Eagle Walk Stage 14: Innsbruck - Solsteinhaus Lodge

Starting point: Innsbruck
Ride on Mittenwald Train from Innsbruck to Hochzirl or walk from Innsbruck Main Railroad Station westwards to Salurnerstrasse Road until you reach the Triumphal Arch. Then turn right into Maria-Theresien-Street that leads straight to the Old Town. Pass the Golden Roof on your right, entering Domgasse Street. As you approach the Cathedral of St. James, follow the Route of St. James leading from Innsbruck via Kranebitten and Völs to Kematen. Take the hiking path across Innbrücke Bridge heading towards Zirl and continue through Ehnbachklamm Gorge in the direction of “Pleiner” until you reach the Hochzirl Railroad Station. From here, follow signage to “Solsteinhaus”. North of the rail tracks, a well-maintained singletrack trail soon starts to run through deep woods. Shortly after, the singletrack trail leads into a fairly steep dirt road that goes straight upwards. Soon, the path from Hochzirl Hospital joins in from the left. Continue upward and in north-eastern direction on the steep path leading through the woods. After crossing the little stream that flows down from Brunnenschrofen, the terrain is almost level or only gently inclining for a while. Then, the route is almost similar to a roadway and becomes steeper again. At an elevation of some 1,350 metres above sea level, the route merges with a broad forest road that takes you further up, passing a little gorge. After the stream, the singletrack trail leads through thinning forest and across dwarf pines until you can see the wide open Alpine meadows of idyllic Solnalm Alpine Pasture. From there, you can enjoy the first glimpse of Solsteinhaus Lodge. Pass Solnalm Alpine Pasture to your right and hike on in northern direction into the valley towards Höllkar Cirque, crossing several scree gullies. Thereafter, the path crosses the offshoots of Höllkar Cirque and the stream. Finally, you walk up the hill on a gentle path through dwarf pines and arrive at Solsteinhaus Lodge on Erlsattel Saddle, 1805 metres above sea level.