Tirolerweg: Garmisch – Innsbruck

Your trip begins in the heart of Bavaria, in the town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The towns of Garmisch and Partenkirchen were merged for the 1936 Winter Olympics. Located at the foot of the Zugspitze (Germany’s highest peak, at 2962m), Garmisch is considered to be the Alpine capital of Germany.

Overnight: Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Distance: 12 km | Ascent: 1,090 m | Descent: 180 m | 5 hrs approx.

On your first walking day you will explore the stunning Alpine terrain around Garmisch. You begin by following the winding path through the Höllentalklamm (Hell valley gorge), past thundering waterfalls framed by striking rock formations. As you reach the alpine pasture Höllentalangeralm, you will enjoy wonderful views to the Zugspitze summit. You then take the high-altitude path above the gorge to the Hupfleitenjoch saddle before crossing more alpine pastures to Mt. Kreuzeck. From there you take the cable car back down to Garmisch.

Overnight: Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Distance: 12 km | Ascent: 1,170 m | Descent: 30 m | 4½ hrs approx.

The day starts with a walk through another gorge at the foot of the Wetterstein Massif. A steep trail then takes you up to the Königsweg (King’s Path). This gravel path is so-called because it was used by King Ludwig II to ride his horse up to his King’s House on Schachen. Ludwig chose this spot (at 1866 m altitude) for his mountain retreat because it offers one of the most magnificent vistas of the high mountains to be seen anywhere in the Bavarian Alps. The lodge itself is rather unpresumptuous on the outside but the inside is very glamorous. The upper floor is extravagantly decorated in an Oriental style.

Continuing further up the saddle, you will find your accommodation for the night in the comfortable Schachenhaus mountain hut.

Overnight: Schachenhaus*

*You will need to carry your overnight kit in your day pack as the Schachenhaus is high in the mountains and only accessible by foot. Your main luggage will be transferred from Garmisch to Scharnitz where you spend the following night.

Distance: 20 km | Ascent: 900 m | Descent: 1,800 m | 7½ hrs approx.

Today’s route is an exhilarating mountain hike across the Wetterstein massif and into the Austrian Tyrol. You begin with an ascent to a rocky mountain pass and then on to the Meiler mountain lodge at the Austrian border (2,366 m altitude). The views from here are well worth the effort! As you descend from there into the Leutasch valley, the rocky mountain terrain slowly gives way to grassy slopes, mountain forests, and finally the green valley floor. You cross one more mountain pass before reaching your accommodation in Scharnitz.

The village of Scharnitz is known as the gateway to the Karwendel Nature Park, the largest and most beautiful nature reserve in the Eastern Alps. Here you will find babbling mountain brooks, deep ravines and roaring torrents.

It is possible to shorten today’s walk by taking a bus.

Overnight: Scharnitz

Distance: 5 – 10 km | Ascent: 550 m | Descent: 0 m | 2½ – 5 hrs approx.

A much easier day today after yesterday’s exertions! A transfer is included this morning to take you deep into the Karwendel valley, where the Isar river rises. You will have a gentle uphill hike to the Halleranger alpine pasture (2 hrs approx.) You can then choose to relax for the rest of the day or continue up to the Überschalljoch mountain pass (1,910 m). The next two nights are spent at the peaceful and idyllic Halleranger Alm (1,774 m).

If you want a longer walk today you can just ask your driver to let you out earlier along the Isar.

Overnight: Halleranger Alm

Distance: 5 km | Ascent: 500 m | Descent: 500 m | 2 – 3 hrs approx.

Today you will have the chance to tackle a steep and challenging ascent to the summit of the Sunntiger Spitze (2,321 m). This is for experienced hikers with surefootedness and a head for heights only. Alternatively, you can take a less challenging hike along the Reps peaks, which also offers fantastic panoramic views. Of course, there is also the option of simply enjoying a rest day at the idyllic alpine cabin and just enjoying the stunning surroundings of the Karwendel National Park.

Overnight: Halleranger Alm

Distance: 13 km | Ascent: 1,000 m | Descent: 500 m | 6 hrs approx.

The final stage of the Tirolerweg is like a summary of all the previous days. This is a day of wonderful mountain paths and impressive views in the middle of the Karwendel National Park.

You hike along a marvellous high-altitude path, crossing several ridges to Innsbruck’s famous Nordkette (Northern Chain). There are a couple of sections that require surefootedness and stamina. Finally, you reach the summit station of Hafelekar where you have an included ticket for the cable car to take you down to Innsbruck.

If you have some energy left you can spend the evening exploring the architectural marvels of the magnificent city of Innsbruck – known as the ‘Capital of the Alps’.

Overnight: Innsbruck

Your walking holiday on the Tirolerweg comes to an end after breakfast this morning, unless you have booked any additional services with us.