Epic Multi-Day Hike from Innsbruck - Karwendel Crossing in the Northern Limestone Alps

This epic 2-day-hike through the rugged Karwendel with a cozy stay in an alpine hut is an Austrian Classic. Get all infos for this Multi-Day Hike, a hiking map and photo tips for the infamous Karwendel Crossing through the Northern Limestone Alps.

On many hiking expeditions, the end of the day means the end of the trip. But this one is different, as the first sunset will only remind you that you should rest and prepare for what’s ahead. Mountain Moments will guide you to the end of the Samertal valley, and beyond, where in the midst of majestic mountain peaks, in a dreamlike panoramic position, lies the Pfeishütte (Pfeish hut). Located in the rugged Karwendel, it is only the first highlight of this multi-day hike. If you want to be a part of this story, you are in the right place.

The initial deep views into the Inn Valley from the picturesque Goethe Trail contrast on this hike with the impressively rugged Karwendel peaks and the long valley hike into the deeply incised Hall Valley. These ingredients make this hike a particularly varied pleasure that can easily be extended to a long weekend

With the high starting point at the Hafelekar, there are wonderful hikes from hut to hut, whereby you don’t really have to complete too many meters in altitude. This small crossing can easily be divided into up to three days as a pleasure tour.

Route description! This is how your Karwendel journey looks like on a map

Day 1: Ascent with the Nordkettenbahn to the Hafelekar (2269m). Immediately turn right into the panoramic Goetheweg and walk with some ups and downs at the same altitude over the Mandlscharte (2277m) to the Pfeishütte (1922m).

Day 2: From the Pfeishütte via the Stempeljoch (2215m) down into the Halltal valley to the Karwendel parking lot (Bettelwurfsiedlung bus stop). Take the bus back to Innsbruck.

Alternative 3-day variant: From Stempeljoch via the Wilde Bande Steig and the Lafatscher Joch (2081m) to the Bettelwurf Hut (2077). After an overnight stay from here downhill into the Halltal.

The classic Karwendel crossing from Scharnitz to Achensee requires significantly longer and more arduous daily stages, but with its remoteness is also a real treat for hiking fans and guarantees Canada feeling

Photo tips  that will make your Instagram pop – gaze over Innsbruck, Mandlscharte and night shots

Right at the beginning, the well-known view from the Hafelekar down to Innsbruck awaits us. This accompanies us until shortly before the Mandlscharte and offers many variation possibilities.

Night shots are particularly impressive when spending the night in the very dark and shaded Karwendel.

*The views into the rugged Karwendel are rich in contrast. Especially on the approach to the Pfeishütte, it is advisable to capture its alpine location with a wide-angle lens*

Mountain Moments Photo Workshops provide Photo Tours for everybody, Alpine Experience for beginners and intermediate-level photographers with 3 to 6-hour routes, as well as Summit Experience for more advanced photographers and hikers. We have private workshops and group classes.

More information about your Karwendel hiking adventure

How to get there by car: Innsbruck center parking lot or Hungerburgbahn (fee required).

How to get there by public transport: Innsbruck center and walk to Hungerburgbahn stop Congress. Alternatively, take bus J from the center to Hungerburg. Return to Innsbruck from Bettelwurfsiedlung stop.

Hike difficulty level: medium

Duration/distance: 6.5h/17km  

Ascent/descent: 730m/1905m  

Highest/lowest point: 2275m/740m 

Refreshment stop: Hafelekarstube, Pfeishütte, Bettelwurfhütte

Start/finish: mountain station Nordkettenbahn/Hafelekar (coordinates: geogr. 47.311996,11.383691), finish: Absam (stop Bettelwurfsiedlung)

Best time: June-September

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

Innsbruck Guide for Summer sports enthusiasts! The best activities in the area! Get it now.

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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?

Marius

Hi, i am Marius, i love exploring the mountains and nature. Friends say, i know the mountains better than most locals, but actually i get lost all the time while photographing ;). Read more about the Mountain Moments Team.