We plan to hike around the area of Innsbruck the end of June 2015. We have previously hiked in an area of the Dolomites ( Val Gardena) and stayed in the village of Selva. We just loved it there. It was a quiet town with plenty of places to stay, and had very good bus transport to the trails. We are looking for a town similar to that so we can access the many hiking trails offered in the Innsbruck area. Can anyone suggest a town that meets that criteria. We are 2 couples in our late 50's mid 60's and hiking is our only agenda. We will not have a car as we prefer to use the public transportation system. Any help would be appreciated as we plan this trip.
Thanks
Posted by
Germany
868 posts
I'm sorry to disappoint you, but nothing around Innsbruck comes close to the Dolomites, at least not when it comes to hiking. There are the Karwendel mountains to the north of Innsbruck, which are very beautiful, but there are no villages in the mountains, no roads, and no public transport. To hike in the inner parts of the mountains you either need a bicycle or do multi-day hikes. To the south of Innsbruck is the Stubai valley, which is quite nice too, but it's still a valley and IMHO gets boring after a while.... and it takes forever to get out of it.
Posted by
Mahone Bay, Canada
328 posts
I haven't spent much time in the Dolomites, so I can't compare, but a few years ago we went into the Karwendel Mountains and visited the Ahornboden in the Risstal. It is a flat, high-alpine valley filled with the most wonderful Maple trees.
http://www.austria.info/uk/discover/ahornboden-at-alpine-park-karwendel-1497818.html
It was a highlight of our trip.
Also, it is about an hour away from Innsbruck but I really want to hike up to see King Ludwig's House on the Schachen. As soon as our kids are old enough to do the hike I'm planning visit.
http://www.schloesser.bayern.de/englisch/palace/objects/schachen.htm
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5505 posts
Check out Seefeld in Tirol which is well connected to the rail; many fantastic hikes and activities in the area.
You also might want to check out the Salzkammergut area south of Salzburg.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33799 posts
a double thumbs up for Seefeld. By no means is it the Alps, nor the Dolomites bit, but much pleasing.
Posted by
Longmont, CO, USA
527 posts
You could venture away from Innsbruck to Lech am Arlberg. It is in the Austrian Alps and has terrific hiking. We will be going back for 8 days this September.
http://www.lechzuers.com/
Posted by
NYC area
2974 posts
Hi Ruth,
You may like the gorgeous Zillertal, maybe an hour from Innsbruck. Mayrhofen is the main town there, but there a number of small villages as well. The valley is well served by train and numerous cable cars/lifts and the alpine scenery is incredible.
http://www.zillertal.at/en/summer/home/
http://www.zillertalarena.com/en/arena/sommer/start_sommer.html
Posted by
OP
Saratoga Springs
25 posts
Ah! So many options to explore. Thank you for the suggestions.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
154 posts
I agree with the other travelers. There are some hikes very close to Innsbruck but they aren't really Alpine hiking trails. They are get you around the low hills near Innsbruck trails. You will get better scenery in other areas of Austria.