Wild Water Way – Stubaital Thematic Trail

The Wild Water Way is one of Tyrol’s best-known thematic trails: 9.64 km along the Ruetz from Ranalt to the Sulzenauhütte – always close to the water, sometimes through gorges, sometimes across alpine meadows, with the Grawa Waterfall as the highlight. At 1,165 meters of elevation gain, the trail is considerably more demanding than the name “thematic trail” suggests.

Why the Wild Water Way?

The Stubai Valley is shaped by glacial water. The Ruetz flows through the entire valley – fed by the Stubai Glacier and side streams. The Wild Water Way follows this water: past pools, eddies and cascades, through gorges you wouldn’t otherwise see.

The trail climbs continuously and ends at the level of the Sulzenauhütte – a tour for fit hikers, not a flat afternoon stroll.

Trail Description

Start at Ruetz Katarakt (Ranalt): From the starting point in Ranalt onto the marked Wild Water Way along the Ruetz.

Grawa Alm (approx. 1,530 m): Refreshment option at the Grawa Alm – a good halfway stop.

Grawa Waterfall: The widest waterfall in the Eastern Alps – over 80 m wide during snowmelt. Impressive up close.

Ascent towards the Sulzenau Glacier: The trail continues to climb, past gorges and cascades of the Ruetz.

Sulzenauhütte / Sulzenau Glacier (2,191 m): End point of the tour – with views of the Sulzenau Glacier.

Return

Same route back, or continue on via the hut network for experienced mountain hikers.

Requirements

• Good fitness required (1,165 m of elevation gain)
• Good hiking boots (some wet sections near the water)
• Dogs on a leash in gorge sections
• Not suitable for strollers

Tips

• Early start: The trail is long – approx. 5 hours of pure walking time, more with breaks
• Best time: June (maximum water after snowmelt) and October (larches)
• Refreshments: Grawa Alm is the rest stop in the lower section – check opening hours

The Wild Water Way shows the Stubai Valley at its most water-rich – a demanding but rewarding day’s hike along the Ruetz up to hut level.