Welcome to Hooked on walking holidays and our walking holiday in the Tyrol region of Austria. This particular hiking vacation in the Tyrol uses sections of the newly marked Eagles Way which crosses the Austrian Tyrol from west to east. Imagine Innsbruck being the body of an eagle then the walks go out in each direction are in the shape of an eagles wings. So you truly will be walking on the wings of an eagle. This walking tour is an alpine hike, some sections are at high altitude and therefore guests must have some level of experience at alpine hiking. We have graded this walk as level 3. June and early July are fabulous months to walk this route with the hills being a mass of alpine flowers. Two of Tirol’s most beautiful lakes serve as starting and end point of this diverse and scenic hiking week. Walchsee is an idyllic lake with a small bathing beach and Achensee, Tirol’s largest lake, offers great steamer cruises.

Available on Friday from June to September
Level 3 self guided tour

Day 1 Friday - arrival at Walchsee
Today you will arrive to your 4 star hotel in Walchsee. It is probably best to fly into Munich and take the train out to Walchsee. You will have a welcome drink on arrival and the weeks walking will be discussed. Your hotel has all the modern amenities, swimming pool, wellness, gym and it is right on the Lake so ideal for relaxing after you first walks.

Saturday Short circular walk.
Today we propose a short circular walk around the beautiful mountain village of Walchsee in the stunning Tyrolean region of Kaiserwinkl. We will climb through a dense forest to reach two small and pretty chapels almost hidden in the green foliage. Peace will reign and the only sound we will hear is the murmur of the water in the nearby stream. On route we will visit two converted farmhouses into bars and restaurants where we can make a relaxing stop. Before arriving back at Walchsee we will pass through a gymnastic course, a great opportunity to test our fitness level for what is to come !
Walking time 3 hours , 450 metres up and down

Sunday/Monday Lake Walchsee to the Wilder Kaiser mountain
A steady climb is awaiting for us at the beginning of the day to reach the steep slopes of the Zahmer Kaiser mountain range. We will gradually gain height walking up through forests and open fields to enjoy glorious views of Walchsee, behind us, and the towering peaks of the Wilder Kaiser range, ahead of us. At Hageralm we might be invited to taste the delicious homemade cheese and the superb local wine before continuing our journey through boulder and scree. Care needs to be taken as the path will become increasingly narrow and it can be slippery on wet weather. Perhaps we will be able to see the graceful chamois with their elegant antelope like jumps and if we are patient enough we might be lucky to spot the mighty eagle far up in the sky hovering over the magnificent mountain tops above us. Before the end of the walk we can have a refreshing stop at Stripsenjochhaus, which is a hostel perched up in the mountain pass offering spectacular views all around it, or we can enjoy a final drink at Greisner Alm after descending the winding path down to the valley that nests between these wonderful rising rock walls. Overnight in a lovely 4 star hotel in Gasteig.
Walking time: approx. 6 hours (1500m climbing 1300m without summit climb, 500m descending)

Monday In the Wilder Kaiser mountains
We will start our journey walking up to the beautiful mountainous surroundings of Gruttenhutte. This climb will allow us to enjoy superb distance views of the magnificent snowy peaks in the Southern Alps towards Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland and France. After having a well deserved rest we will continue with a pleasant stroll across idyllic forests towards the magical lake called Hintersteinersee. Occasionally we will arrive at some clearings in the woods where more fantastic views of the mountains can be enjoyed. The clear blue waters of this wonderful lake will be gleaming in the distance between the trees while we are getting closer with every step of the way. Finally we will walk down to the valley marching through the flowers over the meadows to reach our destination. Overnight in Bärnstatt/Scheffau
Walking time: approx. 6 hours (500m climbing, 850 descending)

Tuesday Pasturelands around Kufstein
As it has happened in previous days, we will be gaining some height walking steeply up at the beginning of the trail. Our reward will shortly appear in sight in the form of spectacular views: the almost vertical walls of the Wilder Kaiser mountain range above us, the sparkling waters of the lake below us and the dramatic peaks of the Southern Alps in the far distance. Following way-marked paths we will soon reach the highest point of the walk at Hochegg (1470m). From here the trail leads us  through lush and verdant alpine pastures as we slowly lose altitude to reach the chairlift’s top terminal. The lift ride is a nice way to wind down and to save your energy for exploring the historic town of Kufstein. It is strongly recommended to visit the 13th century fortress that was extended by Emperor Maximilian I and that houses the largest free standing organ in the world amongst other curiosities. Overnight in Mariastein.in a 4 star hotel.
Walking time: approx. 3.5 hours (750m climbing, 350m descending)

Wednesday   Mariastein - Kaiserhaus
A gradual climb over well maintained tracks through dense forests will take us from Mariasteiner to the path below Buchackeralm. These woods are inhabited by squirrels and pine marten amongst other species. In this area we recommend to visit the Hundalm Ice and Stalactite Cave. A discovery tour through the cave with a trained guide is an exciting experience that will be remembered for years to come. The cave was made a nature conservation site in 1956. No wonder its impressive stalactite and ice formations make it such a true jewel of nature. The most famous formation is the Head of Christ in the stalactite chamber. The rest of the day we will enjoy a scenic walk across alpine meadows. We will go rambling on gentle paths beside a river of pristine waters that runs between the woods. A truly peaceful enclave where nature reigns and where the intense green and the fragrance of the pine trees will capture our senses. We will then reach our destination for the night, the picturesque Kaiserhaus Lodge. This charming rustic hotel, situated in a privileged location between the mountains, was named after the Emperor – Kaiser – Franz-Joseph I who once visited the area and witnessed a log drive on nearby Ache River. Not to be missed is the spectacular river gorge in the surroundings of the hotel.  Today you carry enough items for overnight at the Kaiserhaus , your main luggage is transferred to Ackenkirch.
Walking time: approx. 5 hours (850m climbing, 650m descending)

Thursday Along the Rivers to Achenkirch
A scenic hike will take us from Kaiserhaus to the picturesque village of Steinberg am Rofan situated in the middle of a pretty alpine meadow. We will follow the road that runs beside Ache River and its crystal clear waters. Before reaching the hamlet of  Pinegg, the track will start to climb through a dense forest while we gain some moderate 400 metres in height. On our way we will enjoy some panoramic views over the lovely village of Steinberg and St. Lambert’s Church. The tiny Rofan Mountain Range is a nature wonderland with mighty peaks looking down upon us. The sheer rock faces on the one side provide a dramatic contrast to the gentle pastoral hills on the other side. From here The Eagle Walk travels westwards through lush pastures towards our destination for the day, the largest lake in Tyrol, Achensee, which will offer us some spectacular views of its gorgeous shinning green waters as we descend to its shores from the top of the range. 4 star hotel.
Walking time: 3.5 hours 400m climbing, 100m descending
Optional: on via Schönjochalm - Köglalm to Achenkirch Extra Walking time: 4 hours (400m climbing, 500m descending)

Difficulty : Level 3 with high alpine walks. You should be an experienced hiker and with a good head for heights.

Accommodation : Beautiful 3/ 4 star traditional Tyrolean hotels, guest houses and 1 mountain hut

Minimum 2 persons on this tour

2013 Prices

How to get there
By plane to Munich or Salzburg and then by train to Walchsee.
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