The Serles: photo motif and hiking destination

30 July 2025

Post originally written in: Deutsch

The Serles is a particularly attractive photo motif for me - above all because of its striking appearance, which presents itself impressively from Innsbruck. You can see it from almost everywhere, whether in the middle of the city, from the Patscherkofel or from the Nordkette. Due to its characteristic three-part summit structure, it is often referred to as the "high altar of Tyrol". Today I'll show you the Serles from a variety of perspectives. And finally from above too, because: A sunrise hike crowns the day in a very special way.

The first documented ascent of the Serles took place in 1579, which underlines the long history of alpine fascination for this mountain. But it's not just history and the view that make the Serles so special: Its ascent route is varied and extremely scenic. The panorama from the summit is particularly impressive - thanks to its exposed location, it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, making every tour up the Serles an unforgettable experience.

Perspective on the high altar of Tyrol

You can immediately see from my Instagram timeline that the Serles is a popular photo motif for me. Regardless of whether I'm using an ultra-wide-angle or telephoto lens, each focal length brings out its own charm. There are many great photo spots around Innsbruck that are perfect for putting this striking peak in the right light.

From the mountain station of the Hungerburgbahn, I am often drawn further up - either to the Seegrube or all the way up to the Hafelekar. Up there, an impressive panorama opens up - the Serles is particularly beautiful at the entrance to the Stubai Valley. A special highlight: from here, it can be perfectly captured in a picture with the Europabrücke bridge - a fascinating contrast between nature and technology.

Serles from the Patscherkofel

Another worthwhile photo spot is on the opposite side of the valley - on Innsbruck's local mountain, the Patscherkofel. I particularly enjoy spending time here and photographing the Serles from a completely different perspective. The evening trips on Thursdays are particularly appealing: if the weather plays along, a wonderful light mood is created - perfect for capturing the Serles bathed in warm evening light. The Sacred Heart fires are a very special highlight for me every year. When the chains of fire light up all around the mountain peaks, the landscape seems enchanted - and the Serles glows in the midst of this spectacle. For me, this is one of the most magical moments to capture.

Sunrise tour to the Serles - a special experience

When I plan a sunrise tour to Serles, my day usually starts in the middle of the night. The ascent takes around three hours - so I prefer to start a little earlier so that I have enough time for short breaks and reach the summit in good time. Before I set off, I always find out exactly when the sun rises - this changes significantly depending on the time of year. Good planning is really crucial, because arriving at the summit too late would simply be a shame. And what you should never be without on such tours: a headlamp! Without it, nothing works in the dark.

My starting point: Maria Waldrast

I start the tour at the Maria Waldrast monastery, a well-known place of pilgrimage and the highest monastery in Europe. It takes about 45 minutes to get there by car from Innsbruck. The trail starts directly behind the monastery fountain and initially leads quite steeply through a sparse forest - on a narrow but easily accessible path. The path soon becomes flatter and leads through a beautiful mountain pine forest. It then continues over rockier terrain to the Serlesjöchl (2,384 m). I always pause briefly here - the view of the Stubai Valley is simply magnificent.

The last climb

From the Jöchl, it's just a few minutes to the key section: a short, steep passage with a ladder that is easy to negotiate. This is followed by a few meters with rope insurance - surefootedness is required here. The trail then leads through a scree field and a few hairpin bends to the final section, which requires a little more climbing skill. And then: the summit. Once at the top, an impressive panorama awaits me every time - with views of the Bettelwurf, the Olperer, the Habicht and even as far as the Dolomites.

The magic moment

When the sun rises above the horizon and bathes everything in warm light, I know why I do this early start. The moment when the Serles glows in the golden morning light and the surrounding peaks awaken is simply indescribable. I let my mind wander, enjoy the peace and quiet - and of course I also take photos. For me, this is one of the most beautiful places to start the day.

Info about the Serlestour

The Serles is a challenging mountain tour with around 1,000 vertical meters to conquer. Please assess your fitness realistically and allow enough time for the ascent. Important: Take enough liquid with you - there are no water sources along the route. The only opportunity to fill up with water is directly at the starting point at Maria Waldrast. The tour is not suitable for dogs, as a steep passage with a ladder has to be negotiated - this section is difficult or even impossible for four-legged friends.