Route: Grawa Waterfall
Area: Austria, Stubai Valley, Tyrol
Date of walk: 9th September 2023
Walkers: Andrew and Gilly
Distance: 3.2 miles
Ascent: 700 feet
Weather: Sunny, cloudless and very hot
Although today’s walk was part of our ‘to do list’, we thought about giving it a miss. The weather had been sunny and hot for several days, and we’d walked along a dry river bank a couple of days ago. We therefore assumed that the waterfalls on this walk would be down to a trickle, as may be the case in late summer when all the snow has melted. Luckily we heard from some fellow walkers that this was not the case
The route which we followed today is part of a longer distance trail ‘Wilde Wasser Weg’, or Wild Water Way. It visits two of the main waterfalls, and the start and end of this linear walk is conveniently on the route of the local bus service
After alighting from the bus near Ranalt we walked a few yards along the road and then turned off to follow an obvious path downhill among the trees. After a few minutes we could hear a loud roaring sound. A couple of viewing platforms provided a good place from which to admire the Reutz Cataract, a series of fast flowing rapids which tumble over the rocks in a narrow gorge
We continued along the path (it’s easy going all the way), and passed by Tschangelair Alm where refreshments are available. We didn’t stop and after crossing the road we joined a path leading through woodland. We were now on the shady side of the valley and this provided some relief from the relentless heat. Eventually we arrived at the highlight of the walk, the mighty Grawa Waterfall, which is the widest in the eastern Alps. Despite the recent dry weather, the sight of sparkling water crashing down the rockface was spectacular
The end of the walk is just beyond the waterfall, as is Grawa Alm, a restaurant with a superb view of the falls. Although the walk ends here, there was more enjoyment to come as we decided to take the bus further up the valley to the foot of. From here we took the cable car to ‘The Top of the Tyrol’ , where a viewing platform at 10,500 feet offers incredible views of a huge array of peaks in all directions. I’ve included a few photos at the end
Click on the icon below for the route map
Scroll down – or click on any photo to enlarge it and you can then view as a slideshow
From the Nürnberger Hütte bus stop we follow a path signposted 'Wilde Wasser Weg'
We pass through a flat area seemingly hewn out of the rock
We pass through this gate, beyond which we reach the River Ruetz
The river is glacier fed and would probably be a raging torrent in May when the snow starts melting
We arrive at the Ruetz Cataract, first of the two major waterfalls on the route. The photo can't convey the noise made by the water as it roared through the narrow channel
Another waterfall just beyond the cataract
We cross the river via this bridge
The River Ruetz from the bridge
We follow an easy path beside the river, heading upstream
We step aside to let a small herd of cattle pass by. This is a popular walking route and they are no doubt accustomed to walkers. If calves had been with them we would have been less confident
Further along the path
Looking back
We pass by Tschangelair Alm Fish Farm, one of the highest in Europe, which farms trout and char (and serves it in a neighbouring restaurant)
Having crossed the river again via a road bridge near the farm, we resume the Wilde Wasser Weg
On the other bank of the River Ruetz now, we follow a path through woodland...
We head towards GrosserTrögler...
Beyond this lovely stretch of woodland lies the highlight of the walk...
The Grawa Waterfall - a large viewing platform gives good close up views, though the sun was directly above the waterfall and made it difficult to photograph
We cross the River Ruetz again
Better views of the Grawa Waterfall as we follow a path up to the road...
We pass by the Grawa Alm where customers enjoy a good view of the waterfall...
...as do we, as we wait for our bus to arrive. This was the end of the walk, but not the end of the enjoyment. We were not far from the cable car to the Stubaier Glacier at the head of the valley, so we decided to take the bus there
The Stubaier Glacier cable car will take us up to an altitude of 3,210 metres or 10,531 feet
We arrive at the Top of Tyrol with huge views in all directions
Looking down to the middle station
From here we take the cable car back down to end a wonderful day in the Stubai Alps
