Hikes

An alpine hike with wonderful views in the idyllic "Senderstal" (Senders Valley) in Grinzens. The hike starts from the sports ground in the Kohlstatt district of Grinzens.

From Grünberg car park, follow the signs along the forest road towards Simmering. After walking for about an hour, you'll reach Zwischensimmering, where you can enjoy a rest on a bench at the side of the path. From there, turn right and follow the signs to the "Simmeringalm". After the first bend, turn left off the forest road and follow the Harnersteig path into the forest. This hiking trail snakes slowly up through varied terrain to the Simmeringalm mountain hut. Many sections of the route provide spectacular views of the Inn Valley and the Stubai Alps. The last part of the trail leads over a wooden bridge and then continues along a forest road to the hut. For the hike back down, you can either double back along the same route or follow the forest path or the relatively steep Alpsteig trail. Optional route extension: Simmering summit (2,096 m) Above the Simmeringalm mountain hut, you’ll find bumpy terrain covered by lush alpine pastures that extend all the way up to the easy-to-reach summit of the grass-covered Simmering mountain. At the top, you can add your name to the summit book and are rewarded with fantastic panoramic views. Duration one-way from the Simmeringalm: approx. 1 hour Optional route extension: "Auf dem Horn" viewing platform (1,878 m) If you walk past the Simmeringalm mountain hut, you can continue along a beautiful hiking trail and over relatively flat alpine pastures to the "Auf dem Horn" viewing platform. The hike takes about 30 minutes (one-way) and the platform offers far-reaching views of the Mieming Range, the Stubai Alps and the Mieming Plateau. Attention! The Simmeringalm can only be reached via the forest path. Harnersteig and Hallersteig closed!

This route leads west through beautiful meadows, along the edge of the forest and sometimes through the trees to Gschwent and Obsteig. From Obsteig, follow the signs towards Arzkasten and then continue on to the old hamlet of Aschland. When you come to the fountain in the middle of the village, the sunny plateau circuit (Sonnenplateau-Rundwanderweg) turns off towards Holzleiten. At the Holzleitensattel, the route goes under the road and continues east through the Lärchenwiesen nature reserve to Obsteig. From Obsteig, the trail follows the Sturlbach stream towards the fairytale 12th-century castle Burg Klamm. It is also well worth taking a moment to enjoy the waterfall near the castle. From there, follow the signposts for the sunny plateau circuit towards Zein. The route leads past the swimming lake in Untermieming and then uphill to Fiecht, before entering the Fiechter Valley and continuing towards Wildermieming and the Gerhardhof campsite. From there, the route leads through the Anger Valley and up to the "Bergdoktorhaus", a building made famous by the TV series "Der Bergdoktor". Finally, it heads through Wildermieming, past the golf course and through the villages of Obermieming and Barwies before returning to the car park at the Waldschwimmbad open-air pool.

A forest road leads from the car park to the Straßberghaus mountain hut. Once you reach the hut, turn right and continue through the beautiful mixed forest along a winding track towards Niedere Munde. After a good hour's climb, you'll reach the highest point of the hike. From there, turn off to the left and follow the Hintereggensteig trail constantly downhill to the popular Neue Alplhütte mountain hut.

Close to the peaks – natural, authentic and genuine. These words perfectly describe the idyllic Senders Valley, an area renowned for hiking and climbing in Grinzens. The striking Kalkkögel mountain range, also known as the "Dolomites of North Tyrol", appears at its most beautiful and impressive from here and the destination is a true paradise for hikers, climbers and frankly all nature lovers. A wide variety of different hikes lead past the wild rushing waters of the Gries Bach and Senders Bach streams, through lush alpine meadows, across flowering mountain slopes and past the odd small mountain lake or two. Unique views of the impressive Kalkkögel massif surrounded by the Stubai Alps or wide-open views stretching far off along the Inn Valley are guaranteed.   The Senders Valley is also a popular destination for visiting mountain huts. The Kemater Alm was first documented as far back as 1142 when it was referred to as "montum alpinum Senders" by the Bishop of Brixen. This hut is located 1,673 metres above sea level at the foot of the mighty Kalkkögel mountain range and is a popular destination for day trips and one of the most popular hiking destinations in the area around Innsbruck. The small nearby chapel, dedicated in 1932, is also a nice place to take a relaxing break. A bit higher up, at an altitude of 1,977 metres above sea level, lies the Adolf-Pichler-Hütte – a mountain hut run by the "Akademischer Alpenklub Innsbruck" (Academic Alpine Club of Innsbruck). Both of these huts offer hikers, bikers and above all climbers the best tips regarding the surrounding hiking trails, not to mention delicious specialities, home-made treats, fabulous views and a cosy place to stay the night at the foot of the Kalkkögel mountain range. The Senderstal hiking and climbing area can be reached on foot or by MTB via the Senderstal forest road from Grinzens. If you use the forest road to the Kemater Alm by car, you have to pay a toll! (Toll machine in the valley / entrance to Senderstal: € 5.00 - only limited number possible). In harmony with nature, please be sure to observe! The Senderstal is a rest and alpine pasture area! There is no parking on the Senderstal path and only limited parking directly at the Kemater Alm. Driving ban for caravans or motor homes! The forest path can be closed at any time! Cycling with MTB or e-bikes is without exception ONLY permitted on the Kemater Alm MTB trail (No. 555) and NOT on hiking trails and alpine meadows!  Camping, loud music (day and night) and littering are strictly prohibited in the entire Senderstal rest area!  

A wonderful hiking destination and a great starting point for a wide range of mountain tours in the "Ruhegebiet" protected area of the Kalkkögel mountains. Axamer Lizum's Hoadl Bahn 10-seater gondola lift runs up to the "Hoadlhaus" restaurant and offers visitors the chance to enjoy unforgettable panoramic views of the Kalkkögel mountain range, also known as the "Dolomites of the North". Also the Birgitzköpfllift double chairlift will be in operation. Axamer Lizum is home to well-marked hiking trails (60 km), magnificent natural and panoramic attractions, extraordinary summits and challenging rock climbing routes, as well as lush alpine meadows, tranquillity and originality. The trails welcome all kinds of visitors, from Nordic walkers and power walkers to experienced mountaineers who are drawn to the area time and time again thanks to its exceptional alpine character. The various lifts such as the Olympiabahn funicular and the Birgitzköpfllift chairlift take you up the mountain in comfort. This is certainly the easiest and most convenient way to explore the Axamer Lizum mountains in summer and is particularly popular among families with children. No matter how you choose to explore the mountains, you are always rewarded with magnificent views of the striking Kalkkögel mountain range, the idyllic neighbouring Senders Valley and the impressive Inn Valley stretching off into the distance.  Opening times: HOADLBAHN and BIRGITZKÖPFLLIFT: The Hoadlbahn 10-seater gondola lift and the Birgitzköpfllift chairlift will run from 27 June to 29 September 2024 on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between 8.30 am and 4.30 pm. The sun terrace at the Hoadl Haus mountain restaurant will also be open on these days – for pure enjoyment and delicious delights at 2,340 metres above sea level. The Welcome Card entitle the holder to one upwards and one downwards journey on the Hoadlbahn o Birgitzköpfllift (free of charge).

This hike starts just above the bottom station of the Nordkettenbahn cable car. Head northeast through the village for a short distance before taking the first left onto a forest trail. Shortly afterwards, the trail crosses the Rosnerweg path and continues uphill. The route leads through areas of mixed forest and various glades to the Arzler Alm mountain hut (1,067 metres). From there, continue west along the forest road until you reach the first large intersection. Turn right and follow the signs to the Höttinger Alm mountain hut (1,487 metres). This section has fantastic views of the valley below.  Culinary tips: Both of the mountain huts offer typical local dishes and excellent Tyrolean cuisine.  Another route option is to start from Sadrach (bus stop for the A bus) and follow the trail past the Planötzenhof restaurant, past Höttinger Bild chapel and up through the forest to the Höttinger Alm mountain hut. It is well-worth making a short stop at the Höttinger Bild pilgrimage site. This small mountain chapel is hidden deep in the forest next to a picturesque fountain. 

From Arzkasten car park, hike past the guesthouse of the same name, turn right after the fountain and then follow the forest road north towards the Lehnberghaus mountain hut. After about 15 minutes, you will come to a fork in the road. Take the left hand path that turns off before the bridge and continue along the "Bachweg" trail through the forest. The path provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy impressive views of the Mieming Range, for example the Wankspitze peak (2,209 m). After just under an hour, the trail turns sharply right, away from the stream, and a short but quite steep path leads straight up to the forest road. From there, it's only a few metres to the Lehnberghaus mountain hut. For the hike back, you can either double back along the same route or follow the forest road. From the Lehnberghaus, a hiking trail leads uphill towards "Lacke", first climbing up through alpine meadows and then continuing through the forest. When you arrive at Lacke, you'll find a giant picture frame and an impressive viewing platform with views that stretch far along the Inn Valley and over the Mieming Plateau. From Lacke, you continue towards Wankspitze peak. Hike north along the wooded ridge and follow the trail as it snakes upwards and finally follows the final ridge right up to the summit cross. The Wankspitze is located in front of the rugged peaks of the Mieming Range and displays high alpine character. It offers fantastic views over the Mieming Plateau, along the Inn Valley to Innsbruck and south to the Stubai Alps.

This hike starts at the car park and follows the forest road past the barrier to the Straßberghaus mountain hut. Just before the hut, you'll come to a fork in the road where you should turn right to follow the Hintereggensteig trail. The path leads steeply uphill until you come to another crossroads. From there, turn left and hike along the undulating trail until you reach the point where you can collect a stamp. From there, turn right to join the Dengg’n-Edi-Gratlsteig trail and follow it as it climbs quite steeply uphill through mountain pines. You'll come to a short section of the trail that is secured with cables and shortly afterwards, you'll reach a fork in the path. Continue straight on to the summit cross. The hike back follows the same trail down from the Wetterkreuz cross until you come to the first junction. From there, follow signs to the Neue Alplhütte mountain hut and follow the trail as it winds its way down the mountain to the alpine pastures around the Neue Alplhütte mountain hut. Finally, take the forest road back to the Straßberghaus mountain hut and continue on to the car park.

Start by crossing the road at the car park, heading south, and then follow the gravel track through the forest, via the Flechter Valley, to the old hamlet of Fiecht. From there, the hike continues over a hill through Fiecht, across meadows and through woods, following the signs for Affenhausen. After passing the beautiful Nothelferkapelle chapel, the path continues through alpine meadows to Affenhausen. There, cross the road again and follow the route uphill towards Wildermieming, through a village with beautiful farms near Unterfeld and back to the car park.

A wonderful hiking trail located 2,000 metres above sea level that leads through one of Europe's largest stone pine forests. The Zirbenweg trail is a popular hike that is widely renowned and always an uplifting experience. Located above Innsbruck, the hike covers part of the Adlerweg trail (the Eagle's Way) from the top of the lift at Patscherkofel to the Tulfeinalm mountain hut (Tulfes). You can get to the start of the hike by taking the Patscherkofelbahn lift up to an altitude of 1,952 metres above sea level. From there, the Zirbenweg trail follows a wide mountain path that leads from Patscherkofel towards Tulfes, past the rather remote Boscheben mountain hut. The path is gently undulating and follows the tree line at over 2,000 metres above sea level without any significant changes in altitude. The route takes you through centuries-old stone pine forests and has breathtaking backdrops and stunning views of the Inn Valley every step of the way. On the other side Innsbruck, the impressive Nordkette mountain range rises up and marks the start of the Karwendel mountains. At the end of the Zirbenweg, you can take the Glungezerbahn gondola down to Tulfes from near the Tulfeinalm mountain hut. It is also possible to start the hike in Tulfes and do the route in reverse.

This route starts from Arzkasten car park and initially leads off towards Holzleiten. From there, you turn right and follow the signs for the "Sonnenplateau Rundwanderweg" (the sunny plateau circular hiking trail) along the path to Aschland. At the chapel, the route leads downhill for about 30 metres and then turns off to the right onto a forest road, following the signs for the "Adlerhorstweg" trail. After around 50 metres, you come to the next fork in the road. Take the path on the left and continue to keep left, following the signs for about 2.5 kilometres until you finally reach the Adlerhorst viewpoint. From there, you can enjoy wonderful views of Nassereith, impressive rock faces used for rock climbing and the beautiful Gurgl Valley with its numerous hay barns. Follow the same route back.  

From the Hallerangerhaus mountain hut, first turn onto the trail towards "Lafatscher Joch". This trail leads into a rocky corrie, which becomes increasingly steeper and narrower. Soon the route leads through the so-called "Durchschlag" (the point where the the old mule track broke through the rock) and a little later – past a cross – gently uphill to a pasture where there is a turnoff to Speckkarspitze peak. The route continues north along a pleasant stretch to "Lafatscher Joch" ridge. When you get to the ridge, follow the signs to the "Pfeishütte" mountain hut. Follow the trail gently downhill, following the signs to "Pfeishütte" and "Pfeishütte über Wilde-Bande-Steig". The ancient "Wilde-Bande-Steig" takes you through many areas of mountain pines and crosses several gullies as it makes its way slightly uphill to the entrance of the corrie below the Stempeljoch ridge. Follow the signs to "Stempeljoch" and "Pfeishütte". The trail through the corrie (constructed using wooden boards and numerous wire ropes) becomes increasingly steeper and the surface, which is initially stony and scree-lined, becomes more solid the further up you go. From the ridge, the route leads downhill to the right, passing through alpine meadows and pastures as it leisurely makes its way to the Pfeishütte mountain hut. The signposted "Goetheweg" trail (no. 219), which is excellently secured in many places, starts right from the hut. The route starts off as a footpath and later becomes an alpine trail as it climbs slowly uphill into the basin south of the hut. When you come to a fork in the path, follow the signs towards "Mandlscharte" and "Hafelekar Bergstation". At the next fork, take the right-hand path (the left-hand path goes to the "Arzler Scharte") and follow it as it makes a wide loop up through the scree corrie to the Mandlscharte col. The route then continues down through the scree fields on the other side. The route becomes a good, wide trail again and stays at a relatively steady altitude as it crosses below dramatic scree fields (great views of the rear side of the Nordkette mountain range). After a short ascent, the route takes you over to the Inn Valley side and zigzags downhill for a few metres, before following a gentle trail that leads slightly uphill to the west, crossing the upper area of the steep, partly grassy southern flank of the Nordkette to the Hafelekar mountain lift station. During this section, follow the signs for "Hafelekar Bergstation" or "Goetheweg". The last part of the hike alternates between the left-hand side and the right-hand side of the ridge. To get to Innsbruck, you can take the Nordkettenbahnen cable cars and the new Hungerburgbahn funicular straight down to the city centre. Alternatively, you can hike down.

From Innsbruck, take bus J to Igls to the stop "Talstation Patscherkofelbahn" and then take the Patscherkofelbahn gondola up to the Patscherkofelbahn mountain lift station. Follow the signs for the "Zirbenweg" (no. 350). The Zirbenweg trail starts above the "Schutzhaus Patscherkofel" mountain hut and leads east. This is also the start of the Alpine Club's "Patscherkofel Nature Trail". Follow the trail as it leads gently uphill to the Boscheben mountain hut. From Boscheben, the route continues in the same direction to the Tulfeinalm mountain hut and then up to the Halsmarter lift.  From there, you can take the lift down to Tulfes, the bus to Igls and then bus J back to Innsbruck. It is also possible to walk back to the bottom lift station of the Patscherkofelbahn gondola: from the bottom of the Glungezerbahn gondola, follow the Speckbacherweg trail via the villages of Rinn and Sistrans to Igls (walking time approx. 3 hours). You can also walk back to the main train station in Innsbruck from the bottom lift station of the Patscherkofelbahn in Igls: from Igls to Vill, through the forest to Poltenhütt, Tantegert tram stop, turn off towards Bretterkeller, cross the motorway bridge, continue approx. 200 metres west to Gasthof Bierstindl – Wilten Abbey – Leopoldstraße road – turn right through the Olympiabrücke pedestrian underpass – Südbahnstraße road to the train station (walking time approx. 1 ½ hours).

This stage starts by taking the Karwendel railway from Innsbruck to Hochzirl train station and then continuing on foot from there to the Solsteinhaus mountain hut.  From the train station, follow the signs to "Solsteinhaus". A good path takes you north of the tracks and straight into the dense forest. After a short distance, this path joins a cart track, which follows a very steep course straight uphill. This soon merges left to join the route from the Hochzirl hospital and continues steeply up through the forest, heading north-east.   After crossing the small stream that flows down from Brunnenschrofen, you come to a short stretch of almost level or only gently climbing terrain. The route now almost resembles a road, but soon leads steeply uphill again. At an altitude of around 1,350 metres above sea level, you come to a wide forest road, which takes you further uphill and passes above a small ravine. After passing a stream, you come to a trail that leads up through the thinning forest and mountain pines to the open alpine pastures around the lovely Solnalm mountain hut. From there, you get your first glimpse of your destination and the end of this stage, the Solsteinhaus mountain hut. The route continues to the right of the Solnalm and heads north along the valley towards Hollkar mountain, passing a few scree gullies along the way. The trail then crosses the foothills of the Hollkar and a stream before finally leading gently uphill through mountain pines to the Erlsattel saddle and the comfortable Solsteinhaus mountain hut (1,805 metres).