Blaue Lacke

The Blaue Lacke is a mountain lake in the Stubai Alps, set high at 2,289 metres above sea level. It lies northeast of the Wilden Pfaff and 500 metres southwest of the Sulzenauhütte. The lake formed as the Sulzenauferner glacier melted and is dammed by its 1850s moraine. A side stream of the Sulzenaubach drains the water, keeping the basin clear. The Lübecker Weg trail from the Sulzenauhütte to the Aperen Freiger passes directly beside the lake. Its vivid blue colour comes from fine rock flour suspended in the water. The lake sits in a narrow glacial valley with steep rock walls on either side. Snow patches often linger on the northern shore well into summer. The contrast between the deep blue water and the pale grey moraine is striking. Visitors hear only wind, water and the occasional marmot whistle. The walk to the lake takes about an hour from the Sulzenauhütte. The path climbs gently through alpine meadows dotted with saxifrage and gentians. Near the shore, a small wooden jetty gives a clear view across the water. On calm days the lake reflects the surrounding peaks. The site offers a quiet place to rest before continuing along the high route.