The Sulzkogel – an easy 3000m peak

The Sulzkogel in Kühtai is one of the easier three-thousand-metre peaks in Tyrol. A rewarding excursion that reveals a unique landscape. Because: A breathtaking view awaits you at the summit of the Sulzkogel. On my last tour, I also had my camera with me for this beautiful alpine experience.

OFF WE GO EARLY IN THE MORNING

I start at 09:00 at the valley station of the Dreiseenbahn in Kühtai. From there, the chairlift takes me up to the top station. Once at the top, I hike along the forest road in the direction of the Finstertal reservoir. On the way there I pass two beautiful mountain lakes. By the way, the area here is also an ideal summer residence for the Tyrolean sheep, which you can definitely meet on the way. They obviously feel at home here. Thanks to lush alpine meadows and fresh air. While they graze with pleasure, I follow the route until I finally arrive at the turquoise-blue reservoir.

THE FINSTERTAL RESERVOIR

An imposing dam wall forms the boundary of the Finstertal Reservoir. Turquoise water, as you usually only know it from the Caribbean. After the first wonderful impressions, I hike east past the lake and follow the trail to the end of the reservoir. From there, the trail continues uphill, passing two beautiful natural waterfalls. I always follow the trail markings and continue to climb up to the saddle south of the summit.

THE WAY TO THE SUMMIT

Now I continue along the southern ridge towards the summit. The path leads me over boulders and scree: this requires surefootedness, endurance and stamina. In this terrain, it is also essential to watch out for possible falling rocks.

THE SUMMIT

Arriving at the summit I am rewarded with a beautiful view over the Stubai Alps. I look for a quiet spot and enjoy the breathtaking view at 3,016 meters above sea level. Looking down, the Finstertal reservoir graces the unique panorama. To the right of the summit cross is a small memorial cross.

THE DESCENT

The descent follows the same route as the ascent. When you reach the Finstertal reservoir, you have two options: either take the forest road or the trail back down into the valley. At the bottom, a delicious reward for the hike lures me to the Dortmunder Hütte. Here I enjoy my Kaiserschmarren with a wonderful alpine panorama. I don't know what is more beautiful: the view on my plate or the landscape around.

Attention: The Sulzkogel may be considered relatively easy for a 3,000-meter mountain. However, you are still in high alpine terrain here. This requires caution, surefootedness and the right equipment. Up here you definitely wear sturdy hiking boots. For more tips on the right equipment, check out this page.

If you're looking for an unusual mountain experience, you might also be interested in my blog post on "Sunset tours in Kühtai".

USEFUL ON THE LEFT:

Innsbruck Card with included mountain railway rides

Welcome Card with discounts and included services

Kühtai

VVT for regional public transport

Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics

Dortmunder Hut