The Eagle Walk and Other Great Routes of the Tirol

The incredible Austrian Tirol is one of the world’s great destination for hikers – be it a gentle stroll through lush valley meadows or a very serious, multi-day mountain hike across the peaks – many still snow covered in summer.  In total there’s an incredible 15,000 miles of signposted and marked hiking trails. 

The great news is that there’s so many options to choose from, there’s going to be something to suit you, whatever your ability and desires.  You can even use the ski lifts to get straight up the mountains to take in the magnificent views (and perhaps stop for a coffee or a meal at one of the authentic Tirolean restaurants), before you start walking.

Better news still, it’s all very easy to reach from the UK, with new BA flights from London Heathrow to Innsbruck among the options, and short transfers to wherever you want to start your hike.

Here are just a few of the options:

The Eagle Walk

If you’re a serious hiker then one route that must be on your bucket list is the incredible Eagle Walk (“Alderweg”) which runs East to West between the Arlberg mountains of St Anton and the Kaiser mountain range at St Johann in Tirol and is so named because it provides an ‘Eagle’s eye view’ of Tirol as you walk along.

The long distance trekking path covers 280km (175 miles) and 31,000 metres of elevation gain (That’s about three and a half times the height of Everest from sea level) but is divided in to 24 stages, and you’re welcome to do some or all as you wish.

Although that altitude climb and the total length of The Eagle Walk sound (and are) pretty serious it’s equally easy to just do a much smaller chunk on a day or part-day hike covering less than a dozen kilometres and a few hundred metres of vertical ascent, it’s really up to you.

But if you do fancy tackling the whole thing, remember some sections are challenging and The Eagle Walk is a long distance mountaineering trail that requires respect. All serious hikers should therefore be familiar with basic backcountry techniques, precautions and orienteering skills if tackling the higher, more challenging sections.

If you do hike the full length you are entitled to write about your experience at the final stop at either end.  Those completing the North Tirol Eagle Walk can record their adventure in the book kept at the reception desk of the Arlberg Hospiz Hotel in St. Christoph am Arlberg or those completing it at the East Tirol end can find a similar book to write in at the Lucknerhaus hut.

1400km of Hiking Routes in The Ziller Valley

Mayrhofen, just a one hour transfer from Innsbruck Airport, is the only destination to make the top three for British visitors in both winter and summer.

A walkers and mountain biker’s paradise, with breath taking views up to the glacier (one of only two in the world where you can ski all year round), you’ll find both traditional and grand mountain huts like the Berliner Hütte or the modern and sustainable Olperer Hütte to enjoy.

The Zillertal is a truly action-packed valley, with every nook and cranny offering up fun for all types of adventurers. Alongside 1,400 kilometres of hiking trails served by 10 summer cable cars, you can also explore the valley on bike, climb up to high-altitude peaks or cool off in a natural lake.

Experience spectacular hikes in Alpbach, the Austrian Tirol

Capture 360° views over the spectacular Tirolean landscape when trekking in Alpbach. Situated in the Alpbachtal valley, at the foot of the Gratspitz mountain (1,898 metres high), the region offers more than 900 kilometres of hiking trails and graded paths for eager walkers. Climb the Wiedersbergerhorn, venture across the Tiefenbach Gorge, or explore the family-friendly routes along the winding Brandenberg River. Alternatively, why not join in with a sunrise hike in the Alpbachtal Seenland?

On several dates during the summer, like-minded early risers can board the gondola before powering up the Wiedersberghorn mountain (2,127 metres high) for 45 minutes and settling down, waiting for the first rays to appear.

Depending on the time of the year, the natural wonder can be witnessed between 5:30 am and 7 am (the lifts start running between 4 am and 5:30 am accordingly). Round off the experience with a wholesome breakfast at Gasthof Hornboden.

The walking tour costs from €10 pp and walkers must register their interest at the Alpbachtal Seenland Tourist Office the day before.

Walk Down The Streif

Kitzbühel, 75 minutes from Innsbruck, is the third most popular summer destination choice for Brits in the Tirol.

The legendary hotspot in the Alps for relaxation, shopping paired with outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking and road cycling and is also a hot spot for golfing in the Alps with no less than four golf courses to choose from.

In January each year, Kitzbühel stages Austria’s, and indeed the skiing world’s, biggest sporting event, the infamous Hahnenkakamm downhill, and there’s no need to miss out on the race route  when you visit in summer!

The best skiers make it down the Hahnenkamm race course, known as, in less than two minutes, but in summer on foot it takes 2.5 hours to negotiate the 900m drop in altitude. It begins at the race’s start house, close to the top of the Hahnenkamm Gondola, with views over the green pastures of the Kitzbühel Alps all the way to the jagged peaks of the Wilder Kaiser region. From there, the hike passes through spots like Mausefalle (mousetrap), an 85-degree jump that tests the nerves of the world’s best skiers and Steilhang, a steep section that has ended many a skier’s World Cup dreams. The Streif hike ends in the valley just after the Hausberg, a jump known for being one of the hardest in skiing.

The Wildschönau Valley

Another walkers paradise, located 70 minutes from Innsbruck Airport is a beautiful playground of alpine pastures, old traditions and quaint mountain villages.

In fact Wildschönau is made for summer holidays with 300km of walking trails criss-cross the region, and mountaintop bike paths to make exploring easy. Families are well catered for too, with swimming pools, horse riding and museums all on its doorstep.

Walkers can kick off their stay with a cable-car trip to the top of the Markbachjoch, free with the WildschönauCard. From there, an easy four-hour hike around the Rosskopf offers a great introduction to the area, with awe-inspiring views over the Wildschönau valley.

Make sure to stop off at the Holzalm along the way — it’s a must-visit for cheese lovers, offering guided tours alongside a great selection of local homemade cheeses.

2017 Hiking Festivals in Tirol

July 15 – 16: KitzAlp 24 in Alpbach.

Aug 20: Schatzbergmarsch in Auffach.

Aug 26: Karwendelmarsch in Seefeld.

More info: www.visittirol.co.uk

British Airways is offering a new direct service from London Heathrow to Innsbruck Airport, from which most destinations are just minutes away with efficient, short transfers. ba.com/innsbruck