Grosser Ahornboden is a wide grassy plain in the secluded Hinterrisstal (“Upper Riss Valley”), tucked away in Karwendel Nature Park in Tirol, Austria.

This upper part of the Risstal Valley is called Grosser Ahornboden, “Great Maple Floor,” because it’s studded with 2,300 sycamore maple trees, some 600 years old.

The beauty of this hidden valley is heightened by the sheer rock faces of the Karwendel Mountains, rising above it on all sides. 

Another attraction of Hinterrisstal is the Eng Almdorf, which is a small alpine pasture village situated at the very end of the valley, just beyond Grosser Ahornboden. This part of Hinterrisstal is often called Eng Valley.

Grosser Ahornboden is a worthy day trip from Lake Achensee, Innsbruck, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Mittenwald, and even Munich. However, we highly recommend staying at least two nights at Die Eng – Alpengasthof und Naturhotel to explore the many Karwendel hiking trails which start at the hotel’s doorstep.

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Visiting Grosser Ahornboden, Karwendel Nature Park

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Grosser Ahornboden Map

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Where is Grosser Ahornboden

Grosser Ahornboden is located in Tirol, Austria. However, it’s only accessible by car/bus from Bavaria, Germany.

Drivers must pay a 5 EUR toll to drive to the Eng Alpine Pasture and Grosser Ahornboden.

There’s a large free car park at Alpengasthof Eng.

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When to Visit Grosser Ahornboden 

Grosser Ahornboden is only accessible from late May/early June until mid-late October, depending on snow conditions.

In summer, die Eng is an active alpine pasture, where they still produce cheese on-site. During the summer hiking season, all the nearby mountain refuges are open.

In Autumn, Grosser Ahornboden is a very popular destination for photographing fall foliage.

Related: Autumn in Austria: Top Destinations

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Grosser Ahornboden Hiking Trails

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Gamsjoch

• Trailhead: Eng Almdorf
• Distance: 13.8 km round trip, or 18 km out-and-back via Hohljoch
• Time Needed: 6:30 – 8:30 hours
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 1324 m, or 1390 out-and-back via Hohljoch
• Difficulty: Difficult. You need stamina, a head for heights, and good trail intuition. 

Gamsjoch (2452 m) is a three-headed mountain in the Eastern Karwendel Mountains.

The western summit of Gamsjoch (2438 m) is a popular peak hike, because of its sweeping views of Hinterautal-Vomper-Kette, which is the largest mountain chain in the Karwendel Mountains.

This day hike begins at the Eng Alpine Pasture at the end of Hinterisstal Valley. Hikers have the option to ascend to Gamsjoch via Hochljoch saddle (the easier, but longer option), or via the unmarked Gumpenkar stream bed/cirque (unmarked and painfully steep, but shorter option).

Learn More: Gamsjoch Trail Guide

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Binsalm Alpine Pasture

• Trailhead: Eng Almdorf
• Distance: 5.8 km circuit
• Time Needed: 2:15 hours
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 440 meters
• Difficulty: Easy – Moderate

This short circuit trail to the Binsalm alpine pasture hut is an easy hike, suitable for the whole family. Starting at Alpengasthof Eng, follow signs to “Panoramaweg” and “Drijaggenalm.”

The path narrows and ascends, with views of Lalidererwände and Birkkarspitze. Once you reach the unmanaged Drijaggenalm, the highest point of the tour, continue to Binsalm.

Binsalm is an active alpine pasture, managed from mid-May until the end of October. Grab a bite to eat here, before completing the circuit to Eng Almdorf (30 minutes).

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Falkenhütte Mountain Hut

• Trailhead: Eng Almdorf
• Distance: 13.5 km out-and-back
• Time Needed: 5 hours
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 890 meters
• Difficulty: Moderate

Falkenhütte is a mountain hut situated at the foot of the Lalidererwände at an elevation of 1848 meters.

Like the other hikes, the trail to Falkenhütte begins at Engalm alpine pasture.

Following the Via Alpina, the path steadily ascends through forest to Hochljoch saddle (1794 m). From here, the path continues straigh ahead, now downhill along the Lalidererwände walls. You’ll make a final counter-ascent to Spielissjoch saddle (1773 m) and onwards to Falkenhütte (1848 m).

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Where to Stay

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Die Eng – Alpengasthof & Naturhotel

After hiking to Gamsjoch, we spent the night at the Alpengasthof and Naturhotel die Eng. The hotel is located directly at the trailhead, between Grosser Ahornboden and the Eng Alpine Pasture.

It’s the best possible base for hiking in this region. You could stay here for a week and not run out of hiking options.

This mountains hotel has comfortable, modern rooms – many of which were recently refurbished. The hotel also has on-site restaurant and a relaxing spa area (modernized in 2022) that will revive your legs after the hike.

Book your stay at Alpengasthof and Naturhotel die Eng.

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More Hikes in the Karwendel Nature Park:

• Karwendel High Trail

Austria Day Hikes:

• Best Day Hikes in Austria
• Austrian Alps Hiking Destinations
• Best Hikes in Salzburg
• Best Day Hikes near Vienna
• Schladming Hiking Guide
• Lech am Arlberg Hiking Guide
• Vorarlberg Hiking Guide

Austria Multi-Day Hikes:

• Trekking Austria: Best Treks and Long Distance Trails
• Hut to Hut Hiking in Austria: Essential Tips

Plan your trip to Austria:

• Austria Travel Guide
• Best Places to Stay in Austria in Summer
• Autumn in Austria: Top Destinations
• Vienna City Guide
• Best Places to Visit in Austria

Austria Itineraries:

• 2 Week Austria Road Trip
• 1 Week Austria Road Trip

Austrian Hotels:

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