Innsbruck, the capital city of Tyrol, Austria, enjoys a privileged location in the Inntal Valley, surrounded by multiple mountain ranges of the Austrian Alps.
Set between the Karwendel’s Nordkette chain, an imposing wall of limestone, the Tux Alps, and the Kalkkögel mountains, Innsbruck is a playground for active travelers and hikers.
Innsbruck is also the gateway to the Mieming mountain chain and the Sellrain-Stubai mountains.
Our Innsbruck hiking guide highlights our favorite day hikes, hut-to-hut hikes, and via ferrata climbs (special equipment needed) in the greater Innsbruck region.
You can also follow these Innsbruck hiking trail recommendations if you’re staying in Hall in Tirol, Absam, Wattens, Stans, Schwaz, Mutters, Axams, etc…
- When to Hike in Innsbruck: Late June – Late September/Late October, depending on snow conditions.
- Webcam: Innsbruck webcam
- Recommended Map: Innsbruck, hiking map 1:50,000 WK 241
- Getting to Trailheads: Use oebb.at, also synced with Google Maps, to find out how to reach trailheads with transit.
- Wild Camping: Wild camping is not allowed in Tyrol.
- Tip: Bring cash for toll roads and mountain huts.
- Where to Stay in Innsbruck: Read Where to Stay in Innsbruck
- Where to Stay in Lans: Gasthof Isserwirt (midrange), or Gasthof Walzl (luxury)
- Where to Stay in Natters: Edenhauserhof (midrange)
Innsbruck Hiking Map
Innsbruck Day Hikes
1. Goetheweg Trail
The Goetheweg is a high-altitude, panoramic trail in the Karwendel Mountains.
This Innsbruck day hike starts at the Hafelekar mountain station (2269 m), accessible by cableway, and ends at the Pfeishütte mountain hut.
To get to the Hafelekar trailhead from the city center of Innsbruck, head to the Congress station (Google Maps) and take the Hungerburgbahn funicular to the Seegrubebahn valley station (Nordkette cableways valley station).
Next, take the Seegrubebahn gondola followed by the Hafelekar aerial cable car. These three cableways are collectively called the “Nordkettenbahnen” (Nordkette Cableways).
Purchase a Top of Innsbruck: Roundtrip Cable Car Ticket, which includes the funicular and cableways.
With sweeping views of the Inntal Valley and Innsbruck, the Goetheweg crosses the southern slopes of the Nordkette mountain chain to the Mühlkarscharte (2243 meters) saddle.
From the saddle, the path continues north below the Mandlspitze and twists up to the Mandlscharte (2314 meters). Much of this trail is protected with fixed cables. Along the way, there are excellent views of Zugspitze (2962 m), the highest mountain in Germany, and the Wetterstein Mountains.
The trail continues down to the charming Pfeishütte where you can eat lunch. Bring cash.
Return along the same trail back to the Hafelekar mountain station.
Trail Stats
Starting Point | Innsbruck-Hungerburg valley station
Trailhead | Hafelekar mountain station
Distance | 10.7 km out-and-back
Time Needed | 4:45 – 5:00 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss | 614 meters
Difficulty | Moderately Difficult
2. Wolfsklamm Gorge Trail
Wolfsklamm (Wolf’s Gorge), often lauded as the most arresting gorge in Tyrol, is located in the Karwendel Mountains.
The gateway to the gorge is Stans, a village in the Inntal Valley, 30 km east of Innsbruck. You can reach Stans by train, or by car.
Between May and October, hikers can enter this impressively narrow river gorge. A heavily-bolstered path, made up of stairs, railings, bridges, and fixed cables, clings to the gorge wall and steeply ascends the limestone chasm.
Like other gorge trails that require regular maintenance, there is a small entrance fee to enter (5 EUR for adults, 1.50 EUR for kids).
Due to safety reasons, it’s only possible to hike one-way up through Wolfsklamm. At the end of the trail, you can extend the hike to the Benedictine Monastery of St. Georgenberg, where there’s a restaurant. Or, you can descend immediately along the Way of the Cross via “Weng” trail.
If you love gorge hikes, also check out the Liechtenstein Gorge in Austria, Vintgar Gorge in Slovenia, Höllental Gorge in Germany, Partnach Gorge in Germany, and Cares Gorge in Spain.
Trail Stats
Trailhead | Parkplatz Wolfsklamm, Stans
Distance | 5.4 km circuit
Time Needed | 2:15 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss | 410 meters
Difficulty | Moderate
Entrance Fee | 5 EUR for Adults, 1.50 EUR for Kids (ages 6-14)
Learn More: Wolfsklamm Hiking Guide
3. Zirbenweg – Stone Pine Trail
The Zirbenweg (aka Stone Pine Trail) is a panoramic path in the Tux Alps, the range that borders the Inntal to the south, opposite the Karwendel mountains.
It’s called the Stone Pine Trail because it leads through one of the oldest and largest stone pine stands in Europe.
The Stone Pine Trail connects the Patscherkofelbahn mountain station with the Glungezerbahn mountain station, running at a high altitude (2000 meters) with very minimal elevation gain/loss.
This hike is appealing, because it’s a scenic trail which requires very little exertion.
Trail Stats
Trailhead | Patscherkofelbahn Mountain Station
Ending Point | Glungezerbahn Mountain Station
Distance | 7.7 km point-to-point
Time Needed | 2:30 hours
Elevation Gain | 198 meters
Elevation Loss | 106 meters
Difficulty | Easy
Learn More: Stone Pine Trail Hiking Guide
4. Nockspitze Peak
Nockspitze (aka Saile) is a panoramic peak in the Kalkkögel mountains that stands southwest of Innsbruck. The summit rewards hikers with far-reaching views of the Inntal Valley, Innsbruck, the Karwendel Mountains, and the Stubai Alps.
To start the hike, drive, or take a bus (with a transfer in Axams) to the Axamer Lizum ski area.
If you’re hiking this trail in high season, you can trim off some elevation by taking the Birgitzköpfl Chairlift (that’s what we did). This chairlift is free for Innsbruck Welcome Card holders.
From the Birgitzköpfl Chairlift, the trail crosses slopes and ascends across a series of summits to reach the summit of Nockspitze.
Trail Stats
Trailhead | Axamer Lizum / Birgitzköpfl Chairlift mountain station
Distance | 6.4 km circuit with chairlift ascent
Time Needed | 4 hours
Elevation Gain | 418 meters
Elevation Loss | 905 meters
Difficulty | Moderately Difficult
Learn More: Nockspitze Hiking Guide
5. Gaistal Valley to Rotmoosalm
Gaistal Valley runs at the southern base of the Wetterstein Mountains near Leutasch and Seefeld in Tirol. Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Bavaria lies to the north.
From the Salzbach car park in Gaistal, a deliciously epic hiking trail connects Rotmoosalm with Wangalm and Wetterstein Hütte.
This well-rounded hike through forests, across mountain pastures, and beneath imposing limestone walls is truly one of the finest day hikes in Tyrol.
Trail Stats
Trailhead | Salzbach paid car park
Distance | 17.6 km lollipop-circuit
Time Needed | 6:30 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss | 910 meters
Difficulty | Moderate
Learn More: Rotmoosalm -Wangalm – Wettersteinhütte Hike
6. Seekarspitze and Seebergspitze Ridge Trail
Seekarspitze and Seebergspitze are the peaks that rise to the west of Lake Achensee, standing opposite the Rofan mountains.
One of the most breathtaking ways to experience Lake Achensee is by hiking the high-altitude ridge trail that links Seekarspitze (2,053 m) and Seebergspitze (2,085 m). This spectacular route offers panoramic vistas of the Karwendel range and stunning aerial views of the lake’s brilliant turquoise waters. Though undeniably rewarding, this hike is both demanding and strenuous.
The journey begins in Achenkirch, a village on the northern shore of the lake, and concludes in Pertisau, on the southwestern side.
While this hike may be feasible as a day trip from Innsbruck, with an extra early start, we do recommend staying in Pertisau at Lake Achensee to hike Bärenkopf Summit, Lamsenjochhütte – Hahnkampl Circuit Trail, and Hochiss Peak Hike.
Trail Stats
Starting Point | Achenkirch
Ending Point | Pertisau
Distance | 12.4 km point-to-point
Time Needed | 6:30 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss | 1300 meters
Difficulty | Difficult
Learn More: Seekarspitze – Seebergspitze Ridge Hike
Via Ferrata Hikes around Innsbruck
Special Equipment Needed
7. Hundskopf Peak and Felix-Kuen-Steig
Hundskopf (2243 m) is the easternmost rocky summit in the Gleirsch-Halltal Chain of the Karwendel Mountains.
This Innsbruck hiking trail starts at Hinterhornalm (1522 m), which is only accessible by car via a toll road (fees apply, bring cash).
To reach the Hundskopf summit, hikers have two options. They can either ascend the 15-minute Felix-Kuen-Steig (Grade A/B), a short and easy via ferrata (Klettersteig in German). Or, they can ascend the eastern ridge to the summit, which is an airy, partially-secured path.
Ideally, hikers ascend the Felix-Kuen-Steig to Hundskopf and then descend the eastern ridge in one circuit.
It takes 2 hours to reach the base of the Felix-Kuen-Steig. It’s a tough ascent, only suitable for experienced, acclimated hikers who have no fear of heights.
Before completing the hike, we suggest detouring to the Walderalm mountain pasture for delicious Tyrolean Knödel.
Trail Stats
Trailhead | Hinterhornalm, Gnadenwald
Distance | 6.9 km lollipop circuit
Time Needed | 4 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss | 764 meters
Via Ferrata Difficulty | Easy, Grade A/B
Hike Difficulty | Difficult
Learn More: Hundskopf Hiking Guide
Hut to Hut Hiking Trails around Innsbruck
8. Karwendel High Trail
The 6-stage Karwendel High Trail (Karwendel Höhenweg) is a hut-to-hut hike in the Karwendel Mountains of Tyrol, which starts in Scharnitz and ends in Seefeld in Tirol.
You can reach the Scharnitz trailhead by train from either Innsbruck, or Seefeld in Tirol, in Austria, or from Munich in Germany.
This 63-km U-shaped hiking trail in Tirol weaves through gorgeous high alpine environments, gifting hikers sweeping views of the Stubai and Zillertal Alps as well as the Inntal, Halltal, and Sammertal Valleys.
In 6 days, hikers will walk along the Isar river, summit Speckkarspitze and Kleine Stempeljochspitze peaks (optional), follow a narrow balcony trail overlooking Innsbruck, and conquer the challenging ascents and descents to the Stempeljoch and Frau Hitt mountain saddles.
Beyond the stirring views of the limestone mountains, you’ll experience some of Austria’s most welcoming and convivial mountain huts.
Each hut along this route is staffed by an attentive and hospitable team. And, the food is sensational as well.
Trail Stats
Starting Point | Scharnitz, Tyrol
Ending Point | Seefeld, Tyrol
Distance | 63 km u-shaped circuit
Time Needed | 6 Days
Difficulty | Difficult
Learn More: Karwendel High Trail
Where to Stay around Innsbruck
In Where to Stay in Innsbruck, I’ve summarized the best places to stay in Innsbruck depending on your travel style and mode of transportation.
Innsbruck City Center
If you’re traveling without a car, the city center of Innsbruck (Innenstadt) is a practical base. Local transit connects Innsbruck with many hiking destinations in the region, including Stans (Wolfsklamm Gorge hike), Axamer Lizum (Nockspitze Peak), and Patscherkofelbahn (Stone Pine Trail).
From the city center, ride the Hungerburgbahn funicular to Hungerburg, to start several hikes to mountainside alpine pasture huts like Umbrüggler Alm. Or, continue riding the Nordkettenbahnen cableways to Hafelekar to start the Goetheweg.
You can also stay directly at Hungerburg, if you want a direct transit connection to the city, but easy trail access. Chalet Inn (apartments), Holidayhome OMYXL (apartments), Seehof Innsbruck (budget-friendly hotel), and Blickfang Apartment (2-bedroom vacation home) are all located close to the cable car and funicular stations.
If you’re traveling with a car, Sweet Cherry – Boutique & Guesthouse Tyrol and 2 Chalets Innsbruck are additional options.
City Center Accommodations with Parking | STAGE 12 – Hotel by Penz (midrange-luxury with AC), The PENZL Hotel (luxury with AC), NALA individuellhotel (midrange, parking reservation needed), Faktorei (midrange-luxury, parking reservation needed), Hotel Zach (luxury, parking reservation needed).
City Center Accommodations without Parking | Montagu Hostel (budget), H5 Grauer Bär Studios & More (budget), Daxburg Apartments (budget), Quartier 99 (budget with AC), Marketbar Studios (midrange with AC), Altstadthotel Weisses Kreuz (midrange-luxury with AC), Boutiquehotel Weisses Rössl (luxury with AC), Hotel Innsbruck (luxury with AC), Hotel Innsbruck (luxury with AC).
Budget-friendly Motel One Innsbruck is located near the Innsbruck Train Station, a mere 10-minute walk into the Innenstadt. This modern 3-star hotel offers snug rooms with views overlooking the city and mountains. Don’t miss the top floor bar. Perks: luggage storage and 24/7 reception. Breakfast and underground parking are both available for an extra charge.
Midrange NALA individuellhotel is a quirky hotel with uniquely-designed rooms, a sun terrace, fitness room, breakfast (extra fee), and nearby parking (extra fee).
Midrange-luxury Faktorei is a boutique hotel housed in a 15th century town house with 12 sun-drenched minimalist rooms, a garden, terrace, and bar. Private garage parking is available, but must be reserved in advance (extra fee). Breakfast is served in the hotel’s adjacent café (extra fee).
Altstadthotel Weisses Kreuz (read our Altstadthotel Weisses Kreuz review) is a contemporary hotel with an atmospheric bar in Innsbruck’s pedestrian zone. Stay here for the delicious breakfast, stylish design, professional staff, and location. No on-site parking. Alternatively, stay in Weisses Rössl, a boutique hotel with a 600-year-old Tyrolean restaurant.
Look for accommodation in Innsbruck.
Learn More: Where to Stay in Innsbruck
Hall in Tirol
Hall in Tirol is a town in the Inn Valley, just east of Innsbruck. Its historic center has been beautifully restored, making it a delight to explore on foot. Hall rose to prominence in the 13th century, because of the salt industry.
It was actually the most important commercial center in North Tirol. This is a great base for exploring the Karwendel Mountains and Innsbruck’s surroundings.
Top-Choice Luxury | Hotel Kontor is a boutique hotel in Hall in Tirol with airy, minimalist rooms featuring hardwood floors, billowy linen, and tea and coffee makers. Breakfast is included. On-site parking is available for a limited time.
Look for accommodation in Hall in Tirol.
More Hikes in Tyrol
Ehrwald:
Grosser Ahornboden:
Zillertal:
Austria Travel Itineraries:
- 2 Week Austria Road Trip – starting in Vienna
- 1 Week Austria Road Trip – starting in Salzburg or Munich
- 10-Day Bavarian Alps & Tyrolean Alps Road Trip – starting in Munich
- Salzkammergut Itinerary – starting in Vienna or Salzburg
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