A Trip to Lichtsee with the Whole Family: A Ridge Hike from Bergeralm to Obernberg

A Trip to Lichtsee with the Whole Family: A Ridge Hike from Bergeralm to Obernberg

Summer vacation has just begun, and we kicked it off with a highlight: a ridge hike from the Bergeralm over the Steinacher Jöchl to the Lichtsee—and on down into the Obernberg Valley. We enjoyed perfect summer weather and views that made us stop and take it all in time and again. If you’re looking for a relaxing yet varied destination for the whole family, this ridge hike comes highly recommended.

Let's go: all the way to the top on the gondola lift

We got off to a comfortable start on the Bergeralm gondola, which took us directly to the mountain station below the Steinacher Jöchl. A big advantage for families: You save yourself the first—and often most strenuous—meters of elevation gain, leaving you with more energy right away to enjoy the hike along the ridge.

From the trailhead, it’s just a short walk—about 15 minutes—to the first summit cross at the Steinacher Jöchl. For our kids, that was already the first proud summit moment of the day, and for us parents, it was a perfect, easy start to the hike.

A breathtaking view from the ridge

From here, the trail leads over grassy ridges, gently up and down, to the Eggerjoch in the direction of Lichtsee. All along the ridge, you can gaze upon the majestic peaks in the Gschnitz and Obernberg valleys; on a clear day, the view even stretches across endless mountain landscapes all the way to South Tyrol. It is precisely this sense of vastness and tranquility, far from the hustle and bustle, that makes a hike in the Wipptal so special to us time and time again.

Just below the Eggerjoch, we took our first snack break amid alpine meadows teeming with a variety of wildflowers, with a view of the surrounding peaks.

Arrival at Lichtsee

Soon you’ll catch sight of Lichtsee, a beautifully situated destination in the Obernberg Valley. We weren’t the only ones there, but it was by no means crowded. The brave ones venture into the clear waters of the mountain lake for a few refreshing strokes. We took it a bit easier: cooling off our feet, stretching out our legs, and enjoying the view—our children loved spending time by the water, exploring and watching the fish.

Planning Your Return Trip Made Easy—Good Public Transportation Connections to the Mountain Valleys

The excellent public transportation connections between the Wipptal mountain valleys and the main towns allow visitors to destinations like Lichtsee to choose their own route back: back to the Bergeralm mountain station, a descent via the Trunahütte to Trins in the Gschnitztal—or, as we decided, down to Obernberg. Even on a Sunday, thanks to the bus service, we were completely free to decide where and when to end our hike—a real plus for anyone who wants to travel flexibly.

Descent to Obernberg—shady but steep

From here, it was still about five kilometers to the center of Obernberg. In places, the trail descends quite steeply through the forest, but it offers pleasant shade—a real advantage, especially on such a sunny day. With a tired five-year-old in tow, it took us a little longer to cover the entire route than the estimated walking time, but for us, that’s exactly what makes for a relaxing family hike.

Arrival with a Treat: Dinner at Almis'

At the bus stop near the Hotel Almis in downtown Obernberg, we still had about 50 minutes until the bus departed. On the spot, we decided to have dinner right there. When we asked the waiter if we’d have enough time before the bus left, he gave us a resounding “yes”—and sure enough, our food was on the table within ten minutes. The service was truly great and attentive, perfectly rounding out our day of hiking.

Our Take for Families

Together, we covered about 9 kilometers and 410 meters of elevation gain in about three and a half hours of walking—we started at 11 a.m. at the mountain station and arrived in Obernberg at 4 p.m. If you’re hiking with younger children, it’s a good idea to allow a little more time, but this hike is definitely doable for the whole family. For us, it was an all-around relaxing day in the mountains—with breathtaking views, a refreshing mountain lake, and a perfect ending. Hopefully, these are exactly the kinds of moments our children will remember.

Good to know:

• Start by taking the Bergeralm gondola to the upper station below the Steinacher Jöchl
• First milestone: Summit cross at Nösslachjoch/Steinacher Jöchl, about 15 minutes from the trailhead
• The wind often blows on the ridge—don't forget your hat and jacket
• From Lichtsee, you have several options: return to Bergeralm, descend to Trins in the Gschnitztal valley, or head to Obernberg
• Thanks to good bus service, the return trip from the mountain valleys can be planned flexibly