Best Panoramic Hike above Innsbruck: Goethe Trail on Nordkette Mountain

Our favourite panoramic hiking trail above Innsbruck: Goethe Trail! Join us on this medium-difficult hiking route, all infos, Map and locals photo tips included

In only 30 minutes from shopping into the alpine adventure! The Goetheweg (Goethe trail) is undoubtedly the most beautiful and panoramic trail with a direct connection to the city of Innsbruck. All information for this trial by local hiking guide – how to get there, what’s the best time, hiking infos and photo tips.

At one moment you are immersed in noisy, busy everyday modern life, and not long after you are surrounded by silence. The only air vibrations you hear now are produced by the act of breathing, wind, and the moving parts of your DSLR camera. You can imagine that right now, and experience that a little bit later, with the help of Mountain Moments. Learn more about the Goethe Trail in Tyrol (Austria), and join us on this medium-difficult hiking route.

The Goetheweg (Goethe trail) is undoubtedly the most beautiful and panoramic trail with a direct connection to the city of Innsbruck. In only 30 minutes from shopping into the alpine adventure! Suddenly you are in the quiet nature, the wind whistles around your ears – on one side you hold on to the rock, on the other side the deep abyss yawns 1600 meters of altitude down to the Inn. 

The Goethe Trail delights alpinists and hikers alike. The path along the steep flanks of the Nordkette is technically easy and relatively low in altitude. In a few places you walk are secured by ropes. At the same time, it is often wide enough so that two people could often walk side by side – in any case, you should be free from giddiness. 

Directions! This is how your Goethe Hiking Trail in Innsbruck looks like on a map

From the top station of the Nordkettenbahn – Hafelekar – a few steps uphill and immediately turn right onto the striking hiking trail that cuts through the steep mountain flank below the Hafelekarspitze. Always follow the hiking trail (caution: the trail is wide and partly secured, but there is still a danger of falling). 

Keeping the altitude, the trail turns slightly to the left and onto the north side of the mountain ridge, before it goes uphill for a short steep turn to the Mandlscharte (Mandle saddle). From here downhill to the Pfeishütte( Pfeis hut), visible from afar. Return the same way, it makes sense to turn left downhill at Gleirschjöchl and take the trail to Seegrube (not signposted but marked). 

Photo tips for your Innsbruck Nordkette Goethe hiking trail – the view from Mandlscharte to Pfeishütte

The entire hike is one big photo spot! The best spots are in front of Gleirschjöchl and the view from Mandlscharte to Pfeishütte. 

More information about your adventure in the Austrian Alps

Arrival by car: From Innsbruck always in the direction of Nordkette to the parking lot of the Nordkettenbahn. 

Arrival by public transport: From Innsbruck with bus line J in the direction of Hungerburg (terminus), alternatively from Congress with Hungerburgbahn to Hungerburg station. From here with the Nordkettenbahn via Seegrube station to Hafelekar mountain station. 

Hike difficulty level: medium (danger of falling) 

Duration/distance: 4h/ 11km  

Ascent/descent: 520hm/520hm

Highest/lowest point: 2276m/1923m 

Refreshment stop: Pfeishütte 

Start/finish: Nordkettenbahn valley station (Hungerburg) (coordinates: geogr. 47.286007, 11.399138) 

Special dangers: Danger of falling, surefootedness and head for heights required. 

Best time: June-October

The best Summer Adventures in and around Innsbruck – Hiking, Mountainbiking, Trekking, Climbing and more

Fancy more Summer Adventures in Tyrol and around Innsbruck? We got you covered! The best outdoor sports activities for Summer Enthusiasts as eBook: Innsbruck Summer Outdoor Guide.

Here we have compiled the most beautiful locations and photo opportunities. 30 activities with numerous photo spots are selected and described in such a way that you can easily experience these wonderful adventures around Innsbruck for yourself – including track infos, and maps and all other information that you need.

You can take a closer look at the Innsbruck travel guide ebook here – why not share it with your adventure partner?