A scenic start to the adventure
Day 1 of the Innsbruck Trek kicked off with the promise of clear skies and sunny weather ~ perfect conditions for what would be an unforgettable week of hiking and adventure. Given the high temperatures and the time we needed to film along the way, we decided to start our journey from Hungerburg, taking the Hungerburgbahn up to get a head start on the day.
A steep but rewarding start
Upon arriving at the top, we made our way through the residential area of Hötting, where the urban atmosphere slowly faded into the natural beauty of the woods. From there, we followed a dirt road that led toward the Umbrüggler Alm. Though the path seemed relatively easy at first, it wasn’t long before we realized it was quite a long and somewhat steep climb. Don’t be fooled by the initial gentle start—this was just the beginning of our uphill adventure.
Despite the incline, the path was incredibly scenic, offering glimpses of Innsbruck far below and the surrounding Alps looming above us. With every step, the city’s hustle and bustle faded further away, replaced by the peaceful solitude of the mountains.
A refreshing break at Umbrüggler Alm
After a bit of a climb, we reached the Umbrüggler Alm, a welcome spot for a quick break. The small, rustic alpine hut was the perfect place to recharge. We treated ourselves to some cold beverages, taking in the surroundings and savoring the tranquility of the area. This was a true alpine experience—far from the noise of the city, with the only sounds being the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant calls of birds.
A pilgrimage to Höttinger Bild
Refreshed and ready to continue, we set off toward our next stop: the Höttinger Bild. This popular pilgrimage site is home to the Maria in the Woods Chapel, a serene and spiritual location nestled within the forest. The peaceful aura of the chapel provided a moment of reflection and calm before we carried on with our trek.
A scenic trail through the Nordkette forest
From Höttinger Bild, the path became even more beautiful, winding through the dense forest area of the lower Nordkette. The trail here was smooth and comfortable, offering stunning views of the lush green landscape surrounding us. The trees created a natural canopy, providing much-needed shade as we walked through this picturesque section of the route.
As we continued along the trail, we passed through Krannebitten and the Kerschbuchhof, both of which added to the charm of the day. The easy-to-follow path allowed us to simply enjoy the scenery, soaking in the sights and sounds of the forest without worrying about the terrain. It was the perfect way to ease into the trek, with gentle climbs and views that seemed to unfold endlessly.
