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Follow a network of alpine trails once used by pilgrims and smugglers as you walk from Innsbruck into the heart of Tyrol. The route leads you through flower-filled meadows, quiet valleys and traditional mountain villages, with regular views across the Austrian Alps. Along the way, pass Maria Waldrast, one of Europe’s highest monasteries, and continue through peaceful places such as Trins and Obernberg. A highlight is crossing the Sandjöchl pass on the border with Italy, where views extend towards the Dolomites. Your journey finishes with a cable car descent into Sterzing, a lively South Tyrolean town where Austrian and Italian influences meet, marking a rewarding end to this classic alpine crossing.
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15kg of CO2-e PP per day
(108kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Innsbruck
Arrive in Innsbruck and check into your hotel. Innsbruck has many interesting sights including the Swarovski Crystal World, Bergisel Ski Jump and the Tyrolean Railway Museum.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Walk along the Innsbrucker Almentour trail to Fulpmes (6hrs)
Taking the tram, you leave Innsbruck for the village of Mutters, then take the cable car to Muttereralm (included). Here you start your walk, along the 'Innsbrucker Almentour' (alpine) trail, from cabin to cabin. It is an easy trail mainly along a mountain road with wonderful views into the Alps. An alternative lower route is available in poor weather. Overnight in Fulpmes, a well known winter sports resort. Distance 15km/9.2mi, +350m/1150ft, -1020m/3350ft.
Meals: B
Day 3
Follow a pilgrim trail to Europe's highest monastery, and continue to Trins (6-8hrs)
This morning you walk uphill along a long distance trail to the restaurant Sonnstein with a great view down to the valley in clear weather. Afterwards, follow the pilgrimage trail to the highest monastery in Europe, Maria Waldrast, which has a lovely restaurant. From this point you will cross from one valley to the next over a mountain pass. There is a cabin located here with a wonderful flower meadow around to the side, a great spot for a rest. There is a shorter, alternative route that traverses the side of the hill. Overnight will be in Trins, a lovely village at the edge of the Gschnitztal valley. Distance 15-18km/9.3-11mi, +930-1415m/3050-4640ft, -650-1130m/2130-3700ft.
Day 4
Rest day Trins
The village of Trins is located at an altitude of 1233m/4045ft. Enjoy a well deserved rest day, or if you feel active the town is surrounded by a vast hiking path network. The Sarnthein waterfall is a short loop walk from the centre.
Day 5
Follow the Romediusweg pilgrim trail past lakes and glaciers to Obernberg (6hrs)
Today you will follow the pilgrimage trail called 'Romediusweg' to the next valley. The trail will lead you into a high valley where you ascend a mountain pass. Expect a lovely landscape with mountain pastures, summits with glaciers and little mountain lakes. A mountain road or a steep zigzag trail will lead you down to the small village of Obernberg, where you stay overnight. Distance 11km/6.8mi, +970m/3180ft, -806m/2645ft
Day 6
Cross the border into Italy, descend to Gossensass-Colle Isarco (6-7.5hrs)
Walk or take the local bus into the valley where you will start your walk to Lake Obernberg. After you pass the lake you will begin the ascent to the mountain pass 'Sandjöchl' or in Italian, Passo del Santicolo (2165m). At this point you will encounter a wonderful landscape with summits all around. On this mountain pass you will reach the border to Italy and hike along a military road, before walking down to Gossensass-Colle Isarco. It is a steep descent with great views into the Dolomites. Distance 13-16km/8-10mi, +844m/2770ft, -1135m/3725ft
Day 7
Bus transfer then walk to Ladurns and, descend to Sterzing by cablecar (6hrs)
Take the local bus to reach the starting point of today's walk in Innerpflersch. Step by step you walk upwards, passing mountain cabins but always with a view to the valley. When you reach Ladurns cable car station follow the high trail slightly up and down passing by mountain pastures dotted with cabins. Take a rest and enjoy the view of the Alps and Dolomites. The tour ends at the cable car station Rosskopf, where you will glide down to Sterzing-Vipiteno (own cost). Sterzing-Vipiteno is the main town after the Alps, with a history dating back to 14BC. Distance 13-17km/8-10.5mi, +700-1220m/2300-4000ft, -580m/1900ft
Day 8
Trip concludes
Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast.
What's included
What's not included
Overnight in 3 star traditional mountain hotels boasting local charm and hospitality. All rooms with ensuite facilities. In Austria note that a twin room is not always associated with having two beds. Quite often a twin bed has one or two mattresses on the same bedframe but with two separate duvets. Sometimes there might be two beds positioned together, but they cannot be separated because of constraints of the room.
You will follow alpine high trails and therefore are required be sure footed. Hiking will be on a combination of single file trails, mountain roads, and winding wilderness paths. Expect some steep ascents and descents.
GRADE 5 - Anyone undertaking a challenging trip should be aware of the physical and mental demands involved. This trip is designed for experienced walkers who are seeking a challenge. No previous climbing experience is required to undertake this trip. An above average level of fitness is required as days can involve up to 7.5 hours of strenuous exercise in rugged terrain. You need to be sure footed and have a head for heights as there are some steep drops close to the paths. Weather conditions may be harsh at times (even in summer), and you will need to be comfortable walking in such conditions. We suggest up to one hour of strenuous exercise 3-4 times a week. The best exercise for trekking is long bushwalks/hill walks involving relatively steep ascents and descents.
Per Person, Twin Share
Innsbruck (INN) has an international airport with connections to major European cities. Alternatively, Munich (MUC) and Salzburg (SZG) offer a wider range of international flights, both around 2 hours away from Innsbruck by train.
Sterzing/Vipiteno does not have an airport, but is well connected by rail. From here, you can travel north to Innsbruck (INN) in around 1–1.5 hours, or continue south to Verona (VRN) or Venice (VCE). Travelling back Munich (MUC) is approx. 3.5-4 hours by train. Please note that regional trains will end at “Brenner—Brennero” which is the border. You have to change for the train to Innsbruck. If you travel on an international train, you don’t have to change trains.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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8Days
Moderate to Challenging
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