5
challenging

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 7 nights hotels and guesthouses
Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£1140GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: TYR

Trip highlights

  • Taking the high route through the Tyrol region straddling Austria and Italy
  • Walking through high mountain pastures with divine views and through famous valleys such as Stubaital and Pflerschtal
  • Staying in charming mountain hotels and guesthouses brimming with warm hospitality

Follow the trails of pilgrims and smugglers as you depart from Innsbruck, home to the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics and continue through high mountain pastures with divine views of the Alps. Encounter the peaceful setting of Maria Waldrast Abbey, one of Europe's highest monasteries; the picturesque town of Obernberg, nestled by a lake; and bask in the wonderful town of Trins, where you can explore its natural beauty and discover the Sarnthein waterfall, a viewpoint over the Stubai Alps and the holy St Barbara Chapel. Ascend to the Sandjochl mountain pass for spectacular panoramas of the Dolomites, a sight that heralds the path to Italy. Finish the trip with a panoramic cable car ride to the vibrant city of Sterzing, which mixes Alpine customs with a Mediterranean flair. The storybook scenery of the Tyrol region, combined with welcoming mountain hospitality, make this an ideal option for keen alpine walkers.

Countries:

Germany and Austria

Starting Point:

Innsbruck

Finishing Point:

Sterzing

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

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

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. There is an alternative route along the valley if the weather is not good. Overnight in Fulpmes, a well known winter sports resort. Distance 15km/9.2mi, +350m/1150ft, -1020m/3350ft.

Meals:  B

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.

Meals:  B

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.

Meals:  B

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

Meals:  B

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

Meals:  B

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

Meals:  B

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 7 breakfasts - continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, meats, cheeses, coffee, tea and juices.
  • 7 nights accommodation in 3-4 star mountain hotels and guesthouses on a twinshare basis with private facilities
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Information pack including route notes and maps per room
  • Emergency hotline
  • Muttereralm cable car on day 2
  • GPS tracks available on request

  • Travel to Innsbruck and from Sterzing
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide – this is a self-guided walking holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Transfers not listed included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Cable car Mount Rosskopf (EUR21-25)
  • Cable car Mount Ladurns (EUR15-18)
  • Bus to Innerpflersch (approx EUR2.50)
  • Excess luggage
  • Hotel / tourist taxes
  • Items of a personal nature

Accommodation

3 star mountain hotels

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.

Trail Surface

High Trails

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.

Suitability

challenging

5

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.

Departure dates

Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 18 Jun to 18 Sep

Notes

H
High Season
DN1
High season is from 2 Jul to 30 Aug. Supplement applies to high season departures.
Note:
It is possible to start the trip on days other than Wednesday, Friday and Saturday - supplement applies

Priceper person from

£1140GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Surcharge for Sun, Mon, Tues, Thur arrivals - pp (1-2 pax)GBP£60
  • Single supplementGBP£220
  • Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£440
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

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