Kalkkögel Via Ferrata – Meet “Little Brenta of Tyrol” on 13.5km Hike

If you ever tested your hiking skills in the Dolomites, a mountain range in northeastern Italy, the Kalkkögel via ferrata could remind you of some of its areas. In fact, with its traditional via ferrata parts, the Lustige Bergler Steig is reminiscent of the Southern Alps and is often called the “Little Brenta in Tyrol”. But there is nothing little about it, as you will find out if you join Mountain Moments on our next adventure in the Stubai Alps.

Comparable to the towers and ribbons in the Brenta Dolomites in Italy, this via ferrata winds its way to a trio of peaks. Although much less powerful, the characteristics cannot be denied: the steep rock bands and the many pointed rock needles guarantee a varied, easy climb. 

The association “Lustige Bergler” has developed this wonderful climb over the eastern part of the small Kalkkögel group. The climb frames the Central Widdersberg and leads over a total of three peaks. Especially the band around the tower in the central part and the many rock needles remind of the great classic via ferratas of the Brenta. But you don’t have to travel very far here: A 40-minute bus ride to Axamer Lizum is enough for this illustrious via ferrata: you’re off to the mini-Brenta of Innsbruck.

Directions! This is how your hiking via ferrata adventure looks like on a map

The approach to the via ferrata begins at the parking lot of the Axamer Lizum ski area. Go through the valley station of the ski area and on the ski slope or meadow left uphill along a small wall in the direction of Birgitzköpflhaus/Halsl. At the fork in the road at the edge of the forest, keep right and climb up to Halsl. At the Halsl saddle turn right and climb steeply in hairpin bends towards Ampferstein (2556 m).

As soon as the terrain becomes more rugged, the first insurances begin. Most of the time there is a steel rope for safety and a few clamps. Basically, however, it is not a continuous via ferrata, but rather secured individual sections. 

The first high point is the Ampferstein. From there it goes into a saddle and over a wide ridge to the next summit. After a narrow passage and another gully, the path leads to the Marchreisenspitze. Here the difficult parts are done and you continue to follow the path to the Malgrubenscharte (descent possibility into the Lizumer Kar). 

South of the Malgrubenspitze, the last section of the trail leads to the Hochtennspitze. The descent goes steeply over the saddle in the direction of Hoadlsattel or Berggstation Hoadl. Before reaching the saddle, you have the option to go right via Hochtennboden, Widdersbergsattel and the Lizumer Kar back to the starting point. This variant is scenically impressive and quiet, as it does not lead directly through the ski area.

Alternatives

An approach via the Kemater Alm results in a beautiful, more solitary hike followed by a summit ferrata.

If you walk the tour in the opposite direction and arrive by public transport, you can individually extend your tour via the Nockspitze to Innsbruck or via the Hoher Burgstall to the Stubaital.

Photo tips that will make your Instagram pop – the Kalkkögel and the views of Stubaital and Inntal

The Kalkkögel are a real eye-catcher from far away as well as from close up. The view into the Stubaital, Inntal and towards Innsbruck over the Nockspitze is particularly impressive up here.

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 adventure in the Stubai Alps

How to get there by public transport: by bus L1 or L2 from Innsbruck center to Axamer Lizum ski area. 

Difficulty level: medium-difficult

Duration/distance: 7h/ 13.5km   

Ascent/descent: 1510m / 1510m   

Highest / lowest point: 2620m / 1553m  

Refreshment stop: –

Start/finish: parking lot Axamer Lizum (coordinates: geogr. 47.195724, 11.302511)  

Best time: June-October

Tips: With sufficient surefooted and experience, a via ferrata set is not absolutely necessary.

Special dangers: Danger of falling esp. in old snow fields in early summer (possibly carry crampons or similar).

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