Water is the theme of this hike: lakes, streams, clouds, glaciers and canyon will show us all the stages of this element. In the highest part of Val Ridanna, not far from Sterzing (Italy) there are the beautiful seven lakes with their crystalline waters of a very deep blue, in the presence of a grandiose alpine scenery. Here we go to explore them and try a peak above 3000 m the next day with a gorgeous views towards glaciers in Italy and Austria. We will actually cross the borders to Austria shortly to be back to Italy again soon after.
From Vipiteno-Sterzing you go through the entire valley of Ridnaun (passing Stange and Mareit) to the final car park (1417 m, Mining Museum). Follow the «path of the mines» 28 to the left, going up the valley and touching the Lazzacher Alm hut (or Poschalm, 2113 m where we could have a break). at the fork, turn right onto path 33, which leads to the first lake (Moarer, 2468 m). Climb to the Egetjoch pass (2693 m, 1 hour from the lake); on the opposite side, soon turn left onto path 33a, which leads to the second group of lakes (Senner, 2647 m). On 33a you descend to the lower lakes (2510 m), and finally to the vast Trüber See (2344 m). We then continue along the course of the stream. This leads to Sandboden, a vast glacial plain strewn with pebbles and crossed by a stream that forms a small and narrow gorge. The passage takes place via a bridge beyond which it is necessary to remount the ridge that supports the Vedretta Piana refuge (Grohmanhutte, 2254 m). One last effort brings us to Teplitzerhütte (2586m) where we have dinner and spend the night.
The second day we go towards Vogelhüttensee first and then Übeltalsee. From there we turn till the ridge that goes towards Roter Grat ridge climb the marked north-east ridge over rubble and boulders and we finally reach Roter Grat (Cresta Rossa, 3099m). Great views both to Italy and Austria peaks and glaciers ensured! From here we head back the same way towards Teplitzerhütte and Grohmanhutte and finally we go back to the valley crossing beautiful Burkardklamm, a beautiful gorge with two waterfalls.
