Mt Thurntaler circular hike

Today we undertake an easy circular hike on Monte Thurntaler, the local mountain of Sillian

Map Open map
The valley station of the cable car up to Mt. Thurntaler is situated between Sillian and Panzendorf.
Foto: AT, © Peer
View of the Alta Pusteria near Sillian from the window of the cable car.
Foto: AT, © Peer
Flower meadows at the Gadein mountain station.
Foto: AT, © Peer
We follow the path towards north.
Foto: AT, © Peer
The circular trail develops above the forest limit. The landscape is characterised by extended carpets of blooming meadows.
Foto: AT, © Peer
Lake Schafsee is one of the lakes we visit during our hike.
Foto: AT, © Peer
We tackle a steep ascent and are right below the peak from where we take the “Bonner Höhenweg” path.
Foto: AT, © Peer
The Bonner Höhenweg high-altitude path runs along the mountain crest of Mt Thurntaler, in the background on the left you can see Mt Rocca dei Baranci and other Dolomite peaks.
Foto: AT, © Peer
On the northern side you can admire the Valle del Villgraten.
Foto: AT, © Peer
View towards the main chain of the Alps.
Foto: AT, © Peer
View towards the Sesto Dolomites.
Foto: AT, © Peer
After the Astatt pass we follow the marker to Lake Thurntaler.
Foto: AT, © Peer
Horses on the horizon.
Foto: AT, © Peer
The path proceeds towards west.
Foto: AT, © Peer
A quiet spot: Lake Thurntaler is a natural gem.
Foto: AT, © Peer
The sky and the clouds are reflected in the water.
Foto: AT, © Peer
It’s time to return to our starting point.
Foto: AT, © Peer
To return to the mountain station we take the slightly descending path to our right instead of following the hikers in the picture.
Foto: AT, © Peer
Alpine meadows near the Äussere Hochalmhütte mountain hut.
Foto: AT, © Peer
Just below us the Lesachtal valley branches off from the Val Pusteria in East Tyrol.
Foto: AT, © Peer

Mount Thurntaler in East Tyrol between the Alta Pusteria and the Villgratental valley delights us with a stunning view of the surrounding peaks. The cable car of the Sillian skiing area takes us to the mountain station Gadein at 2,100 m a.s.l. The initial section of the gravel road leads slightly uphill towards north before getting steeper. After about 30 minutes of walking we arrive at the three lakes (Drei Seen). The path continues to the peak of Mount Thurntaler (mountain station of the chair lift) where we take the high-altitude path "Bonner Höhenweg" along the crest towards west.

Having arrived at the Astatt Sattel pass, we are ready for a side trip to lake Thurntaler which is only one kilometre towards southwest from here. On our way we enjoy a beautiful view of the carnic crest, the Villgraten Mountains and the Venediger group in the north. We return to the Astatt Sattel where we follow path no. 10b towards Gadein/Bergstation. The itinerary delights us with a marvellous view of the Alta Pusteria and the entrance to the valle Lesachtal. At the mountain station we take the cable car back to Sillian.

Please note: in summer the cable car of Sillian doesn't operate every day. Therefore, we recommend checking the opening hours beforehand.

Date of the hike: 5 July 2015
Last updated in: 2026

Author: AT

suited for families circular route difficulty: easy route with lake with lifts

Starting point:

Gadein mountain station (Sillian/Panzendorf)
Overall time:

03:10 h
Total route length:

9,3 km
Altitude:

from 2.089 m to 2.376 m
Altitude difference (uphill | downhill):

+363 m | -363 m
Route:

Gadein - Three Lakes - Mt. Thurntaler - Bonn High Route - Astatt Saddle - Lake Thurntaler - Astatt Saddle - Äussere Hochalm Mountain Hut - Gadein
Signposts:

Drei Seen, no. 10, Thurntaler See, 10, 10B
Destination:

Lake Thurntaler See
Resting points:

Gadein mountain station
Recommended time of year:

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Download GPX track:

Mt Thurntaler circular hike