Around the Kalkkögel

The Kalkkögel, also called the Dolomites of North Tyrol, are located not far from our provincial capital Innsbruck. They are very striking and therefore offer beautiful alpine views.

By bus or by car I can easily get from Innsbruck to the Axamer Lizum in a good 20 minutes. Sporty people can also take the bike. Transport by bus is also possible.

The Axamer Lizum and its mountain railways had the Olympic funicular in operation for the first time this summer. With this you have the possibility to start tours from the valley of the Lizum or to take the cable car comfortably. The cable car also transports bikes, so you have all options open. The mountain station of the Olympia funicular is the Hoadl.

I decided to take the cable car today and want to test the new summer offer of the Axamer Lizum. With the Freizeitticket or the Innsbruck-Card you can use the cable car for free. The mountain trip costs otherwise 11€ or you take a panorama card. This includes ascent and descent and coffee and cake on the mountain for 18€.

View from the Hoadl to the incomparable Kalkkögel – Photo: Danijel Jovanovic Photography

The funicular was built in 1976 for the Winter Olympics in Innsbruck. The ride up is already a great experience with many great views. Arriving at the top station I have a wonderful view of the imposing Kalkkögel. They lie directly in front of me and cause astonishment. For sun worshippers there are numerous sun loungers ready. A wonderful spot of Tyrol that you can find here. You can linger here and simply enjoy the sun and the panorama. I have to repeat myself, it is really impressive as you can see from the photos. The restaurant offers some traditional culinary delights. For activities, there is a slackline course.

The view from Hoadl – Photo: Danijel Jovanovic Photography

View to the mighty Marchreisenspitze – Photo: Danijel Jovanovic Photography

I decided, after a short photo break, to take a short hike and walk down to the valley at the end.

My first destination is the Pleisen. A peak facing north and towards the Inn valley. The first trail leads from the Hoadl a short distance down the Olympic men’s slope to the start of the ridge. The path leads along the ridge and here you should be sure-footed, as it is very narrow and steep on both sides. Sturdy shoes are required here in any case. Here you have a beautiful view down to the west into the Sender Valley and on the next mountain ridge you can see the famous Salfeinser Lake. To the east you can see the well-known mountain Saile or Nockspitze as it is also called.

The path to Pleisen. On the left the Senderstal – Photo: Danijel Jovanovic Photography

After a short time you can see the summit cross of the Pleisen. The path leads first down the ridge and then climbs up to the summit. Nothing strenuous, but you have to be careful as mentioned. Shortly below the summit I meet numerous marmots and stay a short time to watch them from a good distance, because they are very shy.

View from the path to Pleisen back to the Olympiabahn and the Kalkkögel – Photo: Danijel Jovanovic Photography

The way to the summit leads me first below the summit and then up from the north side. A very nice cross and a beautiful view to Innsbruck are the reward. In front of me the provincial capital, on the right the Kalkkögel. So beautiful. The sun gives a pleasant warmth, so I decide to stay here a little and enjoy the silence. The only thing you hear here are the whistling marmots in the great distance. Balm for the soul.

Summit of the Pleisen with view to Innsbruck – Photo: Danijel Jovanovic Photography

After a few photos, I pack my backpack and head to my next destination, the Axamer Kögele. The Kögele is a bit lower than the Pleisen and therefore it is not really strenuous to reach. Across a wide high meadow I come back to a ridge path, which is not so steep here. I follow the path until I see the imposing summit cross in the distance. The anticipation grows, I have already heard a lot about the great view.

Shortly before the summit I have to cross some stone slabs and then I stand in front of the big wooden cross. In front of me the complete low mountain range, Innsbruck, Kematen, Zirl, the impressive Martinswand and views up to the Zugspitze. I am just very excited and take a few photos in the beautiful evening light. It makes me happy to be here, it is so beautiful.

Axamer Kögele with a view of the low mountain range and Innsbruck – Photo: Danijel Jovanovic Photography

After a short rest I walk back the way I came. After 10min I reach a fork. Here I take the way to the Schafalm and to the Axamer Lizum. Across wide meadows I pass goats, sheep and cattle. Again and again I see and hear marmots.

After about an hour I reach the parking lot of the Lizum again. A really great, not very strenuous tour with beautiful views. I am thrilled.

Finally a panorama of the Axamer Kögele

Here you can find more hiking routes: Hiking in the Axamer Lizum and in Innsbruck.