This is one of those hikes where the day keeps getting better as you go: first the Longa and its cold, clear water, then the upper Weißpriachtal, then a proper hut stop, and finally Wirpitschsee tucked into the mountains.
Why this hike is worth it
The route feels rewarding rather than casual. The Longa gives the lower part of the walk plenty of shade, water and changing scenery; higher up, the valley opens into a quieter alpine landscape before you reach Tonimörtlhütte and the lake.
The hut is part of the experience, not just a waypoint. Tonimörtlhütte is a traditional family-run hut where food and service were a real highlight of our visit. If the Kaiserschmarrn is available, that is our pick — but menus change, so treat it as a recommendation rather than a promise.
The lake reward
Wirpitschsee is the natural finish to the climb. When the day is genuinely warm and sunny, the lake also gives confident swimmers the option of a short cold-water dip before heading back down. Alpine water stays cold even in summer, so make the call based on the conditions on the day rather than treating swimming as part of the route.
Good to know
- Make this a fair-weather mountain day; avoid exposed higher sections when thunderstorms are likely.
- Carry water and a light layer even if you plan to eat at the hut.
- Proper hiking shoes are the right choice.
- Families with children should treat this as an active mountain hike, not a stroller or easy-valley outing.
- The same route works without swimming: the lake itself is enough of a finish.
The linked Garmin activity is retained as supporting route evidence; trail conditions, access and hut opening information should still be checked for the day of the hike.