Panoramic Trail near Innsbruck: The Zirb Trail – Best Photo Opportunities in Innsbruck
A great view equals a great hike! This panoramic trail near Innsbruck has it all: The Zirb Trail is an easy hike near Innsbruck and easyly reachable – all infos for this great hike with map in this post.
Is Zirbenweg the most picturesque hiking trail in Innsbruck? Many who backpack down this route think so, and we have a hunch the surrounding pine forest and pretty alpine roses have something to do with this. The best thing is – the journey is not very demanding, which gives even the less-experienced nature lovers the opportunity to join Mountain Moments in this adventure. Find out all the important details, and the hiking map, below.

From the local mountain Patscherkofel it goes through alpine meadows and sparse mountain forests to the ski resort Glungezer. Deep views down to Innsbruck and the massive rocky flanks of the Karwendel are just as impressive as the still intact mountain nature.
The leisurely alpine hike leads through primeval pine forests, mountain glaciers, and glacial boulder fields with only a few meters of altitude and hardly any difficult passages.
Uphill and downhill is by cable car on the Patscherkofel and in the ski area Glungezer, round trip from/to Innsbruck is made carefree by bus
Directions! This is how your Zirben trail hike looks like on a map

From the Patscherkofel valley station, take the gondola to the top station. After getting off on the other side of the leveled square, the Zirbenweg trail begins slightly to the left through a gate. The path is well signposted (direction Zirbenweg, Glungezer, Boscheben) and leads through mountain pine slopes with great panoramic views slightly ascending to the Boschebenhütte (approx. 2.5km).
After a rest, you follow the Zirbenweg further in the direction of Glungezer and after another 5km through picturesque mountain forest you reach the Tulfein Alm. From here about 200m along the ski slope to the top station of the Glungezer lifts. By lift to the valley and back to Innsbruck main station by bus (bus stop is located a few meters below at the car parking lot).
Photo tips that will make your Instagram pop – Zirb Trail, Grünbichl vantage point and Nordkette
The Zirbenweg offers many opportunities to photograph the protected alpine meadow world, such as alpine roses.

The most beautiful vantage points and photo spots are at Grünbichl the picturesque hut just west of the Patscherkofel mountain station. In addition, the view to the south with the Boscheben hut and the picturesque Tulfein Alm with a view of the Karwendel are recommended.
Nevertheless, the top photo spot is generally the view of Innsbruck and the majestic Nordkette, which can be photographed from almost everywhere.
Refreshments stops (all with a great view) are Tulfein Alm, Boschebenhütte, Patscherkofel Gipfelstube, Patscherkofel Schutzhaus and Patscherkofel Restaurant Bergstation
Tip: Boscheben and Tulfein Alm are our all time favourites on this trail as they are run by locals and a lot of the products are locally produced.
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 Austrian Alps
How to get there by car: Park in Innsbruck and take bus J (“Peak to Peak” bus) towards Patscherkofel.
How to get there by public transport: From Innsbruck, take bus J (“Peak to Peak”) in the direction of Patscherkofel to the terminus. Return by bus from Glungezer valley station to Innsbruck main station (the yellow bus stops a few meters below the valley station at the parking lot).
Hike difficulty: easy
Duration/distance: 2.5h/ 8km
Ascent/descent: 200m/110m
Highest/lowest point: 2060m/1963m
Refreshments: Tulfein Alm, Boschebenhütte, Patscherkofel Gipfelstube, Patscherkofel Schutzhaus, Patscherkofel Restaurant Bergstation.
Start/finish: Patscherkofel valley station
Best time: June-September
Tips: Book Zirbenweg ticket already in town (e.g. Tourist Information).
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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