9 km
Distance
2h–2h 30min
Duration
+400 m
Elevation gain
Easy
Difficulty
June–October
Season
One of the most popular walks in the Merano 2000 area, up to the lake of San Pancrazio — the Kratzberger See. Modest height gain and broad paths.
The Kratzberger See is an alpine lake in South Tyrol, lying above Avelengo and Merano 2000 on the eastern side of the Val Sarentino, at around 2,100 to 2,200 metres. Its clear water and pale shores stand in sharp contrast to the surrounding mountains, and it is one of the most photographed spots in the area.
Highlights
The lake
The colour of the water shifts with the light: turquoise in the morning, a deeper blue in the middle of the day. The pale shores, bare of tall vegetation, sharpen the contrast with the mountains around.
The Giogo di Pietramala
The saddle crossed on the way up, a viewpoint over the Val Sarentino on one side and Merano on the other.
Getting there
The starting point is the Falzeben car park, or the top station of the Merano 2000 cable car, which shortens both the route and the climb. If you are staying nearby, a car transfer from your hotel to the trailhead is included.
Good to know
Starting from the cable car top station reduces the height gain to around 300–400 metres, against 500–600 from Falzeben: the right choice if you want an easier day.
Routes may change according to trail and weather conditions.
The route, stage by stage
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Towards the Giogo di Pietramala
Trail no. 51
From the Falzeben car park, or from the cable car top station, we take trail no. 51 towards the Giogo di Pietramala.
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From the saddle to the lake
Waymarked path
From the saddle we follow the signs for the Kratzberger See, the lake appearing suddenly among the pale rocks.
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At the Kratzberger See
2,100–2,200 m
A stop on the shore of the lake, then back by the same route.
Stops and refreshments
- Falzeben
- At the trailhead, if you are not using the cable car.
- Top station, Merano 2000
- Alternative starting point, to shorten the route.
What to bring
Day hikes- Hiking boots with a lugged sole
- Trekking poles
- Windproof and waterproof jacket
- A warm spare layer
- Water, at least 1.5 litres per person
- Hat, sunglasses and sun cream
