Sprons Lakes - Natural jewel above Meran
In the Texel Group Nature Park, ten lakes lie between 2,117 m and 2,589 m above sea level in the midst of a magnificent mountain landscape, forming the largest high alpine group of lakes in South Tyrol – the “Spronser Seenplatte” or Sprons lake plateau. On a hike to the mountain lakes, there are always views of breathtaking beauty.
Facts & figures about the lake district
At 2,500 m above sea level there are the ten lakes Spronser, the largest alpine lakes.
Tourismusverein Algund - Daniela Prossliner- Location: Texel Group Nature Park, above Meran, South Tyrol
- Number: 10 high alpine mountain lakes
- Altitude: between 2,117 m and 2,589 m above sea level
- Largest lake: Langsee with a length of approx. 1 km long and almost 300 m wide
- Formation: formed by glacial movements
- Special features: largest high alpine lake plateau in the Eastern Alps
- Accessibility: only accessible on foot; popular destination for challenging hikes
- Italian name: Laghi di Sopranes
Valuable water reservoir
Picturesque lake plateau in the heart of Texel Group Nature Park.
YouTube - MeranobellaThe Sprons lake plateau lies north-west of Dorf Tirol in the heart of the Texel Group, which is part of the Ötztal Alps. The Texel Group Nature Park is characterised by its abundance of water: In addition to numerous lakes and ponds, there are also high-altitude moors with fascinating flora and fauna.
The ten Sprons Lakes are located in depressions of glacial origin. There used to be even more lakes, but the smaller ones have silted up over the millennia. The largest lake is Langsee, situated at an altitude of 2,377 metres, with a length of around 1 km and a width of almost 300 metres. A real gem is the slightly lower, almost circular Grünsee. The Sprons Lakes also make an important contribution to the drinking water supply of the town of Meran.
Circular hike to the Sprons Lakes
This nostalgic basket lift takes you from Vellau up to the Leiter Alm hut at 1,550 metres above sea level.
Internet ConsultingThere are several ways to start a circular tour to the Sprons Lakes. One variant leads from Pfelders via the Faltschnalalm and the Spronser Joch. On another route, a basket lift takes hikers from Vellau up to the Leiteralm. From there, you first hike to the Hochgang refuge and then on to the Hochgangscharte. A third option is to start at the Hochmuth cable car near Dorf Tirol.
All the options are as rewarding as they are challenging. The best view of the mountain lakes shimmering in different shades of green and blue can be enjoyed from the summit of the Spronser Rötelspitze. The tours run along well-marked high-altitude paths and require surefootedness, but reward you with unforgettable nature experiences at over 2,000 metres above sea level.
The lakes of the Sprons group of lakes
- Kasersee
- Pfitscher Lacke
- Mückenlacke - the smallest lake
- Grünsee
- Langsee - the largest lake
- Schwarzsee
- Schiefersee
- Kesselsee
- Kleiner Milchsee
- Großer Milchsee
Activities around the lake plateau
Hikers on the Meran high mountain trail are rewarded with fantastic views of the mountains of Meran and environs.
Internet ConsultingThe plateau is a fantastic destination for ambitious mountain hikers who want to discover crystal-clear lakes on well-marked trails through the high alpine landscape of the Texel Group Nature Park. In addition to the sporting challenge, there are numerous opportunities along the way to take photos, rest on mountain pastures and enjoy the impressive mountain scenery.
Hiking & mountaineering
The lakes can be reached via various hiking trails, including challenging routes such as the ascent via the Hochganghaus or the path over the Spronser Joch. The Meran High Mountain Trail also passes nearby and allows for multi-day tours with spectacular views.
Nature observation & photography
As part of the Texel Group Nature Park, the Alpine lakes are a paradise for nature observers. Here you can experience rare alpine plants and animals in their natural environment. The clear air and the special light in the mountains offer ideal conditions for landscape and nature photography. The reflections of the mountains in the lakes are particularly impressive.
Getting there
The characteristic alpine farms are located on the sunny slopes of Mutspitze mountain and offer important testimony to the rural culture in South Tyrol.
TV Dorf Tirol/Frieder BlickleThe Sprons Lakes can only be reached on foot, but there are several starting points:
- Dorf Tirol: The Hochmuth cable car takes you to the mountain station, from where hiking trails lead to the lakes.
- Vellau: The basket lift takes hikers to the Leiteralm, a good starting point for the Spronser Lakes circuit.
- Pfelders: From here you can hike to the lakes via the Spronser Joch.
Buses take visitors from Meran to Dorf Tirol, Vellau and Pfelders.
Other places in the area
- Dorf Tirol: Charming village with Tirol Castle and panoramic views.
- Meran: Spa town with thermal baths, gardens and historical flair.
- Partschins: Famous for the Partschins waterfall and the typewriter museum.
- Texel Group Nature Park House in Naturns: Information centre about the flora, fauna and geology of the park.
- Hochganghaus: Refuge and starting point for hikes to the mountain lakes.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a hike to the Sprons Lakes take?
Depending on the starting point and route, the hike takes between 4 and 8 hours.
Are the hiking trails to the Sprons Lakes challenging?
Yes, the trails are categorised as moderate to difficult and require surefootedness and a good level of fitness.
Are there refreshment stops along the hiking trails?
Yes, huts such as the Hochganghaus and the Bockerhütte offer catering and accommodation.
Images
Picturesque lake plateau in the heart of Texel Group Nature Park.
YouTube - Meranobella
At 2,500 m above sea level there are the ten lakes Spronser, the largest alpine lakes.
Tourismusverein Algund - Daniela Prossliner
The 10 Spronser lakes are located at 2,500 m, being the largest alpine lake district.
TV Dorf Tirol/Kurt FasoltSelected accommodations in Meran and environs
- Close to Meran
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- Organic restaurant
- Enchanting location with a view of Meran
- Garden with swimming pool
- Spacious and comfortable rooms
- Rich breakfast buffet
- Endless activities in the surrounding area
- Luxurious apartments
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