Multi-Day Hike in the Karwendel Nature Park
The Classic Karwendel Traverse | Multi-Day Hike in Tyrol
The classic traverse of Karwendel takes place in three stages from Scharnitz through pristine Karwendel valleys, past impressive alpine landscapes and with views of the striking Karwendel peaks all the way to Pertisau on Lake Achensee. A multi-day hike for those who want to experience the Karwendel at their own pace, with all senses and simply authentically.
Highlights
- Total distance: 53.5 km | 2,180 m of ascent | 2,210 m of descent | 3 stages
- Route & Accommodations: From Scharnitz to Pertisau at Lake Achensee through the heart of the Karwendel, with overnight stays at the Karwendelhaus and in the Falkenhütte.
- Karwendel Nature Park & Biodiversity: Austria's largest nature park and the largest protected area in Tyrol; over 1,300 alpine plant species and more than 3,000 animal species.
- Scenic Highlights: Karwendeltal with Karwendelbach, Kleine & Große Ahornboden, Laliderer Walls, Almdorf Eng, Falzthurntal.
- Karwendelmarsch – The Legend Lives On! For those who want to complete the entire distance in one day, there is also the opportunity to participate in the Karwendelmarsch, which takes place every year on the last Saturday in August.
Requirements & Guidelines
• Mountain hut reservation: Prior reservation is absolutely necessary; request overnight stays directly with the huts well in advance.
• Realistic self-assessment & fitness: The tour is aimed at experienced hikers who can cover longer distances and have a good basic fitness level.
• Tour planning: The tour can be individually planned according to fitness, time, and personal preference; suggestions for alternatives can be found in the stage descriptions.
• Pay attention to the weather: Regularly check weather and conditions before and during the tour; adjust stages flexibly in uncertain weather or extend the tour if necessary.
• Prepare for navigation: Take a hiking map and download GPX data in advance.
• Start early & plan for time reserves: Long stages and some steeper ascents make early start times sensible.
• Organize safety: Inform relatives or the hotel about your route, know emergency numbers (EU emergency: 112, mountain rescue: 140) and make use of an emergency app if possible.
What can you expect on the stages?
Stage 1: From Scharnitz to the Karwendelhaus
The start of the classic Karwendel crossing begins at the Nature Park Information Center Scharnitz and leads through the Karwendel Valley to the Karwendel House. A scenic stage that is technically easy, but is especially challenging due to its length and the steeper final ascent.
Stage 2: From Karwendelhaus to Falkenhütte
Between Karwendelhaus, Small Ahornboden and Falkenhütte, the Karwendel Nature Park presents itself in its characteristic way. Maple trees, mountain mixed forest and the imposing Laliderer walls shape this impressive stage.
Stage 3: From the Falkenhütte over the Eng to Pertisau at Lake Achensee
At the end of the Karwendel crossing, the Great Maple Floor, the Almdorf Eng, and the Falzthurn Valley await. A long, varied final stage that ultimately leads to Pertisau on Lake Achensee.
The huts in detail
On the classic Karwendel crossing, you will spend the night at the Karwendelhaus and at the Falkenhütte. It is essential to make a reservation well in advance for both huts. Please book your overnight stay directly with the respective hut.
Packing list for the multi-day tour
Basic Equipment:
- Backpack (up to 40 L) with rain cover, hut sleeping bag, cash, water bottle/hydration bag, headlamp/flashlight, first aid kit, pocket knife, small trash bag, mobile phone with emergency numbers, hiking map.
Clothing & Weather Protection:
- Hiking shoes & socks, functional underwear & shirts, trekking pants, insulation layer (fleece/primaloft/down/merino), rain jacket & pants, hat/thin gloves, sunglasses & sunscreen.
Hut, Hygiene & Food Supplies:
- Wash bag with hygiene items, small towel, snacks (e.g. fruit, energy bars).
Optional:
- Trekking poles, windbreaker jacket, emergency bivy sack, earplugs, blister plasters & tape.
Digital Guide for Demanding Summit Days
Our long-distance hiking app provides all the important information about the stages of the Big-3 long-distance hike on Tyrol's high plateau – including route course, highlights, and planning aids. Now available for Android and Apple.
Emergency Numbers:
Mountain Rescue – Alpine Emergency Call: 140
EU Emergency Call: 112
Smartphone users can install the Emergency App from the Tirol Control Center. It helps in sending an emergency call while simultaneously transmitting the user's location.
