The Prete Lakes are a true natural jewel in the upper Val Venosta valley at 2,240 m a.s.l. - a wide path leads in 5 km from Prämajur up directly below the peaks of Mt. Watles
Image gallery: Autumn hike to the Laghi del Prete lakes
We do this hike at the end of the summer season in October, but we recommend it all through the summer. Now in autumn the landscape is dominated by the colourful larches and the high alpine heath. Our starting point is the parking space at the valley station of the chairlift in Prämajur, a hamlet between Burgusio (Burgeis) and Slingia (Schlinig). First we walk towards the Rameishof farm, then we follow the forest road (no. 20) uphill. Soon we reach the larch woods. From the forest path, path no. 3 branches off and leads to the Höfer Mountain Hut (Höfer Alm).
From there it is not far to the mountain station of the Watles Chairlift near the Plantapatsch restaurant, which is located just above the timberline. It takes about another 20 minutes to reach the final destination. It is really worth to walk up to the Prete Lakes (Pfaffenseen).
The barren landscape is as impressive as the sky, which is reflected in the clear waters. We round the Big Prete Lake and collect new impressions in this charming alpine landscape. After having seen also the Small Prete Lake, we take the same route back. If you want to shorten the descent, you can also take the Watles Chairlift, which usually is in operation until late October.
Author: AT
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- Starting point:
- Prämajur above Burgusio, valley station of the Watles Chairlift
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- Time required:
- 03:00 h
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- Track length:
- 10,3 km
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- Altitude:
- from 1.715 m to 2.242 m
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- Altitude difference:
- +545 m | -545 m
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- Signposts:
- no. 20, 3, 4A
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- Destination:
- Pfaffensee Lakes
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- Resting points:
- Plantapatsch restaurant (mountain station of the Watles Chairlift)
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- Recommended time of year:
- Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
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- Download GPX track:
- Autumn hike to the Laghi del Prete lakes
If you want to do this hike, we suggest you to check the weather and trail conditions in advance and on site before setting out.
