Inn Valley High Trail

Self-catering traveller? Always a good thing in high alpine terrain, but not absolutely necessary along this impressive high trail between Innsbruck/Igls and Schwaz. Because the “Inntaler”, which leads high above the Inn Valley through the Tux Alps at around 2,000 metres above sea level, is quite rightly described as one of the region's top adventures for foodies. All huts en-route offer excellent regional cuisine, which provides strength and sustenance for the six moderately difficult day stages between Patscherkofel and Kellerjoch, during which hikers must overcome around 4,000 vertical metres uphill and around 5,400 vertical metres downhill.

The primary motivation for undertaking this hike, however, is the unique alpine landscape. The trail passes by blue lakes and through the Patscherkofel – Zirmberg – Viggartal – Glungezer conservation areas and touches on many romantic valleys: Voldertal, Navistal, Wattental, Nafingtal, Nurpenstal, Sidantal and Finsinggrund. The only section on this stage that is categorised as “difficult” is on day 2 and can be bypassed. There is the option to head down into the valley from each of the huts along the Inn Valley High Trail.
Day 1: Innsbruck/Igls – Glungezer Hütte
683 vertical metres from the top of the cable car, walking time: 3 hours 15 minutes, distance: 7.1 kilometres