Innsbruck is the capital of the Austrian state of Tyrol, a city of about 132,000 people on the River Inn with the Nordkette mountain range rising directly behind the Old Town. It combines Habsburg-era landmarks such as the Golden Roof with cable cars that reach 2,334 m in about 20 minutes.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Zirbenweg (Patscherkofel to Glungezer)
Easy high-altitude balcony path through Swiss stone pines (Zirben) from the Patscherkofel mountain station to the Glungezer area, with panoramas over the Inn Valley and the Tux and Stubai Alps.
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2
Patscherkofel Summit Panorama Walk
Circular walk from the mountain station to the Gipfelstube on the Patscherkofel summit, with panoramic views of Innsbruck and the Stubai Alps. The Patscherkofelbahn closes for revision in spring and autumn, so check the dates.
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3
Goetheweg: Hafelekar to Pfeishütte
Classic Karwendel ridge path from the Hafelekar summit station to the Pfeishütte alpine hut, with views into the Karwendel valleys. Suitable for experienced hikers with a head for heights; the high sections hold snow into early summer.
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4
Hungerburg to Arzler Alm
Popular shaded forest walk from the Hungerburgbahn upper station to the Arzler Alm mountain inn on a terrace above the city. A short, easy half-day outing from the Old Town.
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5
Hungerburg - Arzler Alm - Höttinger Alm
Medium-difficulty circuit on forest and farm tracks linking the Arzler Alm and the Höttinger Alm, rated mittelschwierig by Innsbruck Tourism. Both alm inns serve food in season.
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6
Innsbrucker Almenweg (Nockspitze Circuit)
Circuit around the Nockspitze linking several alm huts, with the first section to the Kreither Alm taking about an hour on a forest track. Innsbruck Tourism recommends splitting it over two or three stages.
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7
Three-Peak Tour: Pfriemeswand, Nockspitze, Birgitzköpfl
Difficult ridge circuit over the Pfriemeswand, Nockspitze and Birgitzköpfl, including a short stepped passage above the Pfriemeswand. Start point is at about 1,608 m.
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8
Lanser See and Viller Moor Loop
Easy family loop through the Viller Moor wetland to the Lanser See, with a cafe-bar and bathing area at the lake. It can be started or ended at the tram stops in Igls, Lanser See or Lans-Sistrans.
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9
Lanser Kopf to Lanser See
Moderate forest and ridge walk from Igls over the Lanser Kopf to the Lanser See, where a lido and cafe-bar offer a stop before the tram back to Innsbruck.
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10
Elferhütte and Autenalm Loop
Medium-difficulty walk down from the Elfer mountain station via the Elferhütte hut and Autenalm back to the valley, with a 6.5 minute gondola ride gaining about 830 m on the way up.
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11
Neustift to Elferhütte on Foot
Steep ascent of over 1,000 m for fit walkers from Neustift to the Elferhütte at 2,080 m, with an option to ride the gondola down.
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12
Gleirschklamm Gorge Walk
Medium walk through a narrow gorge in the Karwendel Alpine Park, with the gorge itself about a kilometre long. Closures can change at short notice, so check before travelling.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
When to hike
Seasonal conditions in Innsbruck.
- Spring
- April-May: valley and forest trails are clear; paths above 1,800 m hold snow into June and some lifts are closed for revision
- Summer
- June-September: all lifts and huts are open; start early because thunderstorms are common in the afternoon
- Fall
- October-November: stable, clear days are common but huts and lifts start to close; the Nordkettenbahnen 2026 season ended on 1 November
- Winter
- December-March: winter walking paths such as Hungerburg and Igls are groomed; higher routes need snowshoes or touring equipment and avalanche awareness
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Hazard: Afternoon thunderstorms in summer: descend before noon and avoid exposed ridges in storms
Hazard: Sudden weather changes on the Nordkette: carry a rain jacket and warm layer even on clear days
Hazard: Rockfall and exposed sections on the Goetheweg and the Nordkette ridge: helmets are advisable
Hazard: Ticks and Lyme disease in forest and meadow edges: wear long trousers and check skin after hikes
Hazard: Cattle on alpine pastures: keep distance, keep dogs on a lead, and close gates
Hazard: Mountain rescue is 140 and the general emergency number is 112; mobile coverage can be poor in side valleys