Dazzling Daybreak! Catch the Gorgeous Sunrise Aura on Nockspitze Hike
When you have a date with a sunset, just like with a regular meeting, the best bet is to be there before the agreed time – every photographer knows that. With the right aperture and shutter speed, make the best of your subject matter on an incredible and very accessible Nockspitze hike in the Austrian Alps (Tyrol). Learn more about this backpacking route, grab your equipment and join us.
The Nockspitze (also called Saile) at 2404 meters above sea level is considered one of the most beautiful sunrise spots in Tyrol. The Nockspitze has an almost fascinating aura. The steep northern flank of the Nockspitze can be seen from almost all of Innsbruck. It’s not uncommon to catch yourself thinking about making a pilgrimage up here while strolling through the city – even, or perhaps precisely, because you’ve stood on this peak many times before.
Thanks to its easy accessibility, the tour to the summit is one of the most beautiful and popular half-day to day hikes among Innsbruck residents. Anyone who wants to see the sunrise over Innsbruck should choose this mountain as their destination. The flat summit plateau invites you to linger and enjoy. The sun rises directly over the Inn Valley in summer.


Route description! This is how your Nockspitze trip looks like on a map
From the parking lot Axamer Lizum (1564m) take one of the two paths uphill. After 300m left uphill follow the signposts towards Nockspitze/Birgitzköpflhaus. Go under the chairlift to Birgitzköpflhaus (2035m), here turn right following the signs towards Nockspitze/Saile up the slope. At the crossroads finally turn left steeply uphill and climb along the path to the summit (2404m). Return the same way or more beautiful at the last fork left downhill via Halsl to the parking lot.

Photo tips that will make your Instagram pop – sunrise at the Nockspitze



For the sunrise at the Nockspitze with a view over Innsbruck we recommend a standard lens. This way you can capture the sunlit pre-peak with Innsbruck and the Inn valley in one picture. In addition, the sunset with a view towards the striking Kalkkögeln is exciting.
More information about your hiking trip in the Austrian Alps
How to get there by car: Via Kematen, Axams to the Axamer Lizum ski area parking lot.
How to get there by public transport: From Innsbruck (main station, tax office) with bus line 4162 in the direction of Axamer Lizum to the terminus of the Axamer Lizum ski area.
Difficulty level: medium
Duration/distance: 3.5h/ 7.5km
Ascent/descent: 835m/835m
Highest/lowest point: 2404m/1570m
Refreshment stop: Birgitzköpflhaus
Start/finish: parking lot ski area Axamer Lizum (coordinates: geogr. 47.195173, 11.303199)
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?

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.
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