My favourite ski area in Innsbruck is Patscherkofel and this winter there will be a brand new lift system. This means that the original lift, which began operation in 1928, will be retiring this October. So you don’t have much time left to experience the charm of this legendary cable car.
The legendary Patscherkofelbahn.
The J bus runs every 10 minutes during the day from Innsbruck’s city centre. Within 20 minutes you arrive at the base station in Igls. There is also a free car park if you choose to drive.
What’s at the top of the Patscherkofelbahn?
The old skool lift takes you to the Patscherkofel mountain station at 1952m. From here there are several hiking routes providing spectacular views of Innsbruck and the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Swiss Pine (Zirben) can be found at the top
A hike that is not so difficult nor lengthy is from the top of the lift up to Gipfel, which is the top of the Patscherkofelbahn. It takes about 50 minutes and the acsent is about 300m. At the top is the Gipfelstube restaurant, the TV and radio ORS-Mast and breathtaking views.
A famous hiking route is the Zirbenweg where I filmed the video that is in this article. This route is 7 kilometres long and takes about two and half hours.
The Zirbenweg hiking route.
You can also go on the Nostalgic tour, taking you back to 1928.
If you’re not interested in hiking, no worries, you can enjoy traditional Tirolean cuisine at the Schutzhaus restaurant, take a thousand photos of the amazing views and check out the botanical gardens.
Schutzhaus restaurant with panoramic views.
The last call
So, there’s not long left to have a final ride on the legendary cable car at Patscherkofel. The last lift will be on 22nd October 2017, but check the website in case of date changes (bad weather etc.). Enjoy the ride!
Follow my filmmaking and music production projects on Instagram: @ashleywiggins111
All photos © Ashley Wiggins
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