Hiking the Adlerweg: Stage 1-3 of Tirol’s Eagle Walk

The Adlerweg offers a big variation within the stages: 1 easy stage, 20 graded as moderate and 12 considered challenging. With 30.000 meters in ascent and 28.000 meters in descent, it’s a challenging trail and not suited for everyone. Along the way, there are 75 mountain huts where you can take a break, recharge with local cuisine and enjoy the panoramic views. At stage 7 you’ll find the trail’s highest point, the Gradötzscharte at 2.848 meters, but the first days already set the tone with varied terrain, dramatic ridgelines and cozy huts.

The first three stages give a great introduction to what you can expect of the rest of the trail. You start in the charming town of St. Johann in Tirol and you finish in the historic town of Kufstein. In 37 kilometers you can expect rugged limestone cliffs, high mountain huts and beautiful valleys.

Stage 1: St. Johann in Tirol – Gruttenhütte

• Distance: 14 km (8.7 mi) | Ascent: 1.250m | Descent: 250m

The official start of the Adlerweg is in St. Johann in Tirol, a small town at the foot of the Wilder Kaiser mountains. Surrounded by gentle meadows and overlooked by jagged peaks, it instantly feels like an alpine trail. The stage immediately sets the tone: a steady climb into higher terrain with wide views back across the Kitzbühel Alps.

Leaving the town, the trail leads through forests before the terrain gradually becomes steeper. The Wilder Kaiser massif rises dramatically ahead, and you soon hike into a quieter alpine area. One of the highlights of this stage is the steady transformation of scenery: green fields turn into rocky sections, and the horizon opens into panoramas of mountains.

The final stretch to the Gruttenhütte, perched at 1.620m, can feel demanding after a long day of ascent, but the effort is richly rewarded. This mountain hut is one of the most famous in the region, sitting directly beneath the towering walls of the Kaisergebirge. There are two route options to reach Gruttenhütte: red (moderate) or black (challenging). Choose wisely depending on the weather and your experience! The Gruttenhütte is a comfortable accommodation with a great host, cozy atmosphere and good food. It’s also a popular meeting point for climbers heading into the Wilder Kaiser.

Stage 2: Gruttenhütte – Weinbergerhaus

• Distance: 17 km (10.6 mi) | Ascent: 800m | Descent: 1.200m

The second stage of the Adlerweg is a little bit longer and more varied, where you hike deeper into the Wilder Kaiser and across high alpine terrain. From the Gruttenhütte, the trail continues across rocky paths. The views here are the most impressive of these days with limestone cliffs and valleys stretching out far below.

Steep climbs, ridge paths and long descents into forests. This stage has it all. Along the way, you’ll encounter grazing cattle, occasional mountain goats and perhaps even marmots running past quickly. Despite the (literal) ups and downs, the trail is well-marked and manageable for anyone with a good level of fitness.

Before reaching the ending point of this day, you’ll pass the Kaindlhütte, a charming hut right on the trail. It’s also possible to spend the night here to extend the next day, which is quite easy. Eventually, after 17 km, you’ll end up at Weinbergerhaus. A beautiful mountain hut, located just above Kufstein at 1.270m. The hut offers cozy rooms, traditional Tiroler food, and, on clear days, an incredible view over the Inn Valley and across to the Bavarian Alps. After a full day of hiking, sitting on the terrace with a plate of Knödel and a cold drink is one of the great pleasures of the Adlerweg.

Stage 3: Weinbergerhaus – Kufstein

• Distance: 6 km (3.7 mi) | Ascent: 50m | Descent: 800m

The third stage is way shorter and easier. It feels like a gentle descent back into the valley. From the Weinbergerhaus, the path winds down through forests, passing occasional viewpoints with glimpses of Kufstein. Compared to the high altitude challenges of the previous days, this stage feels like a relaxed conclusion.

The trail eventually leads you straight into Kufstein, one of Tirol’s cultural highlights. The town is dominated by the medieval Kufstein Fortress, perched above the Inn River, and has a lively old town with cafés, shops and restaurants.

Although only 6 kilometers long, this stage is an important transition point: from the rugged limestone world of the Wilder Kaiser to the rolling landscapes that lie ahead. For many hikers, it also marks a practical place to finish a shorter trip, since Kufstein is well connected by train and bus. It’s also possible to skip this hike and take the scenic 20-minute cable car ride right next to the hut to Kufstein.

Why hiking a part of the Adlerweg?

If you hike the first three stages of the Adlerweg, you get a great introduction to long distance hiking in Tirol. In just a few days, you get the full Tirol experience: alpine landscapes, quiet valleys, steep limestone cliffs and traditional mountain huts. The trail is well-marked where you also have multiple options for extending or shortening your stages.

Another reason to hike the first stages is their accessibility. St. Johann in Tirol and Kufstein are both well-connected by public transport, making it easy to plan a section hike. This flexibility allows you to taste the Adlerweg without committing to all 33 stages, while still experiencing the spirit of the trail.

And then there is, of course, the history: over the last two decades, thousands of hikers from across the world have followed its eagle-shaped trail, discovering not only the natural beauty of Tirol but also its culture, traditions and hospitality.

Our tips for hiking the Adlerweg

Best time to hike:
The trail is usually accessible from late June to early October, depending on snow conditions. July and August offer the warmest weather, while September is known for stable, clear days.

Difficulty:
The first three stages are graded moderate, but they still require a good level of fitness. Also, you need to be surefooted. If you want to complete the whole trail, you can expect at least 12 difficult stages. Therefore, you have to be an experienced hiker.

Accommodation:
Huts like the Gruttenhütte and Weinbergerhaus require advance reservations in summer. Both offer dormitory-style beds and great meals.

Equipment:
Sturdy hiking shoes, hiking poles and layered clothing are essential. A proper rain jacket and pants are also a must, because the weather can change quickly. Don’t forget cash for the huts, as card payments are not always possible.

Transport:
Both St. Johann in Tirol and Kufstein are easily reachable by train, making logistics easy for section hikers.

Find more info about the Adlerweg on the official website of Tirol Tourism.

A perfect introduction to the Adlerweg

Celebrating 20 years in 2025, the Adlerweg remains one of Europe’s finest long distance trails. Its combination of rugged mountains, welcoming huts and rich cultural encounters has made it a must-do for enthusiastic hikers.

The first three stages, from St. Johann in Tirol to Kufstein, are an ideal way to discover its spirit. They offer the drama of the Wilder Kaiser, the charm of mountain huts and the cultural appeal of Kufstein. All within just a few days of hiking. Whether you continue further west or pause here, you’ll already have experienced the essence of the Eagle Walk, in the heart of Tirol.