Hiking in spring: all pink!

What could be more beautiful than nature coming back to life in spring? Slowly and timidly at first - and then in full force. Every season has its magic, but spring and autumn clearly paint the most beautiful colors. Especially now, when the sun is regaining its strength and the air smells of new beginnings, I am drawn out into nature.

In this blog post, I would like to introduce you to my favorite spring hikes on the Mieminger Plateau gentle paths, expansive views and a forest that looks like it's straight out of a fairy tale in spring. When heather blooms, it transforms the forest floor into a sea of pink colors - you feel like you're in a fairy forest.

Spring hike I: from alpine pasture to alpine pasture

This hike connects two alpine pastures - the Moosalm in Barwies and the Stöttlalm above the Golfparks Mieming. The start is at the Lehnbach parking lot. From there, a slightly ascending forest path leads directly to the Stöttlalm. I definitely recommend taking a short (or longer) break here - yes, I know you haven't been on the trail for too long, but the Stöttlalm is definitely worth a stop. And at any time of year or day: whether for brunch, a hearty lunch or simply for a leisurely Spritzer. After the first refreshment, it's a short walk back, then over the Lehnbach. Follow the forest path over the new Stöttlalm bridge in the direction of the Moosalm.

Through the pink fairy forest

And now comes the really, really beautiful part: you walk through the pine forest - I think that alone is wonderful. But in spring, when the erica is in bloom, the forest floor is simply pink. Yes, people often accuse me of exaggerating - but not in this case. Of course, you have to get the timing right, because heather flowers quite early (sometimes as early as February). But we were still lucky in April and - in my opinion - walked through a pink fairy forest.

Relatively at the end of the woodland, before it goes out onto the moss meadows, there is a forest playground Forest playground. A ride on the Flying Fox or the Ringelspiel (carousel) - a little detour is always worthwhile. But don't overdo it - you don't want to get sick and lose your appetite. Or is it just me? In any case, I can't sit down on a merry-go-round anymore without feeling sick.

Second stop: the Moosalm

When you leave the forest, a wide path leads through the characteristic larch meadows with old barns to the next refreshment stop: the Gasthaus Moosalm.
The Moosalm is in an idyllic location with a wonderful view of the Mieminger mountain range. Parents can treat themselves to a coffee or a lemonade on the cozy terrace while the children have fun in the playground Playground playground - always in view of mom and dad. The route then leads back through the same forest to Obermieming. After leaving the forest, follow the forest path to the right to the settlement - and finally back to the starting point.

Spring hike II: perfect for families

We stay - how could it be otherwise - on the Mieminger Plateau. This hike is also perfect for families. Even my little son - and he's really not a keen hiker - manages this loop easily and (almost) without grumbling.
I think this is mainly because there's a delicious ice cream right at the start. You start at the paid parking lot at the recycling center in Wildermieming. From there, the route heads north via Unterfeld, past the Gapp guesthouse to Hånsl's farm shop. Make sure you stop here - and treat yourself to an ice cream! My son's recommendation: mango!

Through the spring forest to the Gerhardhof

At the crossroads Unterfeld–Unterholz, turn east onto the path Unterholz path. You walk across the beautiful meadows until you reach the larch forest. And then simply follow the signs to the Gerhardhof follow the signs. Here, too, we experience a similar scenario as before - a forest floor that glows in a delicate pink at the time of the erica blossom . Once we arrive at the Gerhardhof, there are well-deserved refreshments for everyone who wants them. My recommendation: a Hugo-Spritz - what could be better on a warm spring day? From the Gerhardhof, you finally walk back along the road to the parking lot

Spring hike III: from Stams to Locherboden

The last hike that I would like to present to you in this article leads from Stams over the suspension bridge up towards Untermieming - and further along the Contemplation trail to Maria Locherboden. Even though this is not a particularly strenuous hike, I only recommend walking it with children who are sure-footed. You can easily park your car at the Stams Hängebrücke parking lot, which charges a fee. Then it's off you go: once under the highway underpass - and over the suspension bridge. Once you have crossed the bridge, keep left and follow the signs to Untermieming. The path is steep and narrow in places - so as I said, please only go with children who can actually manage it.

What a view

After the ascent, you reach a small chapel - an ideal place to pause for a moment and enjoy the wonderful view. From here, the forest slowly thins out and you take a leisurely stroll across open meadows to the edge of the forest. There you come to the path of contemplation, which you turn onto. It leads to the left to the pilgrimage church Maria Locherboden.

Contemplatively through the pine forest

Now you hike through a pine forest that is so typical of the Mieminger Plateau - and here, too, the heather shows itself in all its glory in spring. However, you have to pick the right time. We were out and about at the beginning of April and - in contrast to the forest between Moosalm and Stöttlalm - weren't quite as lucky.
Erica was still in bloom, but the ground wasn't quite as pink. But no matter - it was still beautiful! Firstly, next year we'll just set off a little earlier. And secondly, we were rewarded with pink and white blossoming spring trees - also beautiful! The way back is the same - unless you like a bit of variety. Then take the path of extremes, which is lined with information boards and also leads back to the suspension bridge

But of course you don't have to leave Innsbruck to admire the splendor of spring. That's the beauty of this time of year: it's sprouting and blooming everywhere. Even in the morning, on my way to work, I can hardly get enough of the colorful trees and magnificent blossoms - a really good start to the day. Unfortunately, the time of glorious colors is so short - so let's get outside, put on our hiking boots and head up to the Mieminger Plateau!