Best Austrian Photo Spot? Salfeins Hike With Breathtaking Views of the Tyrolean Dolomites

Switzerland, Dolomites are the famous photo spot regions in the Alps. But what about Austrians best Alpine Photo Spot? Salfeins Lake! Get all info for the hike and one of the best photo opportunities in the Austrian Alps. S

ometimes it’s not easy to decide when planning your next hiking expedition. The comforting thing is, no matter what you decide, the other option often lingers in the distance in your camera’s reach, so you always seem to be in a win-win situation. Wonderful hike to the famous Austria photo spot with the view to the Kalkkögeln is the trip we cover here today, on Mountain Moments.

On easy but wonderful and quiet mountain trails it goes through forests and alpine meadows. The picturesquely situated and famous photo spot Salfeins Lake - a rather inconspicuous alpine lake in itself - invites you to linger.
Famous Salfeins Lake with a view to Austrian Dolomites. On easy but wonderful and quiet mountain trails it goes through forests and alpine meadows. The picturesquely situated and famous photo spot Salfeins Lake – a rather inconspicuous alpine lake in itself – invites you to linger

The view during the hike wanders again and again to the massive Kalkkögeln – not only by chance they look like the little sibling of the Dolomites. The rock is an offshoot of the well-known Dolomites. On the way to the Kemater Alm you can catch wonderful views of the Senderstal valley, the alpine pasture, and the steep rock towers.

Need a guide for your hike? Get in contact with us and we have you covered.

Directions! This is how your Kalkkögel-oriented trip looks like on a map

From the stop Grinzens/Kemater Alm follow the road uphill to the Kemater Alm, after about 300m turn right in the direction of the sports field and take the second left uphill to the sports field. Here first over the forest road, later hiking trail constantly uphill to Salfeins (2000m).

Pass the Lacke on the right and take the hiking trail downhill in the direction of Salfeiner Alm/Kemater Alm. At the junction of the forest road or hiking trail, follow the signs to the Kemater Alm. From the Kemater Alm follow the road back down into the valley to the starting point. 

Shorter alternative: By car via Grinzens to the parking lot Kemater Alm (toll road), from here at about 1400m to Salfeins and further via Kemater Alm back to the parking lot.
Salfeins hike on a map starts in Grinzens near Innsbruck. Shorter alternative: By car via Grinzens to the parking lot Kemater Alm (toll road), from here at about 1400m to Salfeins and further via Kemater Alm back to the parking lot

Photo tips that will make your Instagram pop – Salfeinssee lake and the view of the Dolomites

Directly at the Salfeinssee with the Kalkkögeln in the background. The lake itself is quite small, so it is best to take pictures low down from the “frog perspective” – ideally at sunset, when the Kalkkögel are illuminated (don’t forget a flashlight for the way downhill). During prolonged dry spells the lake can also dry out, so the best time for perfect shots is June/July. 

On the way downhill to the Kemater Alm, you can catch glimpses of the alpine hut. Behind it, the Kalkkögel tower up – an impressive motif that doesn’t have to shy away from comparison with the famous Dolomite photo locations. A telephoto lens is recommended here.

One important note is that camping is also prohibited here.
Austrias Best Photo Spot in the high Alps? The hike takes roughly 6 hours. One important note is that camping is also prohibited here

Mountain Moments Photo Workshops provide Photo Tours for everybody, Alpine Experience for beginners and intermediate-level photographers with 3 to 6-hour routes, as well as Summit Experience for more advanced photographers and hikers. We have private workshops and group classes.

More information about your Photo adventure in the Austrian Alps

How to get there by private car: From Innsbruck via Axams to Grinzens. At the entrance to the village and the bus stop turn left uphill in the direction of Kemater Alm. At the edge of the forest pay the toll (private road) directly at the machine and follow the road to the parking lot at 1450m. 

How to get there by public transport: From Innsbruck with bus line 4162 in the direction of Grinzens, get off at the station “Grinzens Abzw Kemater Alm”.

Difficulty level: medium 

Duration/distance: approx. 6h/ 16km  

Ascent/descent: 1150m/1150m  

Highest/lowest point: 2000m/960m 

Refreshment stop: Kemater Alm

Start/finish: stop Grinzens/Kemater Alm

Best time: May-October

The best Summer Adventures in and around Innsbruck – Hiking, Mountainbiking, Trekking, Climbing and more

Fancy more Summer Adventures in Tyrol and around Innsbruck? We got you covered! The best outdoor sports activities for Summer Enthusiasts as eBook: Innsbruck Summer Outdoor Guide.

Here we have compiled the most beautiful locations and photo opportunities. 30 activities with numerous photo spots are selected and described in such a way that you can easily experience these wonderful adventures around Innsbruck for yourself – including track infos, and maps and all other information that you need.

You can take a closer look at the Innsbruck travel guide ebook here – why not share it with your adventure partner?

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