Hike to the Gramai Alm mountain hut

On this beautiful autumnal day we decide to hike to the Gramai Mountain Hut (Gramai Alm) in the Karwendel Nature Park, Austria's biggest nature park. The journey to Pertisau we do by the Lake Achensee Ferry and Cruise Company which exists already since the 19th century. We start in Achenkirch, at the shipping pier Scholastika, on the northern bank of Lake Achensee. The passage to Pertisau lasts half an hour and we enjoy the sun on deck.

Arrived in Pertisau we take the road which leads us away from the lake. Shortly afterwards we reach the tollbooth - here the Karwendel Nature Park and the Karwendel Valleys start. Immediately after the parking space we keep to the left. The first impressions of the nature park are gorgeous: lush meadows, dense woods and the fantastic surrounding mountains. An asphalted footpath proceeds first to the Falzturn Mountain Hut (Falzturnalm, 1,089 m a.s.l.), where we arrive after about 1 hour. From here we still have half way to walk, but only 100 m in altitude are still ahead.

Across alpine meadows we follow a comfortable path and soon the Gramai Mountain Hut (1,263 m asl) comes in view. The sunny terrace invites us to take a rest, then we discover the proximity. The Eagle Trail, a long-distance trail, is located here. We admire the "Kas- und Speckalm" (Cheese and Bacon Hut) which dates back to the 16th century and refresh our feet in the Kneipp basin. After a few pleasant hours we start our way back.

Author: MS