Nockspitze (Saile) Peak Hike near Innsbruck, Austria (original) (raw)

Nockspitze (2403 meters) is a popular summit hike near Innsbruck in Tyrol, Austria.

Nockspitze is located in the Kalkkögel mountain chain, which forms part of the greater Stubai Alps.

The hike to Nockspitze is a scenic tour that tackles a series of summits, including Zwölferspitze, Pfriemeswand, Nockspitze Vorgipfel, and Nockspitze (aka Saile).

All the peaks command sweeping views of the Inntal Valley, Innsbruck, and the Karwendel Mountains. As you progress, views open up to Stubai Valley and the Stubai Alps as well.

Though most of this 4-hour hike is quite moderate, there are some steep, slippery passages, which require a head for heights and surefootedness. Hiking poles are very helpful for stabilization. We use these Unisex Black Diamond Hiking Poles.

Tip | Hike this trail between early July and mid-September to take advantage of the Birgitzköpfl chairlift.

Camping | Nockspitze has been marketed as a sunrise hike and consequently camping has become quite popular on the summit. However, wild camping isn’t allowed on, or anywhere near Nockspitze. Camping is only allowed in official campsites in Tyrol.

Zwölferspitze, Inntal Valley, Karwendel, Austria

Nockspitze Peak Hiking Map

Where to Start the Nockspitze Peak Hike

Zwölferspitze Hike, Kalkkögel, Tyrol, Austria

Axamer Lizum Car Park

The Nockspitze summit hike starts at the Axamer Lizum paid car park. When we visited, the parking fee was 6 EUR.

There are buses that connect Innsbruck with Axamer Lizum with a transfer in Axams. See timetables here.

To check current conditions, take a look at the Axamer Lizum Webcam.

Birgitzköpfl Chairlift Mountain Station

You can shave off some elevation by taking the Birgitzköpfl chairlift. In the summer season, this Axamer Lizum 2-seater chairlift operates daily between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm.

The summer season usually commences in late June, or early July, and ends mid-late September. Find out the exact dates on axamer-lizum.at.

Innsbruck Welcome Card holders ride the Birgitzköpfl chairlift for free. This card is distributed to anyone staying 3 or more nights in an accommodation in/around Innsbruck.

Nockspitze (Saile) Trail Description

Birgitzköpfl Chairlift Mountain Station to Zwölferspitze (15 minutes)

Birgitzköpfl Chairlift Mountain Station to Zwölferspitze hiking trail, Tyrol, Austria

When you exit the chairlift, veer left in the direction of Zwölferspitze (20 minutes), Priemeswand (40 minutes), and Saile Nockspitze (1:45 hours).

Follow the gravel footpath across the grassy slopes and later scree slopes of the northwestern flank of the Nockspitze. Follow the red-white-red waymarks, maintaining a northeasterly direction.

The Karwendel mountain chain is visible from the start.

After crossing the scree, the trail angles up through dwarf pine to timber stairs.

Hike up to the Zwölferspitze summit cross (2098 m).

Zwölferspitze Peak, Kalkkögel mountain chain, Tyrol, Austria

Zwölferspitze to Pfriemeswand to (20 minutes)

Zwölferspitze to Pfriemeswand hike, Tyrol, Austria

The way continues across dwarf-pine carpeted slopes.

When the path reaches the signed junction at the ridge, turn left to detour 5 minutes to Pfriemeswand peak (2100 m), also crowned with a Gipfelkreuz (peak cross).

Taking in the full sweep of the Inntal and Karwendel range, the outlook is similar to Zwölferspitze.

Pfriemeswand summit view of Inntal, Karwendel, Austria

Pfriemeswand to Nockspitze Vorgipfel (1 hour)

Pfriemeswand to Nockspitze hiking trail, Tyrol, Austria

Return to the signed junction and follow signs to Nockspitze Saile (1 hour).

Below the trail signs, there’s a “nur für Geübte” (only for experienced hikers) sign.

The Götzner Bergfruende Steig trail trail leads south and ascends through a craggy rockscape.

Götzner Bergfruende Steig, Kalkkögel mountains, Tyrol, Austria

This stretch of the ascent is very slippery, because of the crumbling scree. Hiking poles are VERY helpful.

Later, a fixed cable helps you up the rugged mountainside.

Götzner Bergfruende Steig, Kalkkögel mountains, fixed cables, Tyrol, Austria

The next signed junction indicates 35 minutes to Saile (Nockspitze). The trail continues to rise steeply up the eastern flank of Nockspitze.

Views open up to Stubai Valley, bordered by Serles, Kesselspitze, and many other peaks of the Stubai Alps.

After conquering some steep steps, you’ll summit the Nockspitze Vorgipfel, the Nockspitze pre-summit, also marked with a cross.

Nockspitze Vorgipfel to Nockspitze-Saile (10 minutes)

Nockspitze summit ridge, overlooking Inntal and Karwendel, Austria

Continue hiking up to Nockspitze.

Nockspitze-Saile – Halsl Saddle – Axamer Lizum Car Park (1:30 hours)

Kalkkögel mountains, Axamer Lizum, Tyrol, Austria

Follow the signs to Halsl (45 minutes) and Axamer Lizum (1:30 hours).

With views of the Stubai Valley and Kalkkögel mountain chain, the trail twists down the mountainside.

At the signed junction, continue to Halsl.

At the Halsl Saddle, turn right and descend to Axamer Lizum (35 minutes).

The slender path leads through thick vegetation and forest, always above the stream bed.

Note | It’s possible to circuit back to the Birgitzköpfl chairlift mountain station and return to Axamer Lizum with the chairlift. We didn’t return to the chairlift, because it was already closed.

Where to Stay near Axamer Lizum

Axams

Axams, Axamer Lizum, Tyrol, Austria

Axams Municipality comprises the villages of Axams, Birgitz, and Gotzens, which all lie on the Westliches Mittelgebirge plateau above the Inntal Valley. These are the closest villages to Axamer Lizum.

Stay here if you plan on doing several hikes in the Kalkkögel and nearby Sendertal Valley. Here, you’ll find a nice selection of traditional, countryside accommodations.

Budget in Birgitz | Pension Singer (2 nights minimum stay) is a traditional B&B with cozy interiors and excellent breakfast spread, suitable for those traveling with, or without a car.

Midrange in Axams | The family-run Hotel Kögele is a 3-star hotel with a wonderful on-site restaurant and clean and comfortable rooms.

Mutters

Mutters is a sleepy village overlooking the Inntal and Karwendel massif. It’s a 20-minute drive from Mutters to Axamer Lizum.

Midrange-Luxury | Hotel dasMEI**** is a modern hotel with spacious rooms, a spa area, restaurant, and bar. A fabulous breakfast is included in the rate.

Innsbruck

Budget-Midrange | Motel One Innsbruck is located near the Innsbruck Train Station, a mere 10-minute walk into the Innenstadt (Inner City of Innsbruck). This modern 3-star hotel offers snug rooms with views overlooking the city and mountains. Don’t miss the top floor bar. Perks: luggage storage and 24/7 reception. Breakfast and underground parking are both available for an extra charge.

Midrange | NALA individuellhotel is a quirky hotel with uniquely-designed rooms, a sun terrace, fitness room, breakfast (extra fee), and nearby parking (extra fee).

Midrange-Luxury | Faktorei is a boutique hotel housed in a 15th century town house with 12 sun-drenched minimalist rooms, a garden, terrace, and bar. Private garage parking is available, but must be reserved in advance (extra fee). Breakfast is served in the hotel’s adjacent café (extra fee).

Top Choice – Luxury | Altstadthotel Weisses Kreuz is a contemporary hotel with an atmospheric bar in Innsbruck’s pedestrian zone. Stay here for the delicious breakfast, stylish design, professional staff, and location. No on-site parking.

Top Choice – Luxury | Set in a historic building in the center of Innsbruck, the exceptional Weisses Rössl is a boutique hotel with a 600-year-old Tyrolean restaurant. Expect a delicious breakfast. Paid public parking is located nearby.

More Innsbruck Accommodations: Montagu Hostel (budget), Hotel Innsbruck (luxury), or Hotel Zach (luxury)

Look for accommodation in Innsbruck.

Discover Tyrol, Austria

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Lake Achensee:

Seefeld in Tirol / Leutasch:

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Nockspitze Peak Hike, Kalkkögel mountain chain, Tyrol, Austria

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