Three Lakes Circuit Kühtai

Starting behind the Wiesberghaus, the trail ascends slowly through alpine terrain to Hirschebensee at 2,164 meters. From there, you will continue uphill to the middle Plenderlessee at 2,317 meters. The path then passes under the chairlift before reaching the Drei-Seen-Hütte, where you’ll get to enjoy a well-deserved spot for a rest. After the hut, the trail will take you to the Finstertal reservoir, which is the highest point of the hike.

For the return, you have two options: a tarmac path that passes the Graf-Ferdinand-Haus or a marked trail that crosses alpine meadows and rocky sections back to Kühtai. Both routes are well signposted and lead back to the starting point at the Wiesberghaus.

The Three Lakes Circuit in Kühtai is one of the best chances to see alpine lakes while you’re staying in Innsbruck. It’s very accessible, especially when compared to some of the long-distance hike options in the area, and has ample places to rest as you go. The elevation gain is nothing too extreme, and the fact that it is a loop makes it all the more enjoyable.

The best time of year to hike the Three Lakes Circuit in Kühtai is June through September. While the hike itself doesn’t have too many altimeters, Innsbruck itself already sits at 1883 meters. If you’re hiking in the shoulder season, make sure to bring microspikes, as these can be helpful for icy trails.

If you’re not sure how the conditions are, you can look at the webcams on the Innsbruck tourism website, which will allow you to see the trail conditions before you set out.

A short day hike like the Three Lakes Trail doesn’t require too much extra gear. You will want to bring layers for if the weather changes (which is common at higher altitudes), including rain gear. It’s also prudent to wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring a backpack that sits ergonomically for the best experience possible. If you’re looking for a full packing list, we have one for day hikes here.  Additionally, it’s great to bring extra snacks and water for the hike to be prepared.

The Kühtai Three Lakes Trail is rated as moderate because of the elevation gain that’s climbed in only 7 kilometers. While it is nothing strenuous, the trail can still make you sweat when you hike uphill so quickly.

If you want to train for the hike, you can try walking on uneven terrain instead of paved walkways, using the stairmaster at the gym, or even standing on one foot while you brush your teeth. This helps with balance, which can be a key indicator of how well a descent will go! There are lots of ways to incorporate training into your daily life. As you plan for day hikes like these, some training is always helpful, but it won’t be entirely necessary to enjoy the trail.