Short Adlerweg from Innsbruck

Our hike starts in fabulous Innsbruck, at Bergstation Hungerburg. Here you have the option of bridging the first part of the hike with the Seegrubenbahn that leads all the way to Bergstation Seegrubenbahn. This tempting choice quickly saves over 900 altitude meters and keeps your legs fit for the remaining hours along the Mandlspitze to the Pfeishütte. Prefer not to take the Bergbahn? You can zigzag from Bergstation Hungerburg via the Taubental to the Goetheweg, which connects to the Adlerweg. If you want to take it easy on the first day, you can also take the Hafelekarbahn from the Seegrubenbahn to start the stage right at the top of Innsbruck.

No matter which route you choose, be ready for a demanding day in the mountains – the climbs and descents can be steep, and the terrain is rocky and rugged.

This is the most demanding day of the trek, and not because of the numbers. From the Pfeishütte you climb to the Stempeljoch, and on the other side waits a very steep descent on loose scree and rock, with drops beside the path and no cables or ropes to hold on to. In places you will use your hands for balance. You need sure feet, good descending technique and a head for heights. If you have a fear of heights, this day, and therefore this trek, is not for you.

Below the Stempeljoch the path eases and you choose between two routes to the Hallerangerhaus. The standard route continues through the Isstal and is the longer option. The shorter route follows the Wilde-Bande-Steig, with less ascent and descent, but do not mistake shorter for easier: it is a T3 mountain path over rocky terrain. Both routes meet again near Kahlstatt and continue through the Durchschlag.