Gramaialm - Lamsenjoch Hut - Hahnkampl Hike, Lake Achensee (original) (raw)

Lamsenjochhütte (1953 m) is a mountain hut in the Karwendel Mountains in Tyrol, Austria. Trails lead to this refuge from Gramaialm, near Lake Achensee, as well as from Grosser Ahornboden at the end of Hinterriss Valley.

The Lamsenjoch hut also lies on the Eagle Walk long-distance trail, between Erfurter Hütte and Karwendelhaus (stages 8 and 9).

We hiked to Lamsenjochhütte from Gramaialm (1267 m), at the end of the Falzturntal toll road, accessible from Pertisau.

While Lamsenjoch Hut is certainly special, the highlight of this Karwendel day hike is the Hahnkampl ridge trail, which affords bird’s-eye views of both Falzturntal Valley and Grosser Ahornboden. Expect impressive, far-reaching vistas of Sonnjoch, Gamsjoch, and the Hinterautal-Vomper-Kette chain as well.

We recommend hiking from Gramaialm to Hahnkampl when visiting Lake Achensee between June and October. Here’s how to integrate Lake Achen into a road trip: 10-Day Bavaria-Tyrol Road Trip, or 2-Week Austria Road Trip.

Hahnkampl Ridge Trail, Karwendel Mountains, Achensee, Austria

Gramaialm – Lamsenjoch Hut – Hahnkampl Hiking Map

Trail Difficulty

Hahnkampl secured ridge path, Karwendel Mountains, Austria

This is a moderately-difficult hike.

The ascent from Gramaialm to Lamsenjochhütte is moderate. There is no technical difficulty along this path.

The Hahnkampl (also spelled Hahnenkampl) ridge path runs between the Western Lamsenjoch saddle and Binssattel (Gramaisattel) saddle. This trail is officially labeled a “black” trail. In Tyrol, “black” signifies a difficult mountain trail only suitable for experienced hikers.

The Hahnkampl ridge path is narrow, but not exposed, apart from a single short section, secured with a rope.

The initial descent from the Hahnkampl summit (2080 m) is slippery, due to the scree and loose rock. Hiking poles are helpful here.

From Binssattel, the trail eases and is quite moderate.

For us, this was a very enjoyable, moderate hike with no difficulty. However, without hiking poles, the initial descent from Hahnkampl would have been more challenging.

Where to Start the Lamsenjochhütte and Hahnenkampel Circuit Trail

Gramai Alm

Gramaialm, Pertisau, Achensee, Austria

Gramaialm (1267 m) is a mountain pasture, restaurant, and hotel located in Falzturntal Valley in Karwendel Nature Park.

From the village of Pertisau at Lake Achensee, drive 13 minutes through Falzturntal to the Gramaialm car park.

Parking is free, but there is a toll fee to drive Falzturnstrasse. Bring cash for the toll.

If you’re traveling without a car, you can ride the Nostalgie Bus from Pertisau to Gramailam. Unfortunately, the departure times are very limited. It may be better to take a taxi, or rent an e-bike from your hotel.

It’s also possible to walk from Pertisau to Gramaialm, but it’s a 2-hour walk (one-way).

Gramai Alm – Lamsenjoch Mountain Hut – Hahnkampl Trail Description

Gramai Alm to Lamsenjochhütte (2 hours)

Gramaialm to Lamsenjoch hut, Karwendel Mountains, Austria

Walk through Gramaialm, passing an enclosure of goats, and a small shop, selling Tyrolean specialities.

A trail sign indicates 2 hours to Lamsenhütte (another spelling for Lamsenjochhütte).

Facing the conspicuous Lamsenspitze, follow the wide gravel path south across the Gramaier Grund (Gramai Floor).

After about 10-15 minutes from the trailhead, the path divides. Veer left in the direction of Lamsenhütte (trail 1). There’s an Adlerweg trail sticker on the sign, indicating the Eagle Walk route.

Cross the meadow and ascend amid larch, maple, and birch.

After another left turn, the path narrows, twists up, and then crosses a scree slope.

The traverse continues across the slopes of Rauer Knöll, the left flank of the valley, at a very moderate gradient.

The ascent is rewarded with splendid views of Sonnjoch, the massive dome-shaped mountain towering above Falzturntal Valley.

The path curves up to the East Lamsenjoch saddle. The circuit trail continues right to Hahnkampl, but definitely detour left to Lamsenjochhütte (1953 m)

Lamsenjochhütte (1953 m), Karwendel Mountains, Austria

The hut is only a few minutes away.

Lamsenjochhütte to Hahnkampl Peak (1 hour)

Lamsenjoch Hut to Western Lamsenjoch Saddle hiking trail, Karwendel Mountains, Austria

Return to the junction and follow the narrow balcony path to the Western Lamsenjoch Saddle.

At the saddle, the trail divides. Take the right path to Hahnkampl (35 minutes). This marks the start of the black Hahnkampl ridge trail.

Falzturntal Valley, Karwendel Nature Park, Austria

As you follow the grassy spine of Hanhkampl, the views of Falzturntal Valley to the right continue to impress. Equally impressive are the views to the left of Grosser Ahornboden, bordered by the impressive Gamsjoch mountain.

Hahnkampl hiking trail, Karwendel, Achensee, Austria

The ridge trail turns to rock. About 8 meters of the path is secured with a cable.

The undulating ascent continues along the ridge to Hahnkampl, marked with a summit cross (2080 meters).

Hahnkampl to Gramai-Hochleger Hut (1 hour)

Hahnkampl to Gramai-Hochleger Hut hiking trail, Karwendel Mountains, Austria

Looking towards Gamsjoch, descend the rocky northwest flank of Hahnkampl. This switchback trail is slippery due to the loose rock and scree. Take extra care here.

Eventually, the path eases along the ridge, carpeted with dwarf pine.

Hahnkampl to Gramai-Hochleger Hut ridge trail, Tyrol, Austria

When you get to a junction, you can either stay on the ridge, or take the lower path on the right that skirts the ridge (a short-cut).

We recommend taking the right, lower path.

We stayed on the spine and it was very slippery, because of snowmelt. The extra effort wasn’t necessary.

The ridge trail spits you out at Binssattel (Gramaisattel), 1903 m. Turn right to Gramai-Hochleger.

Gramai Hochleger hut, Karwendel Mountains, Austria

The path descends across mountain pastures to the happily situated Gramai Hochleger hut (1756 m, 20 minutes). This private hut offers food and refreshments between June and mid-October.

Gramai-Hochleger Hut to Gramai Alm (50 minutes)

Gramai-Hochleger to Gramai Alm hiking trail, Karwendel Nature Park, Austria

The final stretch down to Gramai Alm follows a well-graded path across the southern slope of Sonnjoch.

When you reach the valley floor, turn left and follow the familiar path to Gramai Alm.

Where to Stay around Lake Achensee

We recommend staying in Pertisau, or Maurach. Achenkirch is also another option, but further away from the lakeshore. Most accommodations in Achensee are midrange to luxury.

If you’re looking for a budget stay, check out nearby Camping Inntal and Gästehaus Waldrand Garni in Wiesing.

Pertisau

Pertisau, Lake Achen, Tyrol, Austria

Pertisau is the main tourist center of Lake Achensee. The village is located on the southwestern bank of the lake along the border of Karwendel Nature Park.

Pertisau is also the gateway to three alpine valleys that lead into the Karwendel Mountains: Gerntal, Tristenautal, and Falzurntal. These valleys serve as trailheads, cycling paths, and grazing areas.

Midrange | Seehotel St. Hubertus is a top-rated hotel with a private beach, on-site restaurant, and wellness area.

Midrange | Hotel Bergland is a traditional Tyrolean hotel with an on-site restaurant. All rooms have balconies. Guests love the location, the friendly staff, and the food.

Adults-only Luxury | The 4-star Hotel Auszeit pampers guests with its relaxing spa facilities, scenic setting, and excellent breakfast. Read our Hotel Auszeit Hotel Review.

Adults-only Luxury | Seehotel Einwaller – adults only impresses with its stylish rooms, lake-facing wellness area, à la carte restaurant, and scenic lakeside location. In summer, guests can enjoy the hotel’s private pier, furnished with comfortable sunbeds and umbrellas. Expect an excellent breakfast. Read our Seehotel Einwaller Hotel Review.

Luxury | NOVA Moments Boutique Hotel is a 4-star hotel with 34 air-conditioned rooms and suites, all tastefully furnished in an elegant, alpine-modern style. The hotel is set in a quiet location, 900 meters away from the lakeshore. Hotel facilities include an outdoor natural pool (open in summer), infinity whirlpool (open all-year-round), sauna, steam-bath, wellness relaxation room, garage parking with electric car charging stations, and fitness room.

Family-friendly Luxury | Hotel Wagnerhof is a half board (breakfast and dinner included) hotel with traditional Tyrolean-style rooms as well as plush, modern suites. Surrounded by meadows, this lovely accommodation boasts 3 swimming pools, a spa, and fitness center.

More accommodations in Pertisau | Das Karwendel (luxury) and Travel Charme Fürstenhaus am Achensee (lakeside luxury).

Look for accommodation in Pertisau.

Maurach

Maurach, Achensee, Tyrol, Austria

Maurach is located on the south side of Lake Achensee, 4.5 km away from Pertisau (8 minute drive). Home to the Rofanbahn cableway, Maurach is the main starting point for excursions in the Rofan mountains.

Budget-Midrange | Hotel-Café-Restaurant Klingler is a family-run hotel in the heart of Maurach village with an on-site café, fitness center, and newly renovated rooms.

Midrange | Hotel-Pension Huber-Hochland is a traditional half board hotel. Guests have access to a small wellness area, which includes an indoor pool, steam bath, Finnish sauna, and infrared cabin.

Luxury | The 4-star Hotel St.Georg zum See is an alpine-chic hotel with spacious rooms, modern wellness facilities, and a gourmet half-board offering (rich breakfast buffet and 5-course dinner).

More options | Arthur’s Hotel und Apartments am Achensee (Midrange) and Frühstückshotel Margret (Midrange).

Look for accommodation in Maurach.

Lake Achensee and Tyrol Guides

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Austria Trip Planning Essentials

Use our Austria Travel Guide and Austria blog archive to plan a unique and memorable trip to Austria.

When to Visit Austria

We recommend visiting Austria between June and October for hiking and between December and March for skiing and winter adventuring.

Summer Travel | Summer in Austria

Autumn Travel | Autumn in Austria

Winter Travel | Salzburg in December, Vienna in December, Vienna in January, Skiing in Schladming

Getting around Austria

Austria has an excellent public transit system. We’ve used it extensively to travel throughout the country. We highly recommend using transit if you’re visiting cities (Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz, etc…), and/or doing hut-to-hut hikes.

Some areas like Mayrhofen, Schladming and Lech am Arlberg have wonderful seasonal transit systems in place (e.g. summer hiking buses). However, if you’re not visiting during the high season, bus frequencies are significantly reduced and it’s far easier to get around with your own vehicle.

If you’re planning on visiting multiple destinations across Austria, we recommend renting a car.

Use these road trip itineraries for trip planning inspiration:

Start in Vienna | 2 Week Austria Road Trip

Start in Salzburg, or Munich | 1 Week Austria Road Trip

Start in Munich | 10-Day Bavarian Alps & Tyrolean Alps Road Trip

Car Rental

We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals. This easy-to-use booking platform compares car rental deals from 500+ trusted providers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip.

Check car rental rates here.

If you’re driving into Austria from a neighboring country, don’t forget to purchase a vignette at/near the border.

Hiking in Austria

Where to Hike in Austria

Read Austrian Alps Hiking Destinations for an overview of where to hike in Austria, with tips on specific trails and where to stay. Also check out Best Day Hikes in Austria and these region-specific hiking guides:

Tyrol | Innsbruck Hikes

Salzburg | Salzburg Hikes, Filzmoos Hikes

Styria | Schladming Hikes

Vorarlberg | Vorarlberg Hikes, Lech am Arlberg Hikes

Lower Austria | Vienna Mountains Hikes

Hut to Hut Hiking in Austria

Austria is a premier hut-to-hut and long-distance hiking destination. The quality of the mountain huts are superb. We particularly love the high-alpine trails, which are called Höhenwege in German. We’ve summarized our favorite multi-day hikes in Trekking Austria. If you’re new to hut hiking, read this in-depth guide to Hut to Hut Hiking in Austria.

What to See & Do in Austria

1. Visit a gorge like the Liechtenstein Gorge in Salzburg, or Wolfsklamm Gorge in Tyrol.

2. Bathe in the thermal pools of an Austrian Therme like Aqua Dome in Tyrol

3. Stay in a thermal spa hotel like Rogner Bad Blumau in Styria, EurothermenResort Bad Ischl in Upper Austria, or the Aqua Dome Hotel in Tyrol.

4. Hike to a mountain lake like Lake Tappenkarsee in Salzburg or Lake Drachensee in Tyrol.

5. Go Wine Tasting in South Styria.

6. Marvel at the culture, music, and architecture of Vienna.

7. Eat heartwarming mountain food in an Almhütte at Grosser Ahornboden in Tyrol, or Ursprungalm in Styria.

8. Drive the Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Hohe Tauern National Park.

9. Visit the castles, monasteries, and wine taverns of the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

10. Watch a Krampus Run: Krampus Parade in December.

Austrian Hotels

Gramaialm Hahnkampl Hike, Lake Achen, Karwendel Mountains, Austria

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