The High Trail in Karwendel
Karwendel High Trail: 6-day long-distance hiking route in Tyrol
Experienced mountaineers who are sure-footed, not afraid of heights, and have strong stamina will find a real highlight on the Karwendel High Trail while hiking in Tyrol.
The Seefeld region is proud to host the starting point of the Karwendel High Trail in Reith near Seefeld and the endpoint in Scharnitz. This 6-day long-distance hiking route leads through the southern part of the Karwendel mountains and offers a unique experience: the views constantly shift between the wild solitude of the Karwendel Nature Park and the bustling Inn Valley – a contrast that makes this tour so unique.
Important Information: Construction Work at the Nördlinger Hütte
Due to extensive renovation work, the Nördlinger Hütte is closed from September 2026 until the start of the season in 2028. During this period, the hut will not be managed – there will be no overnight stays and no refreshment opportunities.
Last overnight stay: August 16, 2026
Last day with day operations: August 30, 2026
The Karwendel High Trail is still accessible, but alternative route guidance is required.
All information about the Karwendel Höhenweg with detailed route descriptions and map material can be found here.
Route Description
6 stages on the Karwendel high trail
The Karwendel High Trail is marked as a difficult (black) mountain path and is divided into 6 stages. In total, it presents around 9,000 meters of elevation gain, of which about 4,400 meters are uphill, for ambitious long-distance hikers. Those seeking even more challenge while long-distance hiking in Tyrol can additionally summit rewarding peaks like the Stempeljochspitze on certain sections.
Long-distance hiking among giants:
In 6 days, you can hike the Karwendel mountain range from hut to hut and enjoy the unique views of the imposing mountain world, hut flair, and the best Tyrolean delicacies. The report from the zeit.los magazine tells you what makes the new long-distance hiking trail so "wonderfully hikeable."
Alternative routes during the hut closure
Option 1: Stage 1 with cable car support + Stage 2
Start: Valley station of the Rosshütte cable cars in Seefeld
Option A:
Ride with the funicular to the Rosshütte, then continue with the Härmelekopf cable car to the starting point of the hike (2,045 m).
From there:
- over the Kuntersteig to the Nördlinger Hut (approx. 1 h)
- or challenging and exposed over Härmelekopf & Reither Spitze (approx. 1.5 h)
Option B:
Ride with the funicular to the Rosshütte, then take the Seefelder Joch Gondola to the mountain station at Seefelder Joch, and from there over the Königstour to the Reither Spitze.
Without stopping or overnighting at the Nördlinger Hut, continue to the next managed hut, the Solsteinhaus (see Stage 2).
Hiking in both directions possible.
Variant 2: Stage 1 + Stage 2 on foot (only for very endurance-strong individuals)
Direct passage from the starting point Reith near Seefeld via the Nördlinger Hütte (without stop/overnight stay) to the Solsteinhaus.
- ↑ approx. 1,500 m | ↓ approx. 800 m
- 13.2 km | Walking time approx. 8:30 h
Alpine experience and very good fitness required.
Hiking in both directions possible.
Option 3: Direct access to the Solsteinhaus
Ascent directly from the valley to the Solsteinhaus and entry into the Karwendel High Trail from there
(see Solsteinhaus – Access Options).
Hiking possible in both directions.
Contact:
Karwendel Nature Park
Lower Town Square 19, Hall in Tyrol