Via Romea – Stage 3 from Innsbruck to Matrei am Brenner
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The 3rd stage of the Via Romea Germanica leads from St James’s Cathedral in Innsbruck through the city centre and past well-known landmarks such as the St Anne’s Column, the Triumphal Arch and the Bergisel ski jump, heading towards Vill and Igls. From there, the route continues along scenic paths to Matrei am Brenner, the destination of this stage.
Along the way, there are sweeping views of the Serles and the Stubai Alps, while the route passes traditional farmhouses and peaceful countryside. From Pfons, the trail finally descends back into the valley to Matrei am Brenner, the destination of this stage.
Further information
The stage starts at St James’ Cathedral in Innsbruck. From there, the route leads through the pedestrian zone along Herzog-Friedrich-Straße and Maria-Theresien-Straße, then continues south out of the city along Leopoldstraße. After crossing the B174, follow Leopoldstraße for a short distance. At Wilten Cemetery, turn left into Klostergasse. After crossing the stream, a pedestrian bridge on the right leads across the Inntal motorway. Continue beneath the Brenner motorway to Igler Straße. Follow this road to the right for a few metres, then turn left onto a narrow path towards Lemmenhof.
Continue via Viller Berg and Lanser Steig before turning right onto Poltenweg, which leads to Vill. In the centre of the village, keep left and then turn left again at the parish church onto Lilly-von-Sauter-Weg. At the end of the residential area, turn right towards Igls. After the cemetery, turn right onto Habichtstraße. At the T-junction, turn right and then immediately left onto Fernkreuzweg. Follow this path to Patsch.
In Patsch, continue straight into the village, keeping slightly to the left towards the parish church in the centre. Turn right onto Zollerweg and follow it until the road becomes a meadow path. Continue through the forest, always staying above the country road visible on the left without descending to it. At Rinnerhöfe, continue towards the Mühlentaler Bach. From there, descend into the village and turn right onto the main road. After a sharp right-hand bend, turn left at the bus stop onto a narrow path. This leads to Oberellbögen, which you follow straight ahead. In Dörfl, at the Stipplerkapelle chapel, turn right and head downhill.
Continue straight through the residential area along Innerellbögen. After passing the Kratzerkapelle chapel, follow Am Falkasanerbach around a right-hand bend towards Ried. Continue straight along Oberpfons before descending in a zigzag to the right into Pfons. Turn left onto the main road, cross the railway line and continue to Matrei am Brenner, the destination of this stage.
- If you are not continuing the hike, you can take the S-Bahn (S3) from Matrei am Brenner back to Innsbruck.
