Hiking in Stubaital. Trekking in Austrian Alps.

Austrian Apls are perfect for everyone. Experienced people will find long, demanding trails, adrenaline addicts can choose via ferratas or climbing. On the other hand, well developed infrastructure and numerous cable cars make it possible for less experienced hikers and families with children to enjoy amazing mountain views. I will take you to Stubaital, a valley close to Innsbruck, perfect for everybody. I’ve been there with my parents who definitely prefer to walk down rather than up. It turned out that it’s not necessary to be an experienced hiker (read: a crazy person who enjoys a walk uphill) to be rewarded with breathtaking views.

What to do in Stubaital valley – suggestions

Neustift im Stubaital – Elferspitze

We stayed in Neustift im Stubaital. It’s an adorable place. All Austrian towns surrounded by mountains are adorable. In summer, Neustift im Stubaital is attractive not only for hikers but also for paragliders, due to good thermal lift. On top of Mount Elfer you will find the largest sundial in the European Alps. It’s also a great viewing platform allowing you to admire the whole Stubai valley. You can reach it either on foot or by Elferlifte cable car.

Hiking in Stubaital in Austrian Alps. A walk over the clouds. 20140625 135025

Hiking in Stubaital: Sundial and a viewing platform on Elferspitze

Hiking in Stubaital in Austrian Alps. A walk over the clouds. 20140625 134542

Hiking in Stubaital: Sundial and a viewing platform on Elferspitze

Town of Fulpmes and its surrounding

It’s not Mount Elfer that took my breath away the most in Stubaital. The next day we took a bus to a neighboring town – Fulpmes. We took a cable car Kreuzjochbahn up the mountains (thanks mom, dad…). Luckily, further on we had an opportunity to get tired properly and deserve the views.

StubaiBlick viewing platform

At first we went for a short walk to the most beautiful viewing platform i have ever seen. StubaiBlick platform is located on the altitude of 2.160 m. The trail is very well prepared and wide, it’s suitable for families with children and for the disabled. The views are breathtaking! We were lucky enough to see the clouds down in the valley and the platform looked like this:

Hiking in Stubaital in Austrian Alps. A walk over the clouds. 20140626 101306

Hiking in Stubaital: Viewing platform StubaiBlick

Hiking in Stubaital in Austrian Alps. A walk over the clouds. 20140626 101416

Hiking in Stubaital: Viewing platform StubaiBlick

Hiking in Stubaital in Austrian Alps. A walk over the clouds. 20140626 102252

Hiking in Stubaital: Trail to StubaiBlick platform

To the mountain lodge Starkenburger Hutte

I could easily spend the whole day admiring the views but we had a long way ahead of us. We wanted to reach a mountain shelter called Starkenburger Hutte. From there we could descend back directly to Neustift im Stubaital.

I strongly recommend you to walk this trail. The views are fan-ta-stic! The trail isn’t physically demanding so inexperienced hikers should manage. Make sure to have comfortable shoes and a bit of persistence. No fear of height could also be useful 🙂 Now I will let the views speak for themselves.
At first we had to go up a bit (yayyy!!)

Note: if you want more ideas for hikes and more awesome views in Stubai Valley check this post about a hike to Sulzenauhütte.