von Nicolas Lair
29 March 2023
Winter
Welcome to the Winterwanderwelt
What to do when you don't feel like strapping on the fast skis in winter, but still want to experience something? What to do when you really want to become one with nature? In Seefeld, there is a winter activity that has been a tradition here for over 60 years and has the perfect answer to these questions.
It is quiet. So quiet that you can hear the winter. The snow on the Seefeld plateau crunches under my shoes. A stream quietly gurgles beneath the ice cover, occasionally a small sheet of ice crackles and breaks off. In this moment, I think to myself, this is 100 percent enjoyment of nature! No lift ticket is needed, and no skis beneath your feet. If it were up to me, the new trend for relaxation-seeking active holidaymakers should be called winter hiking. Here, without stress and without athletic top performance, one can perfectly unwind, actively relax, and do something good for oneself. The decisive fact for me: The extensive tours through the snow lift the spirits and reduce stress. Another fact: The 142 kilometers of groomed hiking trails on the Seefeld plateau provide a very special solitude with the beautiful nature.
Winter hiking against the blues of the dark season
Similar to summer forest bathing, the scent of the forest is also soothing and calming in winter. Scientific studies show that spending a longer time in the forest during winter lowers blood pressure and strengthens the immune system. Additionally, movement enhances physical fitness, fresh air keeps the airways clear, and sunlight replenishes vitamin D stores. That winter hiking is trendy and healthy is told to me by Klaus Erber, chairman of the German Hiking Institute: "Exercising in fresh air boosts serotonin production and circulation, even in gray, cloudy skies." So, those who hike in winter can take the wind out of the winter blues. Even better: winter hiking is considered a natural antidepressant.
Whether big or small: A sport for everyone
Easy entry, low risk of injury, minimal alpine risks, and suitable for all age groups. In short: Anyone can go winter hiking. For me, the low costs are also convincing. Expensive gear and lift tickets are unnecessary here. Warm functional clothing and a backpack are things that every hiker has in their closet. The rest is common sense. Choose the right route length, check the weather report, wear layers, and don't forget a hat, gloves, and sunscreen. Then you're almost ready to go. If there's no managed hut along the way, it's advisable to bring a thermos with hot tea and some snacks as provisions. Hiking expert Klaus Erber also recommends telescopic poles and crampons. The latter work like snow chains for mountaineering boots. With their spikes, they provide grip on frozen or icy ground.
Peace and pure nature experience
During my winter hiking research at the Seefeld Plateau, I consulted with a true expert. "The expansive plateau character of the Seefeld region, along with its gentle hills, forests, and alpine pastures, provides an ideal terrain for winter hiking," tells me winter hiking guide Marion Rottmoser from the Biohotel Leutascherhof. What do her guests look for? "Peace and nature experience." And there is plenty of that in the 16-kilometer-long Leutaschtal at over 1,100 meters above sea level or in the nature reserve Wildmoos. Only interrupted by hamlets consisting of often just a few houses and rustic huts that offer hungry hikers a warm retreat and a nourishing meal.
An emotional journey in the "eternal" snow
What does a winter hike in the Seefeld region really feel like? Let me take you into my emotional world. I start early in the morning and first see the delicate veils of mist still hovering over the snowfields. Slowly, the sun makes its way over the surrounding mountain peaks. Step by step, I'm now moving through the beautifully white solitude. Sparkling snow crystals adorn the wooden bridge railings. Instead of racing down slopes, as a winter hiker, I perceive every detail around me intensely. The sight of the deeply snow-covered forests, alpine pastures, and meadows creates a great feeling of happiness in me. The conditions seem perfect, which according to hiking guide Marion, is not uncommon: "The interplay of various geographical and climatic factors means that we always get a lot of snow," says hiking guide Marion Rottmoser. With these words in my ears, I set off on my way to my second breakfast cappuccino. The well-marked winter hiking trails have led me from the public transport stop to the hiking trail and now guide me to the next hut. I followed Marion's tips: "A relaxed breakfast is appreciated by many guests. They enjoy the time they often don't have in everyday life. In the morning, they go winter hiking or cross-country skiing, at noon to the hut, perhaps descend with a toboggan, and then relax in the wellness area in the late afternoon."
And what if the weather doesn't cooperate?
Of course, I wanted to know if I could set off even in heavy snowfall. "This is also part of the magic of winter hiking," says Marion, immediately transporting me on a journey with her words: "Hiking in a snowstorm has something truly special about it." Shadowy trees line the edge of the path, neatly covered, with stacks of wood or shelters jutting out from the white. Snowflakes merrily melt on the tip of my nose, and the tingling sensation reminds me of carefree childhood days. The fresh snow even dampens the crunching of the hiking boots. A wonderful thought experiment that can be so easily put into action. At this moment, I wonder what I would do if there were only a little or no snow at all. But Marion can reassure me here as well. Winter hiking does not lose its charm if there isn’t a thick blanket of snow covering the fields and trees. On the contrary: This very situation defines winter hiking. With the right clothing, one can enjoy winter hiking throughout the entire season - regardless of whether there is a lot or little snow.
In Any Weather
Whether there's fog, snowfall, or blue skies, a winter hike is always worth it.
Relaxed Arrival
The public transportation to the Seefeld region is as relaxed as winter hiking itself. The highest elevated year-round ICE train station in the Alps makes traveling to Seefeld easy – from near and far. From there, you can reach Weidach, Leutasch, or all other places in the region in about 20 minutes by bus. The bus service to the starting points and the return trips from the hikes are included in the guest card. Arriving by car is also always hassle-free, and the parking facilities are more than sufficient.
The next level: Long-distance hiking in winter
If a normal winter hike is not enough for you, you should try the XL variant of “long-distance hiking”. If you think that this multi-day nature experience can only be enjoyed in summer, you haven't been to the Leutaschtal in winter. Because there it has long been recognized that long-distance hiking also has its own charm in the cold season, and for several years a 54-kilometer circular route has been prepared in the snow. Over four days, you hike from hut to hut, through deeply snow-covered forests, past frost-coated mountain lakes, and to well-situated alpine meadows. By the way: No one has to worry about the night luggage; the luggage service takes care of that.
Long Hiking around Seefeld
For four consecutive days, one can trek through the white paradise between Leutasch, Mösern, and Seefeld.
Tour suggestions in the Seefeld region
Winter Hiking Round W1 (Wildmoos)
Idyllic winter round through the snowy forests around Brunschkopf.
Start and endpoint: Dorfplatz Seefeld
Difficulty: medium
Elevation gain: 247 m
Walking time: 4 h
Refreshment option: yes
Winter Hiking Round W29 (Möserer Tal)
Leisurely snow walk from Seekirchl through the Möserer Valley and back.
Start and endpoint: Seekirchl Seefeld
Difficulty: easy
Elevation gain: 11 m
Walking time: 1 h
Refreshment option: at the end of the hike
Winter Hiking Round W15 through Katzenloch (Leutasch)
A picturesque round tour for all ages.
Start and endpoint: Rödlach parking lot in Moos
Difficulty: easy
Elevation gain: 142 m
Walking time: 2 h 30 m
Refreshment option: yes
Winter Hiking Round W17 on the Meadow Path
Wonderful tour over snow-covered meadows and through airy larch forests.
Start and endpoint: Kirchplatzl Leutasch
Difficulty: easy
Elevation gain: 61 m
Walking time: 1 h 45 m
Refreshment option: yes
You can find all other winter hiking routes in the Seefeld region here.
You could describe Nicolas as a real adrenaline junkie. In winter, he's either on his downhill skis or up to his waist in deep snow. In summer, he either throws himself off high cliffs or into the next football adventure. But his quests for a good life in precarious times can also include a backpack and a camera. Although the most important thing for him is the thrill of the unknown. You can always tempt Nicolas with good food and even better music, all best shared with his friends. Nicolas ist ein echter Adrenalinjunkie. Im Winter steht er entweder am Abfahrts-Ski oder bis zur Hüfte im Tiefschnee. Im Sommer schmeißt er sich entweder von hohen Klippen oder ins nächste Football-Abenteuer. Auf seine Abenteuer dürfen aber auch mal Berg-Rucksack und Kamera mitkommen. Hauptsache es gibt etwas zu erleben! Mit gutem Essen und besserer Musik kann man Nicolas immer ködern, mit Freunden geteilt schmecken ihm alle genannten Dinge am besten.
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