Female hiker with dog enjoying the snowy winter panorama at Zwölferkopf overlooking Lake Achensee

Winter hiking holidays on the Zwoelferkopf

What could be better than walking through a perfect winter wonderland, where the snow glistens brightly in the sunlight? Take deep breaths of fresh alpine air and enjoy the vastness and beauty of the Austrian Alps.

Hiking holidays in the winter are becoming more and more popular. Explore a variety of labelled and ploughed trails, or strap on some snowshoes and walk cross country. Enjoy nature and use the silence of the Tyrolean mountains to energise yourself! While riding the Karwendel cable car to the top you will have fantastic panoramic view of the snow-covered Karwendel mountain range, as well as the Rofan Mountains.

Two people and a dog walking along a snowy winter trail in the Tyrolean Alps under the sunshine

A couple enjoys a winter hike with their dog on a snowy trail, surrounded by pine trees in the Tyrolean Alps

Circular trail of the alpine animals

Two people reading an information board about deer on a nature trail at the Karwendel cable car in winter

The winter hiking trail (No. 4) starts right from where you get off the cable car and leads you at the beginning along the slope past the romantic Baerenbad pasture. Follow the trail through glittering snow to the crossing of the slope. Afterwards follow the trail through the forest to the Mountain Inn. Along the trail you can find the alpine animals in life size with informative experience panels.

Walking time: approx. 1,5 h

Winter hiking trail Zwölferkopfstraße

Two people with a dog hiking on a snowy winter trail through the forest at Zwölferkopf

Follow where you get off the cable car the left edge of the exercise slope Jochlift. At the end of the slope forks the winter hiking trail lefthanded into the forest. While offering magnificent views to the Achensee the trail leads in several turns downhill. Pass the TV-transmission tower and follow the trail direction Pertisau to return to the bottom station.

Walking time: approx. 1,5 h

Three hikers trekking along a mountain trail, reaching the summit cross with a breathtaking panoramic view in the Tyrolean Alps

Woman with a dog walking on a snowy winter trail in the Tyrolean Alps, surrounded by snow-covered trees and mountains

Hiking
in summer

Follow enchanted mountain trails, breathe the crystal-clear mountain air, enjoy culinary delicacies and unforgettable moments of happiness together with your family in the picturesque alpine panorama of the Karwendel Mountains.

Hiking
in winter

Experience your winter holiday at Lake Achensee during wonderful winter hikes. Relax under the mountain sun and indulge yourself with local delicacies in the "Alpengasthaus Karwendel".

Three hikers with backpacks ascending a mountain trail towards the summit cross with panoramic views of the Tyrolean Alps

Hiking at the Zwoelferkopf mountain

High above the Tyrolean village of Pertisau, you will find a wonderful area for hiking holidays, mountain climbing, mountain biking, paragliding, relaxing and “refuelling” yourself. The high altitude, pleasant weather and especially the breath-taking view will make your trip to Mt Zwoelferkopf an unforgettable experience.

The scenery: Below you is the deep blue Lake Achensee, bordered by the untouched Karwendel mountain range and the rocky Brandenberg Alps. From Mt Stanserjoch - a very popular hiking spot - you can take in a complete 360° panorama, with a superb view over the entire Inn Valley. You will have a view of the Wilder Kaiser mountain ridge in the east, as well as the highest peaks of the main alpine mountain chain. On a clear day, you can see far in to the Tyrolean uplands and even catch a glimpse of Austria’s highest mountain, the Grossglockner.

A hiker extends a helping hand to assist another person climbing a rocky mountain trail in the Tyrolean Alps

Three hikers standing on a summit with panoramic views of Lake Achensee, the Karwendel mountains, and the Rofangebirge

Hiking trails nearby

We have put together few suggestions of different tours you could take around Mt Zwoelferkopf, so you can make your walking holiday in Austria a unique experience. Amongst the many routes of varying difficulty, we guarantee you will find just the right one for you!

Routes to Pertisau

A couple sitting on a wooden bench enjoying the view of Lake Achensee as the Karwendel cable car glides above them

Route 1
To get to the village of Pertisau, follow the circular hiking trail (nr. 4) over the Baerenbadalm pasture to the Hoerndlstrasse (nr. 2), which leads into the Tristenautal Valley. From there, you can walk comfortably through the valley back to Pertisau.
Walking time: approx. 2 h

Route 2
After stopping off at the Karwendel Alpine Inn, follow the circular hiking trail (nr. 4) in a counter clockwise direction, until you reach the ski slope. From there, take a sharp left turn into the tunnel path (nr.7). The path ends in a fork, where you have the choice of either descending to the sledging lodge, or following the “Path of Reflection” (nr. 5).
Walking time: approx. 1,5 h

Route 3
From the Karwendel Alpine Inn over the circular hiking trail (nr.4), until you reach the first fork in the woods. From here, follow the Zwoelferkopf path (nr.1). Caution: This path is steep and difficult, and should only be taken by experienced hikers! Follow the yellow signs leading to Pertisau. The path ends a little bit above the lower terminus of the Karwendel cable car.
Walking time: approx. 1,5 h

Routes to Maurach

A couple sitting on a mountain peak, gazing at the deep blue Lake Achensee and embracing the beauty of nature

Route 1
Follow the circular trail of the alpine animals (nr.4) in the direction of the Baerenbadalm pasture. Shortly before you reach the pasture, keep left towards the Perchertal valley (nr. 6) and descend into the woods next to the ski slope. Cross the hillside clearing and follow the path to the broadcasting station. From there, follow the path (nr.3) to the lake and then to the village of Maurach.
Walking time: approx. 1,5 h

Route 2
From the upper terminus over the circular hiking trail (nr. 4), to the Baerenbadalm pasture and over (nr. 11) to the Weissenbachsattel pass. Whilst descending in the direction of Maurach village, you will come across the Weissenbachalm pasture. This path will lead you through the Weissenbachtal valley to Larch Meadow, which is part of Maurach village.
Walking time: approx. 3 h

Experience the Karwendel Mountains

A hiker extends a helping hand to his companion as they ascend a steep mountain trail with via ferrata markings

Mt Baerenkopf (1,991 m)
From the Baerenbadalm pasture you will reach the summit in around 1,5 h. If you would like to walk from the Baerenbadalm pasture over the Weissenbachsattel pass, you will need to allow around 2 h.

Mt Stanserjoch (2,102 m)
Beginning from the Baerenbadalm pasture, walk to the Weissenbachsattel pass, then head south until you reach the ridge, where you turn left. You will reach the summit in around 2.5 h.

Mt Ochsenkopf (2,148 m)
Beginning from the Baerenbadalm pasture, walk to the Weissenbachsattel pass, then south until you reach the ridge, where you turn right. You will reach the summit in around 2.5 h.

Mt Gamskarspitze (2,098 m) and Mt Rappenspitze (2,223 m)
Starting at Mt Ochsenkopf, follow the ridge west to Mt Gamskarspitze and then carry on along the pass between the Kaiserjoch pass and Mt Rappenspitze. Descend over the Nauderer Kar basin, the Dristlalm pasture and Falzthurntal valley.

Going on a pilgrimage

An elderly couple sitting on a rustic wooden bench with a heart-shaped backrest, enjoying a peaceful break in nature

Path of Reflection (nr. 5)
This is a lovely hike from the parking lot close to the Hubertus Inn to the sledging lodge.

Over Mt Stanserjoch to St Georgenberg
(Tyrol’s oldest pilgrimage site)
The best thing to do is to start your day tour by riding the Karwendel cable car to the upper terminus. From there, hike up to Mt Stanserjoch (which takes around 2.5 h) and then down to St Georgenberg for about another 2 h. The path from the monastery to the Inn Valley will lead you through the wildly romantic Wolf’s Gorge, down to the town of Stans.

St. Georgenberg monastery

Circular trail of the alpine animals (No. 4)

Where?

From the top station to the Bärenbadalm and back to the Alpengasthaus Karwendel and to the top station

How long?

approx. 1.5 hours

How far?

approx. 2.8 km

Difficulty?

approx. 146 m height difference

Note: The circular trail is only partially suitable for buggies.

Circular route at the top station of the Karwendel cable car

Hiking in the mountains does not have to be boring for children. An example is the circular trail of the alpine animals which runs from the top station of the Karwendel cable car. Characters drawn with love accompany the hikers through the stations which introduce the most important representatives of the alpine fauna - from the ibex via the marmot to the red deer.

How does it sound when a deer roars? How much can a brown bear weigh? What does a forester do? This and many more questions are answered by the circular trail of the alpine animals at the Zwölferkopf mountain. Together parents and children go on a discovery tour through the Tyrolean Alps which are a habitat for countless animals.

Three children exploring a life-sized statue of a chamois on the Alpentiere circular trail in the middle of the forest

A child and a woman reading an information board on the Alpentiere circular trail, discovering fascinating facts about wildlife

A family with two children exploring interactive information boards on the circular trail of the alpine animals, learning about Alpine wildlife

About alpine animals and natural treasures

10 different animals of the Alps are introduced along the theme path. Photos, distinguishing features and a profile for every animal offer an entertaining learning experience for smart children. But also the grown-ups can still learn one or the other thing.

For the circular route you need about 1.5 hours. Valuable quality time and active time in the mountain nature combined with a pedagogically meaningful concept - this way the hiking tour with the children in Tyrol’s mountains becomes a relaxed experience for everyone.

Especially if the lookout is a pause after the hike. Following your hiking tour the Alpengasthaus Karwendel invites you to enjoy a bite, for example Tyrolean specialties, coffee, ice cream and cake.

With the circular trail, a family hike for old and young will await you - an experience that we strongly recommend during your holiday at Lake Achensee in Tyrol.

More tips for families