Hiking in Innsbruck

Find Your Hiking Trail in Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a great basecamp with lots of hiking options surrounding it. The city sits in the middle of the Austrian Alps, which means it’s very easy to reach many, many trails. Whether you’re looking for a short walk or a long trek, there are lots of options. Some of the hikes start right from the city or are just a short ride away using public transport. You’ll find that many routes connect to mountain huts, where you can take a break, grab a meal, or spend the night if you’re planning a larger tour. Innsbruck also has plenty of cable cars and lifts to help you reach higher trails by cutting out the long ascents.

You’ll find that Innsbruck has hikes for all skill levels as well. Some trails go through forests and meadows, while others lead to peaks with views of the valley. The city has a network of well-marked paths, and the signs along the way provide distances and estimated times. The region also has themed hikes, for learning more about history, nature, or culture, if you like to multi-task while you move. Many trails are family-friendly, and some are accessible year-round.

Accommodation is easy to find between the many hotels, guesthouses, and hostels in the city. There are also lots of mountain huts along popular trails where you can sleep during long-distance, hut-to-hut tours.

The city’s public transport makes it simple to get around as well. Buses and trams connect the city to nearby hiking areas, and the pre-loaded Innsbruck Card will give you access to public transport and cable cars easily.

Day Hikes in Innsbruck

One popular hike in the area is the Axamer Lizum Hochtennbodensteig Trail, a moderately difficult, nine-kilometer trail above Innsbruck. The hike starts at the bottom lift station of the Birgitzköpfllift chairlift and should take about 3.5 hours as you climb to the Hoadlhaus mountain restaurant. The trail is so well-loved that it was actually awarded the Tyrolean Mountain Trail of Excellence award!

Another good option is the Panoramaweg Pleisen Trail. This shorter hike starts on the Hoadl plateau, which you can reach by cable car, and will take you gently around the area as you pass views of the valley, the surrounding peaks, and the even of the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain. Only two hours, this is a great way to take in some views and have time to explore other trails on the same day.

The Three Lakes Circuit in Kühtai is a rewarding alpine loop near Innsbruck, ideal for a half-day hike. The trail winds through rugged mountain terrain, passing two serene alpine lakes before reaching the beautiful Finstertal reservoir. With around 440 meters of elevation gain, it’s a moderately challenging route offering dramatic views and peaceful scenery.

Long-Distance Hikes

The Adlerweg runs through Innsbruck along the Nordkette. Hikers follow the route above the city with direct access from the valley. The trail connects urban infrastructure with the long-distance path across Tyrol. This section suits day hikes and links easily with other local routes.

If you’re looking for a longer challenge, the Innsbruck Trek is a multi-day route in the area that’s sure to impress. It covers different parts of the region, with sections that pass through valleys, ridges, and forests. The hike itself is flexible, so you can choose how many days you want to hike and adjust it to your itinerary.

Another long-distance option is the Sellrain Hut Tour. This route connects a few mountain huts in the Sellrain Valley and you’ll be out for several days as you hike on these high-altitude trails.

Getting Around

Public transport makes it easy to reach the different hiking areas. Buses, trams, and trains connect Innsbruck to nearby trails, so you won’t need a car unless you’re going somewhere very remote. Many hiking areas can be reached in under an hour from the city.

Innsbruck also has a range of accommodations for every type of hiker. Hotels, hostels, and guesthouses are available in the city, as well as mountain huts if you’re not ready to descend to the valley. Many of the huts also provide meals, which makes it very easy to hike without carrying a lot of food or water.