Stubai mountain lakes: Schlicker See (Variant 1- descent to Schlick 2000 middle station)

Description

Covering roughly 3,900 m2², which makes it the smallest of the nine Stubai mountain lakes, the “Stubaier Höhenweg” trail approaches Lake Schlicker from “Starkenburger Hütte” and continues in the direction of Franz-Senn-Hütte. Looking down from the “Seejöchl” to Lake Schlicker, visitors can clearly make out the boundary between the “Kalkkögel” dolomites and “Ötztal-Stubai” crystalline rocks. Here, far-reaching and small-chipped limestone deposits flow effortlessly into the silicate crests, beautifully adorned with luminous green growth. This place, situated on this geological border, is an unparalleled hotspot of plant biodiversity. Lake Schlicker itself is deeply embedded into the region’s stolid silicate deposits. A closer look reveals a number of marmots living in the gaps between these boulders. Simply by emitting a loud whistle, these animals are able to warn their colonies of any unwanted intruders. The lake’s miniature underwater world is invigorated by the presence of char, which depend on insects for food and therefore remain small even when fully grown. Nevertheless, these “masters of survival” continue to multiply, and today have succeeded in forming a stable stock.

TOUR DESCRIPTION
From the Kreuzjoch mountain station, take a leisurely hike up the ascending panoramic trail in the direction of the Sennjoch and further south past the Kleiner Burgstall to the Burgstallsattel. After the traverse to the Schlicker Schartl, the trail descends briefly to the Stubai High Trail and over scree fields to the tour’s destination, Schlicker See lake. The total walking time to the Schlicker See lake is about 2.5 hours. The way back is a nice round trip via the Starkenburger Hut. Follow the Stubai High Trail south past the Hoher Burgstall. From the Starkenburger Hut, you walk back via the Kaserstattalm and Galtalm to the ‘Schlick 2000’ middle station and from there, travel by cable car to the valley station. For the way back to the middle station, you need to leave about 2 hours. Alternatively, you can also descend directly from the lake to Neustift.