Hikes

From the parking lot, first go through the pedestrian underpass of the bypass road and then turn right to pass the Kalvarienberg (or calvary hill) and continue to the start of the Ehnbachklamm gorge. Follow the route along the Ehnbach stream through the romantic wilderness of the gorge and continue to Hochzirl or into the Brunn Valley (route no. 3). The strange rock formations and diverse flora and fauna make a hike in the Karwendel mountains an unforgettable experience. Even on hot summer days, this hike along the cool babbling stream ensures relaxation for mind and soul. The area also contains a collection of orchids, which is unique within Tyrol. The narrow trail is well secured with footbridges and steps, as well as wire ropes. It is well worth allowing plenty of time for this hike so you have to opportunity to wonder at the scenic beauty of the gorge and watch the many rock climbers who use the area to practice and hone their skills. At the end of the gorge, the route heads right and zigzags uphill through shady mixed forests to the road that leads into the Brunn Valley. From there, you continue through beautiful alpine meadows to the Jausentation Brunntal mountain hut (route no. 4). The route back to Zirl first follows the road and then the Brunntal Steig trail.

Arrival by car. Paid parking is available at the P 8 "Rettung" emergency services at Zirl Ost. Roughly 200 metres above the floor of the Inn Valley, in the middle of the Martinswand rock face, lies a natural cave known as Maximilian's Grotto (Maximiliansgrotte), which is 26 metres wide and 19 metres high. Legend has it that Emperor Maximilian sought refuge in the cave after getting lost while hunting chamois. The Grottensteig trail on the Martinswand was reconstructed and has been open to hikers again since the beginning of April 2015. The route leads from the Brunntalweg trail, across the quarry and along the completely redeveloped old section of the grotto trail to the cave. Bridges, fences and handrails provide extra security along the route up to the spectacular viewpoint, which overlooks Zirl and the upper Inn Valley. Hikers must be sure-footed and have a good head for heights!

This hike leads along route 50 and passes the following places: Zirl - Brunntal (the Brunn Valley) - Kirchbergalm mountain hut - Neue Magdeburger Hütte mountain hut. The hike starts on the forest road (open to vehicles) on the eastern edge of Zirl. The route initially leads to the Zirler Mähder wayside cross and then on to the chapel at Hörbstenboden, where it turns off towards the Kirchbergalm mountain hut and later follows a pleasant forest trail to the Neue Magdeburger Hütte mountain hut. 

From Oberbach, at an altitude of 1,417 metres above sea level, the route zigzags up a steep track to the Solenalm hut (1,643 m, not open to the public), where you get wonderful views of the Erlspitze and Solstein peaks. From there, the route leads north above the Erl Valley, crosses the stream in a north-easterly direction and then continues around two long bends to the mountain hut, which will have been visible up ahead for quite a while.   

This route starts at the underpass in the north of Zirl and leads towards the "Schießstand" (shooting range). From there, you continue up the steps to a path that leads gently uphill to the "Schöne Aussicht" viewpoint (route no. 2), where you can enjoy wonderful views of the surrounding mountains. The route then continues along the Vogellehrweg bird trail to Hochzirl (route no. 15). At the spring, take route no. 13 down to the Schlossbach stream, where you get beautiful views of the Karwendel railway bridge, the "Hohe Schlossbachbrücke". The route then continues over the bridge and uphill towards Leithen. When you come to a clearing in the forest, take the left-hand path to the Schlosssteig trail and continue past the Fragenstein castle ruins and back to Zirl. The route can also be completed in the opposite direction.

Hochzirl - Pleinerweg - Solsteinhaus (Alpenverein route 213) The quickest way to reach the Solsteinhaus mountain hut is to take the signposted trail from the train station in Hochzirl via Pleiner and Solenalm. The route takes you along hiking paths and forest roads to an altitude of 1,417 metres, where you cross the Oberbach stream. From there, the route zigzags up a steep track to the Solenalm hut (1,643 m, not open to the public), where you get wonderful views of the Erlspitze and Solstein peaks. From there, the route leads north above the Erl Valley, crosses the stream in a north-easterly direction and then continues around two long bends to the mountain hut, which will have been visible up ahead for quite a while. 

A wonderful forest trail that leads uphill through mixed woods and alpine meadows to Hochzirl (route no. 15). Various display boards line the route and provide information about indigenous birds. From the train station in Hochzirl, take route no. 51 towards the Ehnbachklamm gorge and then follow the Ehnbach stream through the romantic wilderness of the gorge (route no. 3). The route continues past a war memorial (route no. 1a) and then heads back to the starting point. It is also possible to walk the route in the other direction. The strange rock formations and diverse flora and fauna make a hike in the Karwendel mountains an unforgettable experience for every walker. Even on hot summer days, this hike along the cool babbling stream ensures relaxation for mind and soul. The area also contains a collection of orchids, which is unique within Tyrol. The narrow trail is well secured with footbridges and steps, as well as wire ropes.

Hiking in a mountain range like the Karwendel Nature Park is a special experience! The area is literally calling out for you to explore its quiet expanses and unique nature. The exceptionally dense network of mountain huts also makes it ideal for exciting multi-day tours. The possibilities are almost endless, including simple hikes up to mountain huts, alpine tours along exposed ridges, long-distance multi-day hikes and much more. The Karwendel mountains are also a climbing paradise!