Schlicker See (2.450 m)

Covering roughly 3,900 m2², which makes it the smallest of the nine Stubai mountain lakes, the “Stubaier Höhenweg” trail approaches Lake Schlicker from “Starkenburger Hütte” and continues in the direction of Franz-Senn-Hütte. Looking down from the “Seejöchl” to Lake Schlicker, visitors can clearly make out the boundary between the “Kalkkögel” dolomites and “Ötztal-Stubai” crystalline rocks. Here, far-reaching and small-chipped limestone deposits flow effortlessly into the silicate crests, beautifully adorned with luminous green growth. This place, situated on this geological border, is an unparalleled hotspot of plant biodiversity. Lake Schlicker itself is deeply embedded into the region’s stolid silicate deposits. A closer look reveals a number of marmots living in the gaps between these boulders. Simply by emitting a loud whistle, these animals are able to warn their colonies of any unwanted intruders. The lake’s miniature underwater world is invigorated by the presence of char, which depend on insects for food and therefore remain small even when fully grown. Nevertheless, these “masters of survival” continue to multiply, and today have succeeded in forming a stable stock.