Adlerweg - Karwendel mountains (stages 8 - 12)
A 5-day hut-to-hut trek through the Karwendel mountains in the Austrian Alps. The Karwendel is known for its steep, gray peaks, offering stunning views!
This 5-day trek is suitable for hikers with mountain experience. The first three days are relatively easy and also suitable for less experienced hikers or families. The last two stages are more challenging, with many technical sections involving iron cables and loose rocks. Sufficient mountain experience and fitness are definitely needed!
- Number of days: 5
- Starting point: Stans, Austria
- End point: Innsbruck, Austria
- Difficulty: Medium/Hard
- Characteristic features: Steep, rocky mountains
Adlerweg and Der Traumpfad
This route covers stages 8 till 12 of the Adlerweg (Eagle Way) long-distance trail. The Adlerweg is a 33-stage long-distance trail that runs from east to west across Tyrol. It is one of Austria's most famous long-distance hikes. The trail resembles the widespread wings of an eagle, hence the name.
Additionally, the last two stages of this trek are part of Der Traumpfad, a 28-day trek from Munich to Venice, crossing the Alps via the most beautiful hiking trails and through the most stunning mountain areas.
Magnificent view from the Birkkarspitze!
The highlight of this hut-to-hut trek is the magnificent view from the Birkkarspitze (2749m) on the fourth day. Furthermore, the constant views of the steep, gray peaks of the Karwendel make this trek truly beautiful.
Mountainhuts with breathtaking views
The huts along this Karwendel tour are all well-equipped, offering dormitory-style bedding, double rooms, à la carte menus, shower facilities, and breathtaking views.
Book the Hallerangerhaus in advance!
The last night in the mountains is usually spent at the Hallerangerhaus. However, this hut is located at a crossroads of several trails and treks, so it fills up quickly. An alternative is the nearby Hallerangeralm, a private guesthouse instead of an Alpine hut. This difference is noticeable in a negative way: very commercial with unfriendly service, higher food prices, €6.50 for a lukewarm shower, and they claim not to have drinking water, so you have to pay €4.50 for 0.7L. Therefore, I recommend booking the Hallerangerhaus in advance!
Reservations for the huts can be made at:
Easily accessible by train and car
You can reach Stans by train from Innsbruck or by car. If you drive, you can leave your car for a week in the free parking lot at the Wolfsklamm. The trek ends in Innsbruck, and from there, you can easily take the train to your next destination or back to your car in half an hour.
Daily Program:
Day 1: Stans --> Lamsenjochhütte
5 hours, 12 km, 1400m ascent, 0m descent
The first day is entirely uphill, with an elevation gain from 550 meters to 1953 meters. You hike through forested areas on steep but wide paths. After a few hours, you enter a wide valley surrounded by towering mountain peaks. The Lamsenjochhütte is beautifully located, offering views of the Lamsenspitze.
Day 2: Lamsenjochhütte --> Falkenhütte
4.5 hours, 13 km, 800m ascent, 900m descent
The day begins with an easy descent to the Engeralm, an ideal spot for lunch or a snack before starting the 600-meter climb to the Falkenhütte. This climb follows an easy hiking trail through beautiful alpine meadows surrounded by high, steep peaks. There's a good chance you'll encounter deer, marmots, and many cows.
Day 3: Falkenhütte --> Karwendelhaus
3 hours, 9 km, 400m ascent, 500m descent
A relatively easy day before the last two more challenging stages. The route takes you through beautiful Alpine valleys.
Day 4: Karwendelhaus --> Hallangerhaus
8 hours, 18 km, 1500m ascent, 1500m descent, ⬛
A challenging but beautiful stage! This day includes several technical sections, especially when crossing the Birkkarspitze. If the weather is unstable or you're unsure of your fitness, it's best to avoid the pass and take a detour through the valley via Scharnitz. If you're unsure if you're ready for the secured sections with steel cables, you can 'test' yourself on the first secured sections, which begin 80 meters behind the Karwendelhaus. If you manage this section and are fit enough, you can continue the trek over the Birkkarspitze. If it feels too daunting or challenging, take the valley route instead.
The day begins with a 1000-meter climb over extremely steep and sometimes barely recognizable 'paths' towards the Birkkarspitze. After 2.5 hours, you reach the pass, and you can climb the Birkkarspitze (50 minutes round trip from the pass). Afterward, you descend 1500 meters in one go. This starts with long sections secured with steel cables, followed by endless paths of loose rocks on a very steep slope. It's a tough descent requiring good concentration and sturdy shoes (and knees)!
After 6 hours, you reach the Kastenalm, where you can rest with refreshing drinks and cakes. From here, it's another 2 hours and 500 meters uphill on a wide path.
Day 5: Hallangerhaus --> Innsbruck
6 hours, 16 km, 1200m ascent, 700m descent, ⬛
On the last day, you pass three mountain passes with breathtaking views. You climb the passes on black mountain trails with several secured sections with ladders and steel cables. Halfway through, you pass the Pfeishütte, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch. The hike ends at Hafelekar, the mountain station of the Nordkette cable car. Here you take the cable car down to the center of Innsbruck. From there, you can take the train back to your car or relax in the beautiful city.
