The circular walk around Lago Obersee at Passo Stalle is one of the most beautiful walking and hiking routes in the border area between South Tyrol and East Tyrol. Set against an impressive mountain backdrop, this varied loop leads directly along the turquoise waters of the lake, offering continuous and magnificent views of the water and the surrounding peaks.

The loop runs predominantly along a fairly wide hiking trail with a firm natural and gravel surface, featuring very gentle gradients over long stretches. As a result, a large part of the route is also suitable for wheelchair users (depending on mobility and with an accompanying person), seniors, and families with all-terrain pushchairs.

However, please note that there are several short but steep ascents and descents with gradients ranging between 10% and 20%. These sections can be challenging, particularly for unaccompanied wheelchair users, people with reduced mobility, or when pushing a pushchair. Access to the Obersee Alpine Restaurant also features a considerable incline and a step leading to the terrace.

Those who can manage these short key passages—or who are travelling with assistance—will be rewarded with an exceptionally scenic lake loop offering numerous rest opportunities and breathtaking views of Lago Obersee.

Reachability

Description

The tour begins at the parking area beside Lago Obersee on the Austrian side of the border. The parking area has a gravel surface and features a slope or transversal slope of approximately 10%.

From the parking area, a wide forest road with a firm natural gravel surface runs slightly above the lakeshore, providing a pleasant start with beautiful views across the lake. After a short distance, the road climbs gently for approximately 200 metres with a steady gradient of around 5% until reaching Alpengasthaus Obersee.

Obersee Alpine Restaurant
The mountain inn is an ideal place for a relaxing break while enjoying wonderful views over the lake. It can be accessed either via an approximately 15-metre access ramp with a gradient of around 20%, or along the side of the building with a gradient of approximately 10% and a 10% transversal slope. A single step leads onto the terrace.
Inside the building there is an accessible toilet, although it is not equipped with grab rails. A baby changing table is also available, making the inn convenient for families with young children.
Directly beside the mountain inn is the stop for the accessible "2 Lakes Shuttle". Please note that the stop does not have a raised boarding platform.

From the parking area of the restaurant, the lakeside circular trail can also be reached by passing through a wooden gate with a clear width of 105 cm, followed by a 20-metre downhill section with a gradient of approximately 10%.

Further along, the trail alternates between easily accessible sections and several short but noticeably steeper passages:
First, there is a short but steep downhill section with a gradient of approximately 15–20% over about 10 metres. The trail then becomes pleasantly level again along the lakeshore. Next comes a short uphill section of around 15% over approximately 10 metres, immediately followed by a downhill section of around 10% for another 10–15 metres. Shortly afterwards, a bench with beautiful panoramic views across Lago Obersee provides a perfect place to rest.
After the resting area, another short climb with a gradient of approximately 10–15% over around 10 metres is followed by a similarly steep downhill section.

The trail then continues on a pleasant, level surface consisting of firm natural ground and gravel. A wooden boardwalk crosses the lake's outflow. Beyond this point, short wooden walkways alternate with well-maintained gravel sections featuring only gentle gradients. The route then includes another curved uphill section approximately 20 metres long with a gradient of around 10%.

During the final third of the circular walk, the trail initially follows a well-compacted gravel surface before descending for approximately 25 metres at around 15%, immediately followed by another 25 metres with a gradient of approximately 10%.
To finish the route, a short gravel ramp (approximately 5 metres long with a gradient of around 15%) reconnects the lakeside trail with the forest road, which leads comfortably back to the parking area.

For families with small children, the lakeside circular walk can be perfectly complemented by the child-friendly hike from Lago Obersee at Passo Stalle to the Stalle mountain huts (Staller Almen):

This leisurely hike from Lago Obersee at Passo Stalle to the idyllically situated Staller Alm is ideal for families with young children and seniors. The route leads through picturesque mountain scenery, offering beautiful views and several opportunities to stop and enjoy a short break along the way.

The approximately 2 km (one-way) hike from Lago Obersee at Passo Stalle (2,016 m) to Staller Alm (1,950 m) takes around 45 minutes when hiking with children. The trail is well maintained and involves only minimal elevation change. However, parts of the hiking trail are narrow and include steeper sections, wheel ruts, and stony terrain; therefore, it is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

Description of the route from Lago Obersee to Staller Alm (Ausserweger Hut – Hinterpassler Hut)