Hiking route: Kühtai - Speicher Finstertal - Plenderlessee - Drei-Seen-Hütte
Time of the year: July
Distance: ca. 14,80 km
Altitude loss / gain: +690 m / -690 m
Starting altitude: 2000 m
Highest point: 2460 m
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Difficulty: 🟦🟦
The route begins in Kühtai (2,020 m), one of the highest year-round inhabited settlements in Austria and a popular starting point for alpine hikes.
From the village, the trail ascends steadily toward the Finstertaler reservoir (Speicher Finstertal). The climb is well-marked and moderate in difficulty, offering expansive views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The dam itself is an impressive sight, with clear glacial waters and panoramic alpine backdrops.
This is an artificial reservoir used for hydroelectric power, constructed in the 1970s as part of the Sellrain-Silz power plant system.
The route was prelonged until the waterfall in the valley between Sulzkogel (3016 m ) and Schartenkopf (2855 m)
Plendersee is a natural lake, in contrast to the man-made Finstertal reservoir. Its clear, still waters reflect the surrounding peaks beautifully.
Depending on snowmelt and rain, the lake can shrink significantly by late summer.
The first part of the climb was done before in the middle of April. Being one of the highest situated ski resorts in Austria, at this time of year, it was as expected still covered with snow.
At over 2,000 meters, Kühtai is the highest ski resort village in Austria with year-round access.
The dam wall of the accumulation lake
last updated: July 2025