Geology hike ”Sea of Stone” – Freiburger Hütte
Delve into the stone sea of corals, sea shells, auger shells, ammonites ...
An adventurous hike through a picturesque landscape with historically valuable fossils. In addition, the hike offers special culinary delights. Starting point is the Wanderstarplatz at the Rüfiplatz in Lech. Take the hiking bus through the Zug Valley. After the Formarin Alp, a path branches off to the right that leads you to the Capricorn Monument. At the next fork in the road, take the path uphill to the right where you will find a small coral reef. You continue walking through the karst area until you reach the Freiburger Hütte. Enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Formarin, which was voted Austria's most beautiful square in 2015. You can circle the lake on the left, the path on the right around the lake is only recommended for experienced mountaineers as a necessary head for heights is recommended.
Directions
From the hike starting point at the Rüfiplatz, take the hiking bus towards Formarinsee Lake (please observe the toll fee). After the ride through the beautiful Zugertal valley, get off at the last stop. Follow the main road back to the (1) Alpe Formarin.After the alp, a pasture path branches off to the right, which takes you past the (2) ibex monument across alpine pastures. At the next junction, follow the sign-posted trail to your right going uphill. After the climb, you reach the first find site of interest: a (b) small coral reef, a precur sor of the stone sea. All the sites of interest are marked by metal sleeves indicating the relevant capital letters. Continue along the path, which takes you to the sites of interest through the (c) Karstgebiet region.At the next junction, turn left to a further (d) si te of interest. Here you are challenged to discover countless belemnites, nautiloids and ammonites in the red limestone. They are generally regarded as the predecessors of the squid. Walk back to the junction and take the path going straight ahead. After just a few metresyou will encounter a big agglomeration of (e) Me galodontidae in various forms and cross sections, among them the ”ibex horn”. This is a giant clam, the shell of which has been partially abraded by erosion. Stay on this path until you reach the (3) Freiburger hut. Here you can have a bite to eat and enjoy the view of the (4) Formarinsee Lake.From here, you can either follow the wide supply road around the lake or take the shorter, narrower hiking trail to your right – this path is only recommended for experienced hikers that do not suffer from vertigo
Suggestions
Special features: Fossils up to 200 million years old can be discovered, examined and touched here.
Sights: Stone Sea – a big agglomeration of fossils, among them the fossil referred to by local hunters as the ”ibex horn” .
Refreshment stops: Restaurants in Lech am Arlberg or Zug, Alpe Formarin, Gasthof Älpele and Freiburger hut.
Best time of year
Equipment
Good footwear (ankle high, profile sole), rain protection, Lech Card and bus timetable.
Safety information
EMERGENCY CALL:
140 Alpine Emergencies Austria-wide
144 Alpine Emergencies Vorarlberg
112 Euro emergency call (works with any mobile phone/network)
www.vorarlberg.travel/sicherheitstipps
Public transport
By train to Langen am Arlberg station or St. Anton am Arlberg. From there, buses (No.750+760) run regularly to Lech Zürs am Arlberg.
Tour facts
- Data source
- vcloud, ID 501a920e-c7a6-48d1-957f-1a156f96ddbe
- Last updated
- 04.05.2024, 01:05:01