We begin our leisurely journey by driving from Salzburg through Bad Tölz to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the starting point of our hiking tour Trans Tyrol. After checking in at our first accommodation, Hotel Riessersee, we explore the charming town center of Garmisch. Following the information meeting at the Eurohike station, we savor a delicious dinner at the hotel restaurant, Vier Jahreszeiten.
After a delicious and wholesome breakfast, we set off early and walk along the shores of the idyllic Riessersee towards the Kreuzeckbahn valley station. We continue along the Hammersbach footpath to the start of the Höllentalklamm gorge. The path through the forest alongside the stream is beautiful and offers plenty of shade. At the entrance to the gorge, next to the ticket booth, there is a cozy rustic restaurant that invites us to take a short break with homemade delicacies. To stay reasonably dry while experiencing this impressive natural spectacle, we wear rain gear as we hike through the Höllentalklamm. At the end of the gorge, the path winds its way up to the Höllentalangerhütte, offering spectacular views of the Zugspitze.
We quench our thirst with homemade elderberry lemonade on the terrace and take in the wonderful mountain panorama. Soon, we continue our hike towards Kreuzeck to catch the gondola in time. The narrow trail requires surefootedness and a head for heights, but rewards us with magnificent panoramic views, including a view down to Garmisch. The path is lined with countless gentian blossoms and other alpine flowers. After crossing the Hupfleitenjoch, the trail descends slightly to the Kreuzeck cable car station, which takes us back down into the valley.
We take the bus to the ski stadium, the starting point for today’s stage. From there, a flat path leads us to the entrance of the Partnach Gorge. This second gorge on our tour is equally captivating, with its towering rock faces, narrow bridges, and icy blue, roaring water providing numerous spectacular photo opportunities. We then proceed to the Kälbersteig, a narrow forest path with many steps that steadily ascends.
By the time the path merges into the Schachenweg, we have already gained considerable elevation and had the chance to catch a glimpse of our destination for the day, the Schachen Castle. We fortify ourselves with a delicious dinner at the Schachenhaus mountain hut. Afterwards, we spontaneously join a guided tour of Schachen Castle (€5) and are transported for about an hour into the world of Bavaria’s beloved monarch, King Ludwig II. For those who haven’t had their fill of nature today, a delightful Alpine garden next to Schachen Castle awaits.
Today's long stage demands an early start. The ascent to the alpine Meilerhütte (2366 m) begins right at the Schachenhaus. With glorious weather, we enjoy stunning panoramic views at every short drink break. The sight of the snow-covered Zugspitze is breathtaking, and our mountain bliss reaches its peak when we spot a marmot basking on a sunny rock.
The trail continues over some snowfields, where good footwear and trekking poles are crucial for a safe ascent. Upon reaching the highest point of our journey, we take a short break and savor the soup of the day. We cross into Austria, and the descent requires focus and a bit of caution, as the path winds over loose gravel and small snowfields. The descent then becomes easier, though still lengthy, as we travel through the Berglental valley towards Leutasch, where the landscape gradually becomes greener. Long before we spot them, we can already hear the gentle jingling of the bells worn by the sheep spending their alpine summer up here. Continuing down the valley and along a forest path, we reach the bus stop. We complete the remaining journey to Scharnitz by bus and train. Our luggage has already arrived, so we enjoy a delicious pizza at the nearby restaurant.
After an excellent breakfast, we take a bus-taxi into the Hinterautal valley in the Karwendel. The cab ride offers stunning views of the young Isar River, and we decide to begin our hike at the source of the Isar. The narrow paths leading to the first of many springs are idyllically nestled among young birch trees and blueberry bushes, making this an absolute natural gem. The crystal-clear water, emerging from the slopes and the ground before merging into a small stream, hardly hints at its former journey as a mighty river flowing through Munich before eventually joining the Danube.
Back on the main trail, the flat forest road takes us to the Kastenalm. From there, the route continues uphill along the watercourse, passing through forest and meadow sections, crossing bridges, and skirting waterfalls until we reach the beautifully situated Hallerangeralm. With temperatures rising to over 30°C today, we are grateful to conclude the day comfortably at the Halleranger Alm after this shorter stage.
A warm “hello” from hosts Evi & Horst, along with a delicious rösti with bacon and a Kaiserschmarrn, makes our hiking hearts soar. With that, everything feels right again!
Experiencing a night-time thunderstorm in the mountains is a must at least once, but fortunately, the sky is clear again by morning and the sun is shining brightly. So, we decide to gain a few more meters of elevation on our rest day and set out on a tour to the nearby Sunntiger Spitze.
The trail ascends through mountain pines and past the Halleranger-Schaferl. We encounter the “Otto Melzer Monument” and the neatly stacked “Stoamandln” as we make our way to the summit. The final stretch requires a head for heights and surefootedness but the view from the top is phenomenal, and on our return, we’re thrilled to spot a family of amphibians in a serene pond—an enchanting and rare sight that adds a touch of magic to our day.
The rest of the day is spent relaxing on the sun terrace with coffee and apple strudel, and a visit to the chapel is also a must. The Alm has been in the family for 180 years, and the proprietors are happy to share stories about life on the Alm and the family's fascinating history.
A cozy get-together and the exchange of stories and news from around the world are the highlights at the Halleranger Alm. After a delicious dinner, we collapse into our beds, exhausted but deeply satisfied.
Unfortunately, today's weather forecast isn't as favorable as the previous days, so we opt for the easier route to Hall, as recommended by our Eurohike tour guide.
The path up to the Lafatscherjoch soon becomes rocky and steep again, but by now we are well accustomed to such challenges and tackle them with ease. On a hill towards the Lafatscher Kar, we are once again able to observe a group of 13 chamois. Close to the path, we encounter an adder, which we admire from a respectful distance, marveling at the rich wildlife of this stunning region.
The optional route through Halltal guides us past an old mine, featuring the historic Herrenhäuser and Knappenhäusl, as we follow a lengthy road and meander alongside the Weißenbach, leading us to Hall. From there, we catch a bus to the train station and then board a train to Innsbruck.
We reach Hotel Zach in the center of Innsbruck within a few minutes on foot. After a refreshing shower, we stroll into the old town to see the Golden Roof and feel both happy and proud to have completed the Tirolerweg! We celebrate our personal success with a well-deserved “winner’s schnitzel” and a cold shandy, marking the occasion in style.
Now I'm sitting on the terrace of the Halleranger Alm in a rocking chair, gazing at the small chapel perched on the hill directly in front of me. The breathtaking mountain panorama in the background leaves me in awe, filling me with pure joy and a sense of vitality. I can spot climbers scaling the steep rock faces and hear the gentle buzz of bees in the flower-filled meadow below. Surrounding me is a tranquil silence—no cars, no people—just me and nature. In this moment, I feel perfectly in tune with myself, experiencing both freedom and a comforting sense of security. I’d love to share this special place with you.
