There are also 6-bed rooms and larger dormitories. The rooms in the main building all have spectacular views.
Duvet inners, blankets and cushions are provided. You must take your own sleeping bag inner (hüttenschlafsack).
Having to pay €1 for a shower coin which gives you 2 to 3 minutes of hot water, was a first for us. However, going to bed clean after sweating up two hills was worth every penny. Besides, 3 minutes is more than enough time even for washing your hair. If need be, you can stop the water (and time) for shampooing and soaping. Both the showers and the toilets were spotlessly clean.
We had no plug in our room to charge our camera and phone batteries. However, there were a few in the passage and one in the bathroom which we could use. Our room had a small wooden table and a big box shelf unit to put our stuff in.
Insider Tip
No hiking shoes are allowed in the dormitory area. You must leave them downstairs where there is quite a handy drying room. Packing a pair of slippers or slops to use in the bedroom and bathrooms is a good idea.
Things to Do Around the Sulzenauhütte
Hike to the Blaue Lacke
After breakfast at the Sulzenauhütte, follow the signed third stage of the Wilde Wasser Weg uphill towards the Sulzenauferner. The route passes glacially shaped rock, moraine scenery and small turquoise lakes before reaching Blaue Lacke. Allow about 1½ hours one way and roughly 350 metres of ascent from the hut. Return by the same route for a relaxed half-day outing.
Blaue Lacke is a glacial lake, not a swimming spot. Its colour and water level can vary with meltwater, weather and season. Check conditions at the hut before setting out, carry warm and waterproof layers, and turn back if visibility deteriorates. Hikers with more time can continue towards the foot of the Sulzenauferner, but should treat that as a higher-alpine extension rather than a casual family stroll.
From the Blaue Lacke we took the same route back past the Sulzenauhütte and the Sulzenaualm. However, instead of descending into the valley next to the Grawa Waterfall, we took the alternative route back to the the car.
Climbing
Rock climbers will find many opportunities to practice their skills around the hut. There is also a flying fox over the Sulzenau river directly beside the hut. Those who like to hike to or climb Alpine summits can reach quite a few from the Sulzenauhütte, including the Großer Trögler (2,902 m) and the Zuckerhütl (3,507 m), the highest of the Stubai Alps.
Multi-Day Hiking
Walking to other overnight huts is popular among outdoor adventurers hiking in Austria. Those within range include the Dresdner Hut and the Nürnberger Hut. They are all along what is called the Stubai Höhenweg (Stubai High Trail). It’s not unlike the Tour du Mont Blanc trail in France, another great family-friendly multi-day hike in Europe.
Unwind at the Grawa Alm
To celebrate the completion of the hike to the Sulzenauhütte and back, a final meal and drink at the Grawa Alm overlooking the like-named waterfall is highly recommended. The Tiroler Gröstl (fried potatoes with roast beef and bacon topped with a fried egg) tastes great, and the prices are very reasonable.
Tips for a Successful Hike
- Start early to secure a parking spot at Grawa Alm or catch an early bus, especially in peak summer.
- Book your hut bed and dinner well in advance, particularly for weekends and school holidays.
- Pack a hut sleeping bag liner (Hüttenschlafsack) and coins for the shower token – both are easy to forget.
- Refill water bottles at the Grawa Waterfall on the way up.
- Order breakfast the evening before at the hut.
- Wear proper hiking boots and pack layered, waterproof clothing – alpine weather can change fast above 2,000 m.
- Check the hut’s current tariff, opening dates and trail conditions on its official website before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sulzenau Hut hike suitable for families?
Yes, for active families with children who are used to sustained uphill walking and uneven mountain paths. The first day is long and steep in places, while the Blaue Lacke extension adds more ascent at high altitude. Build in time for waterfall stops and weather changes, keep children close near water and exposed terrain, and choose the overnight stay rather than attempting the route as a rushed day hike.
How long does the hike to the Sulzenauhütte take?
From the Grawa Alm parking area, most families take around 3 to 4 hours to reach the hut, depending on fitness and how many stops you make at the waterfall and alpine pastures along the way. Many visitors choose to stay overnight and hike back down the next day rather than doing it all in one day.
Do I need to reserve a bed at the Sulzenauhütte in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially on weekends and during school holidays when the hut fills up quickly. You can reserve directly through the hut’s official website, and it’s worth pre-ordering breakfast for the next morning at the same time.
Can I reach the trailhead by public transport?
Yes, Regiobus lines 590 to 593 run from Innsbruck through Schönberg up the Stubai Valley and stop at both Grawa Alm and the Sulzenauhütte bus stop, with buses every 15 minutes during peak summer season. It’s a convenient alternative to driving up and finding parking.
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I’m planning to do his without sleeping in sulzenauhutte with kids. How long does it takes bus stop – sulzenaualm(not hutte) – bus stop.Is it too long to do round trip for kids?