Hafelekar Innsbruck - Goetheweg - Pfeishütte

This ten-kilometre-long day hike along Goetheweg trail is arguably one of the best hikes in the environs of Tirol’s capital Innsbruck. The trek is of moderate difficulty and introduces walkers to the rugged terrain of the Karwendel Mountains and to its softer sides, its verdant, flower-studded meadows and lush dwarf pine fields. Destination end of this hike is the Pfeishütte, a rustic lodge with quaint parlors and an ample, sunny outdoor patio at an elevation of 1,950 metres. A truly special experience is to spend the night at the Pfeihütte: watch the sun set behind the mountains in the evening and see it rise again the next morning. Memories that will stay with you forever!
The Goetheweg trail begins at the top terminal (Hafelekar) of the Nordkettenbahn cable cars and meanders eastwards. Close to the ridgetop, the trail undulates up and down (always follow signage to “Pfeishütte”), climbs the Gleierschjöchl col and eventually crosses the ridge at Mühlkarscharte. The route continues along the northern side of the Nordkette Mountains and below the Mannlspitze peak. A short, brisk climb takes you atop the Mannlscharte ridge, the highest elevation on this walk, topping out at 2,314 metres. On the other side of the notch, a short descent takes you down to wide open meadows and dwarf pine fields which you have to traverse on your way down to the Pfeishütte. Once replete and replenished, retrace your steps to the top terminal of Hafelekar. Ride the Nordkettenbahn gondola and space-age Nordkette funicular down to the heart of Tirol’s lively capital Innsbruck.