The best sunrise tours around Innsbruck

12 September 2019

Post originally written in: Deutsch

The early bird catches the worm

A sunrise in the Tyrolean mountains is one of the most impressive experiences of all. You have to get up early and will be rewarded with an unforgettable experience. For sunrise tours I recommend to choose a mountain that is well signposted. An exact route planning including time management is absolutely necessary. Allow a little more time than originally necessary. And remember that it is very cold on the mountain in the early morning hours. Warm clothing such as gloves, hat and warm drinks are the order of the day! And of course a headlamp, preferably with a spare battery or accumulator. To be on the safe side, I always check the current weather forecast the night before, so there are no nasty surprises.

Here are my recommendations for sunrise hikes in the Innsbruck area. They all start in the Axamer Lizum, but are also possible from the Muttereralm.

Sunrise on the Pfriemeswand

A beautiful sunrise hike with a walking time of about 1,5 hours. Your tour starts at the valley station of the Axamer Lixum. While everyone else is still asleep, you hike along the hiking trail to the Birgitzköpflhaus. From there, follow the signs to the left towards the summit. At the top you will be rewarded by a fabulous view over Innsbruck. A wonderful natural spectacle that will be an unforgettable holiday experience.

A beautiful sunrise on the Pfriemeswand.

The Nockspitze, the classic

A somewhat more demanding sunrise tour with a walking time of about two and a half hours. From the valley station of the Axamer Lizum you start along the signposting in the direction of the Birgitzköpflhaus. Then follow the turnoff in the direction of the Nockspitze. Once you have reached the top, you can enjoy a unique panorama. The alpine view down to Innsbruck will remain in your memory forever.

A unique sunrise on the Nockspitze.

The Spitzmandl

The Spitzmandl is located east of Pfriemeswand and Nockspitze. In terms of condition it is roughly comparable to the Nockspitze. You start again at the valley station of the Axamer Lixum and follow the signposted path towards the Birgitzköpflhaus. From here you continue along the signs to the Spitzmandl. At the top, the sunrise welcomes you like a spectacular natural spectacle with a view of Innsbruck. Take your time to enjoy it. After the sunrise, I would recommend the circular trail over the Nockspitze to the Bitgitzköpflhaus.

A wonderful sunrise on the Spitzmandl.

I recommend you finish the sunrise tour with a great breakfast at Birgitzköpflhaus. In this case register the day before for breakfast. (Monday is a day of rest). If your stomach is too full to hike afterwards, you can take the chairlift down to the valley from 9:00 and enjoy the view from a different perspective.