The Karwendel High Trail is a multi-day long-distance hike through Austria’s largest nature park. "Andreas 112358" recommended the route to me on YouTube, saying the section along the Nordkette was particularly worthwhile. Would a 6-day hike like this be for you too?
Andreas 112358: recommends the Karwendel High Trail from the Seefeld Plateau through the southern part of the Karwendel mountains.
The Karwendel is a mountain range that crosses national borders. Most of it lies in Tirol, but some outlying ridges reach into the Bavarian Alps. As far back as 1928, large parts of the range were designated "Naturpark Karwendel". The nature park was established much earlier than, for example, Nationalpark Berchtesgaden (1978). Naturpark Zillertal Alpen has only existed since 2001.
From Reith bei Seefeld to Scharnitz
There are six stages from Reith bei Seefeld to Scharnitz. The multiday hike covers approximately 60 kilometers and just under 3.600 meters of elevation gain. This makes the Karwendel Höhenweg one of the shortest long-distance hiking trails in the Alps.
Hikers not only get to know the secluded corners of the Karwendel, but also reach the southern side of the Nordkette. On the third day of the crossing, the trail leads along above Innsbruck. This section is by far the longest, but it also offers sensational views out over and down onto Tirol's capital.
Huts along the way
You’ll spend the night in mountain huts. Along the route, you’ll find the Nördlinger Hütter, Solsteinhaus, Pfeishütte, Bettelwurfhütte and Hallerangerhaus. It’s best to book each hut in advance, especially during peak season. A sleeping bag liner is essential for overnight stays in the huts.
Pay attention to seasonal opening times, too. Mountain huts often don’t open until early summer, when the snow in the mountains has completely melted, and they close again in autumn. In winter, often only emergency shelters are available.
Via ferrata along the Nordkette ridge
If you want to climb a little higher, take a look at the Innsbrucker Klettersteig. This cable-protected route follows the Nordkette ridge, reaching difficulty grade C in places and offering spectacular views far below, both down to Innsbruck and into the quieter, undeveloped side of the Karwendel mountains.
Read the trip report:
Innsbruck Via Ferrata: A ridge walk above the rooftops of Innsbruck >