Umbrüggler Alm

This hike kicks off at Hungerburg, Innsbruck. You can get here via the Hungerburgbahn funicular for a more scenic experience, but the significantly cheaper alternative I’d recommend is getting the J bus (direction Innsbruck Nordkette) from central Innsbruck. Once you’re there, take a while to savour the already incredible view of Innsbruck from the viewing platform.

The route I would recommend actually takes you to two alms in a larger circular route. First, you’ll come across Arzler Alm, from which you’ll head directly to Umbrüggler Alm. As a result, to begin the hike you should follow signs for Arzler Alm. Follow the Hungerburgweg road until it turns into a forest path, at which point you’ll start seeing signs for it.

The first forest section is a little steep, but you’ll soon some across a gravel road. At this point, you can cross the road and continue up the forest, or turn right and take the road up. The road takes longer and winds a little, but makes for a much more comfortable walk if you’re in the mood for something more relaxing.

As you continue, keep your eyes open for glimpses of the opposing mountain range through the treeline.

Once you reach Arzler Alm, you could stop here for a drink or continue straight on towards Umbrüggler Alm. If you’re hiking in the winter, Arzler Alm is closed in any case. Here you can choose between a forest trail and gravel path again; find the nearby yellow signpost which will direct you. The route is straightforward, and you can’t go wrong here.

Umbrüggler Alm itself is quite a modern take on the classic Austrian mountain hut. When it’s cold outside, you’ll find an open fireplace inside. Make yourself cosy if there is space! Though, if you can tolerate it, I’d recommend sitting outside. The view is really quite special with a cold beer in hand.

It’s all downhill from here (in a good way), and you have a few route options that will all ultimately take you right back to where you started. Have a look at the trail below to see the route I took, as well as the alternate roads you could walk along.

This hike makes for a good day out, and you can easily stretch it to 3 hours if you’re walking comfortably and chatting. If you’re in Innsbruck for the day, I’d wholeheartedly recommend this route, especially if you’re here in summer.