Attractions

Karwendel Nature Park

The Karwendel Nature Park is the largest nature park in Austria and covers almost the entire Karwendel massif over a total area of more than 737 square kilometres.

The Karwendel presents itself in wild, sublime beauty with its rocky mountain flanks, extensive forests and gentle alpine meadows. The Karwendel Nature Park has been a nature reserve since 1928 and is one of the oldest protected areas in Europe. Covering an area of 737 square kilometres, it combines eleven different quiet and landscape conservation areas, from high mountain peaks to moors. The primeval vegetation has been preserved and many rare animal and plant species have found an alpine "Noah's Ark" here. Golden eagles, ibex, sandpipers, the German tamarisk (riparian forest plant), but also wild orchids and ancient sycamore maples still have significant populations in this region. The bird life is just as fascinating. On guided hikes, for example, you can discover the three-toed woodpecker, eagle owl and woodcock.

1. Großer Ahornboden

Every single tree is worth marvelling at, but there are 2,000 sycamores here that are several centuries old. So just pause for a moment, take in the magnificent nature and pay a visit to the pretty alpine village of Eng!

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2. Hafelekar

The Innsbruck Nordkettenbahnen cable car takes you up to the Hafelekar, where hikers have Innsbruck at their feet on the south side and the nature park on the north side. A little greeting over to the stone landmark "Frau Hitt" is a must, while the Alpine choughs circle in the updraft.

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3. Mondscheinspitze

You have to be fit to climb the 2,106 metre high Mondscheinspitze. Mountaineers are rewarded with a magnificent view of the Karwendel and Rofan mountains, the Venediger group and the Zillertal Alps. Nearby, ibexes may even leap past.

4. Halltal

The Halltal valley is located to the north of the former salt works town of Hall in Tirol. If you hike up to the manor houses with the disused tunnels, you should also keep an eye on the edge of the path. Among other things, protected orchids grow here.

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5. Source of the Isar river

Where the Isar is still Tyrolean: At Scharnitz in the Karwendel, the Isar begins its long journey to the Danube as a small stream and finally flows into the Black Sea. A bike tour through the wild Hinterautal valley is the best way to explore the source of the Isar.

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Naturparkhaus Hinterriss

Hinterriss Nature Park House is one of the many jewels in the midst of the fascinating mountains of Karwendel Nature Park.

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