Grubenalm

Tucked away just off the main trail to Watzmannhaus, Grubenalm nestles on the northern slopes of the legendary Watzmann.

Here, you'll experience the peaceful charm of an authentic alpine pasture—far from the crowds and the more popular hiking routes.

A worthwhile detour to Grubenalm

Grubenalm sits on the northern side of Watzmann, but the main trail to Watzmannhaus doesn't pass by it. Even so, it's well worth taking a short detour—or planning a hike dedicated to this peaceful alpine pasture. From Stubenalm, located just below, you can reach Grubenalm in about 30 minutes via a trail that is steep in places.

In the past, a connecting trail also led to Mitterkaseralm, but it has since become overgrown. Until the 1950s, three alpine huts stood on Grubenalm. Today, only one remains. The stone foundations of one former Kaser, a traditional alpine hut, are still visible, while the others have gradually disappeared into the landscape.

Grubenalm takes its name from the German word Grube, meaning a natural hollow or depression. It refers to Watzmanngrube, a broad basin on the northwestern side of Watzmann that is a favorite destination for ski mountaineers during the winter months.

Ski Tour to Watzmann Gugl

In winter, the ski tour to Watzmann Gugl—a small secondary peak in the Watzmann massif—passes by the edge of the Grubenalm alpine pasture area. The descent follows the wide FIS Glade, a ski run that leads directly past the alpine pasture. This broad route was once the venue for official FIS ski races.