Axamer Lizum: Experience the sunset at the summit

The Axamer Lizum is a true jewel of the Tyrolean Alps and captivates hikers with its imposing mountain scenery. The landscape is particularly impressive at sunset, when the last rays of sunlight bathe the rugged peaks of the Kalkkögel in a golden light. In this blog article, I take you on an unforgettable sunset hike: starting from the valley floor, you first head up to the Hoadl and then via the summit trail to the Pleisen, where you can enjoy the sunset in all its glory. The tour then continues to Axamer Kögele and back to the valley via the Schafalm.

The starting point of the hike is the Hoadl (2,340 m), the local mountain of the Axamer Lizum. The summit can be easily reached with the Hoadlbahn cable car, saving you the first ascent. Alternatively, you can opt for the ascent on foot, with the unique landscape waiting for you along the way. This is a fantastic opportunity for a short break - at the idyllic Herzerlsee lake.

The Herzerlsee, a small, heart-shaped mountain lake, is nestled in the middle of the vast alpine meadows. Here, at an altitude of around 2,000 meters, you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of nature. The lake is a wonderful place to pause for a moment and take in the surrounding mountains. From here, you already have a great view of the Kalkkögel peaks, which tower ruggedly and majestically in the background. The reflection of the mountains in the clear water makes this place something very special.

After a short breather at the Herzerlsee lake, you continue up to the Hoadl, from where the actual sunset tour begins.

Once we reach the top of the Hoadl, we have a spectacular view of the Kalkkögel, an impressive mountain formation that catches the eye with its wildly jagged rocky peaks. These imposing peaks accompany us all the way and offer a fascinating natural spectacle, which becomes particularly dramatic in the evening hours when the sun is lower.

From Hoadl, the summit trail leads up to Pleisen. This path is challenging and runs over rocky sections that require surefootedness. But the further you climb, the more intense the reward: the view of the breathtaking limestone peaks opens up again and again, their jagged rock formations turning golden in the setting sun.

Once you reach the Pleisen (2,236 m), it's time for the highlight of the hike - the sunset. The sky slowly turns warm shades of orange and pink, and the last rays of sunlight bathe the Kalkkögel and the entire surrounding area in a soft light. This moment, when the mountain landscape falls silent and the day slowly fades into night, is unforgettable. The striking peaks of the Kalkkögel now seem almost unreal in their golden glow.

After sunset, the hike continues in the direction of Axamer Kögele. The path now runs through gentler terrain, which is particularly pleasant at dusk. As the Kalkkögel are gradually shrouded in shade, the path to Axamer Kögele becomes a relaxed stage. From the Axamer Kögele (2,097 m), you can once again enjoy a wonderful view of the Inn Valley and the surrounding mountains, which look particularly peaceful in the cool evening air.

After the Axamer Kögele, the descent begins, leading back down into the valley via the Schafalm. In the darkness, you can hear the gentle ringing of cowbells and the sound of the wind - a wonderfully peaceful scene that brings the hike to an atmospheric close.

The path back down into the valley leads through gentle meadows and forests, and the headlamp comes in handy here as it quickly gets dark after sunset. Finally, I reach the Axamer Lizum again - filled with the unforgettable moments that this hike had to offer.

The sunset hike from the Hoadl via the Pleisen and the Axamer Kögele is a unique experience for every hiking enthusiast. The Herzerlsee as an idyllic resting place on the way to the Hoadl, the panoramic route over the summit trail and the spectacular views of the Kalkkögel, which show their most beautiful side in the evening light, make this tour an unforgettable adventure. The moment of sunset on the Pleisen is particularly magical - the mountains bathed in golden light and the peace that lies over the landscape make this moment indescribable.

If you want to experience the Axamer Lizum from a special perspective, I can definitely recommend this sunset hike. It is a perfect combination of challenge, nature experience and a pinch of magic that only the mountains around Innsbruck can offer.

If you wish, you can also shorten this tour by taking the Hoadlbahn cable car. Information on opening times and tariffs can be found on the Axamer Lizum website. With the Welcome Card, the ascent and descent is free of charge once during the summer season.

All photos © Danijel Jovanovic Photography - www.djphotography.at
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