Exploring mountains in Innsbruck

Living in Innsbruck

It has been quite a while since I last enjoyed an aperitif on my terrace, wearing shorts and a t-shirt! I think it’s safe to say that summer is finally upon us and the hiking season has officially started. There might be some snow here and there still, but that’s life in the Heart of the Alps. One major advantage of living in Innsbruck (Austria) is visiting the Alps every other weekend, holiday or day off-work. Not to mention that there’s plenty of places to visit within 30-60′ drive; I will suggest some below. I have been recording a vlog with my “adventures” for quite some time now and thought I’d give it a little bit of twist. What about some footage from above, shot on some of my favorite locations around Innsbruck?

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSxbzlL1qVE&w=1120&h=400]

Location is the Key

Here’s a quick map I’ve put together with some of my favorite hikes around Innsbruck. Also achievable for beginners. There’s plenty of more pins to be placed in that map, but let’s take things easy for now. If you need more information, don’t hesitate to contact Innsbruck Tourism.

Wankspitze (Mieming)

Nobody said that the Wankspitze would be easy. It’s actually one of the most popular peaks around the Miemieng Plateau and the view from up there is simply breathtaking. Especially on a sunny day. First half of the hiking route goes easy, since you keep walking on a dirt road. The second half to the summit, is much more steeper and cumbersome. The Wankspitze is also known for it’s Klettersteig aka via ferrata. Although it’s considered to be one of the easy ones, I always make sure I am fully equipped! Safety first. The Wankspitze (2,208m) is a summit of the Mieming Range in Tirol. It separates the Griessspitze to the north from the Mieming Plateau to the south. Watch the video

Wankspitze (Mieming) #myinnsbruck Photography © Paul Pastourmatzis

Nockspitze (Saile)

The Nockspitze, also known as Saile, is one of the closest and coolest mountain peaks (hike) near Innsbruck, Austria. Every season offers a brand new experience. On a sunny day, you have an incredible 360 degree view of the entire Innsbruck area. To the north is the city with the Nordkette, to the west is Axamer Lizum and Kühtai, to the east Patscherkofel and the Inn valley and to the south the Stubai Alps. Every season, you see something different; never a boring hike. The weather changes so fast in the mountains, meaning that the window of opportunity needs to be timed perfectly. Watch the video

Nockspitze (Saile) #myinnsbruck Photography © Paul Pastourmatzis

Zirbenweg (Patscherkofel)

The Zirbenweg trail took it’s name from the importance of the stone pine population surrounding it. It’s actually Europe’s largest and oldest! Oh yeah, Zirbe means stone pine. Apart from the amazing views over the Inn valley, this hiking trail offers a bunch of alpine roses; especially if you visit it in the early summer. It’s total length is 7km, and although you can walk up (!) I’d suggest to take the gondola. Unless you want to spend several hours walking to the starting point. Going down is also easy, this time with a chairlift. At the end of it, you can take the bus back to the start. Watch the video.

Zirbenweg (Patscherkofel) #myinnsbruck Photography © Paul Pastourmatzis

Bärenkopf (Achensee)

Bärenkopf in Karwendel (Achensee) is one of the many great hiking routes around Achensee and only 45′ drive from Innsbruck. That place there is simply a paradise all year around. Had this on our bucketlist for quite a while. Bärenkopf is 1991m high over Pertisau in Tirol. It’s a 3 hour hike to the top, the higher you get, the steeper it becomes. The Karwendel is the largest range of the Northern Limestone Alps. The term Karwendel describes the part of the Alps between the Isar and Inn rivers and the Achensee. Watch the video

Bärenkopf (Achensee) #myinnsbruck Photography © Paul Pastourmatzis

Overall, Innsbruck’s location is incredibly ideal and can definitely serve as one’s base. You will be in the middle of the action and there’s plenty of amazing places within a 30-60′ drive; whether by car or public transportation.

Similar articles