Mountain lake, temple, three peaks: All this offers you the round trip, about which I report today. A super mountain tour with a lot of variety. It goes over the Rangger Köpfl, the Inzinger Alm, the Hundstalsee with a visit to the stone temple further over the Rosskogel back to the Ranggerköpfl.
Starting point Stiglreith
By car you can drive up to Stiglreith. The car park is chargeable. Alternatively, take the Oberperfuss cable cars (Ranggerköpflbahn), which are in operation from Wednesday to Sunday in summer. Here is our starting point for the hike. Already at the start you have a wonderful view of Innsbruck.
Rangger Köpfl
The Rangger Köpfl is our first stop. We walk up the path next to the ski slope, pass the reservoir, which invites for a short rest and pass the Rosskogelhütte on the way to the summit cross. The Rangger Köpfl at 1939 meters above sea level offers a super view of our highest goal today, the Rosskogel. Behind it we will pass the Hundstalsee. On this small high plateau you can often meet Haflinger horses. Great photo motives are guaranteed. On the other side the view goes far into the Inn valley. With good visibility you can see as far as the Kellerjoch to Schwaz.
Summit cross at the Rangger Köpfl with the Rosskogel in the background
The way to the Inzinger Alm
From Ranggern Köpfl take the wide forest path towards Rosskogel. In the middle of the high plateau there is a fork where you have to be careful. A small sign points to a path that leads to the Inzinger Alm. The path is very narrow, so please be careful. Especially in the morning, the grass could be a little damp from dew and slippery.
The forest road leads to the path to the Inzinger Alm
The narrow path to the Inzinger Alm with great views
The Inzinger Alm in sight
The Inzinger Alm is already in sight. Here you can stop for a break, but a short descent is necessary. If you don’t want to, just continue along the path. Signs show us the way up towards Hundstalsee.
Hundstalsee
Two steps lead up to the basin of the Hundstalsee. There are beautiful views down to the Inn valley. A roaring brook accompanies the way up, which is a bit steeper and more strenuous here.
A beautiful stream accompanies the path to the Hundstalsee.
Cows rest along the path to the Hundstalsee.
View into the Inn valley
Shortly before the Hundstalsee there is another small plateau with lots of water.
Arrived at the Hundstalsee you experience a wonderful scenery. Surrounded by mountains that are reflected in the crystal clear water you will soon notice something very special: At the other end of the lake is a temple made of stone. This was built by the two artists Robert Tribus and Heinz Triendl in honor of Apollo (the god of the arts) in 20 years. From 1986 to 2006 the two created this work of art only with the help of stones from the surroundings of the lake. A super photo motive! The Hundstalsee as well as the temple are located at an altitude of 2,289 meters.
The beautiful Hundstalsee
The temple of Apollon at the Hundstalsee
Weißstein and Rosskogel
The path now leads us steeply up to the Koflerspitzen. The view of the Hundstalsee from above is also breathtaking. First goal is the summit of the Weißstein.
The view from above on the Hundstalsee with the Apollontempel
High up on the Koflerspitzen
From the Koflerspitzen you can already see the Weißstein. A few sheep graze here and also enjoy the view. The path leads briefly downhill until you reach the entrance to the summit. Here, absolute surefootedness is required, the path is quite exposed. If you are not sure if you can make it, better turn back. There is no shame in that, and better than you hurt yourself.
You climb up about 20 meters, then there is a rope insurance that leads directly to the summit.
Curious sheep and the summit of Weißstein
Having reached the summit, you continue along the ridge directly to the Rosskogel. For this you are on the way for about 20 minutes, rope-secured and exposed. Please be careful here as well.
The Rosskogel is one of the highest peaks around Innsbruck and the view is absolutely fantastic. At 2,646 metres above sea level, you have earned an extensive rest.
Fantastic view from the Rosskogel
Happy on the Rosskogel
From Rosskogel you now take the way back down to Ranggerköpfl. Either take the black, rather exposed path over the ridge or take the detour from the other side, which is by far not as difficult. It is a good hour longer.
So the hike comes full circle and we are back at Rangger Köpfl. Now take a look at the Rosskogelhütte before you hike back down towards Stieglreith.
Conclusion
A great round tour, which requires a lot of physical condition. Surefootedness and a head for heights are essential requirements. If you don’t have these, you can also just visit the Hundstalsee, which is also absolutely recommendable!
The walking time is a good six to seven hours, the trail is about 17 kilometers long.