Winter hiking in Tyrol: 12 fantastic tours (2025/2026)
- Julia
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
Winter hiking in Tyrol is one of the most beautiful ways to experience the Alps in winter away from the ski slopes. Perfectly groomed trails, snow-covered forests and impressive panoramas make Tyrol the ideal destination for families, beginners and connoisseurs. We have done all of the following 12 tours ourselves. They are scenically stunning and ideal for anyone looking for safe and relaxed winter trails.
1. Gnadenwald – Hochmahdkopf-Ausblick (Region Hall-Wattens)
Start: St. Martin car park
Length: 4.5 km | Duration: 1.5 hours | Elevation gain: ~120 metres
A peaceful winter trail on wide forest roads with a gentle ascent. The panoramic view over the Inn Valley and the snow-covered Nordkette mountain range is particularly beautiful. An ideal introduction to winter hiking and also well suited for families.
Tip: The best views are in the morning.
2. Lake Obernberg – Wipptal Valley
Start: Waldesruh car park
Length: 3 km | Duration: 1–1.5 hours | Elevation gain: ~80 metres
Lake Obernberg is a real natural gem and one of our Tyrolean highlights at any time of year. The path climbs gently through glistening forest until the view opens up onto the snow-covered lake. The little chapel on an island in the lake is particularly atmospheric.
Tip: the light on the lake is at its most beautiful around midday.
3. Leutasch – Winter hike to the Gaistalalm
Start: Salzbach car park / Gaistal entrance
Length: approx. 6 km | Duration: approx. 2 hours | Elevation gain: ~150 metres
One of the most beautiful winter trails in the Leutasch region. The tour leads through the tranquil Gaistal valley, nestled between the Mieminger mountains and the Wetterstein massif. The Gaistalalm is located on an open alpine pasture and is a popular destination for leisurely winter hikers.
Tip: The Gaistal valley is a fantastic hiking area. You can really switch off here if you stay for several days.
4. Möserer See circular trail – Seefeld region
Length: 3.5 km | Duration: 1 hour
An easy, almost flat circular trail through dense winter forests. Möserer See is idyllically nestled in a hollow and offers a fairytale atmosphere, especially in light fog.
Tip: Perfect for sunsets!
5. Winter hike to the Potsdamer Hut (Sellraintal / Stubai Alps)
Start: St. Sigmund im Sellrain
Length: approx. 5 km | Duration: 3–3.5 hours | Elevation gain: ~600 m
The trail to the Potsdamer Hut is somewhat more challenging, but easily manageable. It leads through a quiet valley in Sellrain, past snow-covered larch trees and open alpine pastures. The hut, located at 2,020 m, is impressively situated in the middle of the Stubai Alps.
Tip: Bring crampons for hard snow—the trail is often slippery. The hut is also open in winter and you can stay overnight there. A very special experience!
Challenging hike with alpine hazards. Good physical condition required. Be sure to check snow conditions beforehand. Not suitable for small children.
6. Pertisau – Gaisalmweg trail at Lake Achensee
Start: Pertisau parking lot
Length: 3–6 km | Duration: 1–2 hours
The starting point for the hike is in Pertisau, a picturesque village right on the shore. The winter trail along Lake Achensee offers one of the most beautiful winter backdrops in Tyrol. Deep blue water, steep rock faces, and a scenic path make this short tour particularly attractive.
Tip: Check with the Pertisau tourist information office to see if the lake trail is open.
7. Schweinfurter Hut – Niederthai / Ötztal
A beautiful winter ascent to the Schweinfurter Hut across snow-covered alpine pastures and through quiet forest sections. The hut is located in a wide valley floor – ideal for those looking for a slightly longer but scenically impressive winter tour.
Tip: There are great viewpoints around the hut. You can stay overnight at the hut, which is a particularly wonderful experience in winter.
Challenging hike with alpine hazards. Good physical condition required. Be sure to check the snow conditions beforehand. Not really suitable for small children.
8. Rinner Alm – Rinn / Hall region in Tyrol
Start: Judenstein or Rinn parking lot (depending on snow conditions)
Length: 4–5 km | Duration: 2 hours | Elevation gain: ~450 m
A classic Tyrolean winter hiking trail to the popular Rinner Alm. The trail climbs gently through sparse forest and offers beautiful views of the Tux Alps and Hall.
Tip: In the early afternoon, warm light falls on the alpine pasture – great photos! When snow conditions are good, it's also perfect for tobogganing.
9. Stubai Valley – Falbeson winter hiking trail
Start: Falbeson car park
Length: 5 km | Duration: 1.5–2 hours
The wide winter trail in the rear Stubai Valley runs along the Ruetzbach stream and is particularly suitable for families. Flat, quiet and scenically impressive – a classic winter walk.
Tip: After fresh snowfall, the entire valley floor glistens in the sunlight.
10. Winter hike to the Gleirschalm – Sellraintal
Start: St. Sigmund im Sellrain
Length: 4 km | Duration: 1.5–2 hours | Elevation gain: ~250 metres
The Gleirschalm is an atmospheric winter destination in a quiet side valley of the Sellrain. The tour runs through snow-covered forest and opens up onto a sunny alpine pasture with views of Praxmar.
Tip: Start early! The tour is very popular due to the scenic beauty of the area, and the car parks fill up quickly. The route is also perfect for tobogganing.
11. Winter circular trail around Lake Pillersee – Pillerseetal
Length: 4 km | Duration: 1–1.5 hours
Very easy winter circular trail around one of Tyrol's most famous lakes. The trail is flat and well maintained – ideal for families and walkers.
Tip: Early in the morning, fog creates a unique atmosphere over the lake.
12. Winter hike to the Birgitzer Alm – Innsbruck / Axamer Lizum
Start: Birgitz / Adelshof car park
Length: approx. 4.5 km | Duration: 1.5–2 hours | Elevation gain: ~500 metres
One of the most beautiful winter tours around Innsbruck. The trail leads through sparse forest to the Birgitzer Alm – with views of the Kalkkögel mountains and the Inn Valley.
Tip: Perfect for watching the sunset with golden light on the mountains. Also great for tobogganing or as a ski tour.
Practical tips for winter hiking in Tyrol
Check current trail information: Tourism associations update daily which trails are groomed and open.
Equipment: Winter hiking boots, warm clothing, crampons for ice.
Best time of day: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. offers ideal light and pleasant temperatures.
Avalanche safety: Always pay attention to local closures and check before each tour.
All car parks are subject to a charge; some accept card payments, but it is always better to take change with you.
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