The high trail in the Karwendel
Karwendel Höhenweg Trail: 6-Day Long-Distance Hike in Tirol
Experienced mountaineers who are sure-footed, free from vertigo and in good physical condition can enjoy the Karwendel Höhenweg!
The Region Seefeld is proud to have the starting point of the Karwendel High Trail in Reith near Seefeld and the finishing point in Scharnitz. The new Karwendel High Trail leads through the southern part of the Karwendel Mountains of Tyrol. Unique is also the multiple change of view between the solitude of the Karwendel wilderness and the hustle and bustle of the Inn Valley.
Important information: Construction work at the Nördlinger Hütte
Due to major renovation work, the Nördlinger Hütte will be closed from September 2026 until the start of the 2028 season. During this period, the hut will be completely unstaffed – no overnight stays and no food service will be available.
Last overnight stay: 16 August 2026
Last day of day service: 30 August 2026
The Karwendel Höhenweg remains open and passable, but route adjustments are required.
Long-distance hiking among giants:
In 6 days you can hike the Karwendel mountains from hut to hut and enjoy the unique views of the imposing mountains, hut flair and the best Tyrolean delicacies. In the report from zeit.los magazine, you can find out what makes the new long-distance hiking trail so "wonderfully hikeable".
Route description
6 stage sections
The Karwendel Höhenweg is marked as a difficult, black mountain trail, divided into 6 stages, on which a total of about 9,000 meters in altitude, including 4,400 in the ascent, are mastered. Particularly ambitious long-distance hikers can additionally climb some worthwhile peaks, such as the Stempeljochspitze.
Naturpark Karwendel
Unterer Stadtplatz 19, Hall in Tirol
Alternative routes during the hut closure
Option 1: Stage 1 with cable car support + Stage 2
Start: Valley station of the Rosshütte Bergbahnen in Seefeld
Option A:
Take the funicular railway up to Rosshütte, then continue with the Härmelekopf cable car to the starting point of the hike (2,045 m).
From there:
- via the Kuntersteig to the Nördlinger Hütte (approx. 1 h)
- or via the steep and exposed route over Härmelekopf and Reither Spitze (approx. 1.5 h)
Option B:
Take the funicular railway to Rosshütte, then continue with the Seefelder Joch Gondola to the Seefelder Joch top station and follow the Königstour to the Nördlinger Hütte.
Continue without food or overnight stop at the Nördlinger Hütte to the next serviced hut, the Solsteinhaus (see Stage 2).
Possible in both directions.
Option 2: Stage 1 + Stage 2 on foot (for very experienced hikers only)
Combine both stages into one long day hike from Reith bei Seefeld, passing the Nördlinger Hütte (without food or overnight stay) and continuing directly to the Solsteinhaus.
- ↑ approx. 1,500 m | ↓ approx. 800 m
- 13.2 km | approx. 8.5 hours walking time
Excellent fitness and alpine experience required.
Possible in both directions.
Option 3: Direct ascent to the Solsteinhaus
Ascend directly from the valley to the Solsteinhaus and start the Karwendel Höhenweg from there
(see Solsteinhaus – access routes).
Possible in both directions.