Nature Tours in the Karwendel

In the heart of Tyrol, unspoiled, wild nature—with rushing wild rivers, the lovely Ahornboden, rugged peaks, and vast forests—comes together in a unique symbiosis. Covering an area of approximately 739 square kilometers, the Karwendel Nature Park is Tyrol’s largest protected area and also Austria’s largest nature park. Between the Isar Valley and the Inn Valley, between Mittenwald and Achensee, professional nature guides accompany visitors on numerous tours to discover the beauty and highlights of this magnificent nature park. More tips from our blog.

The Mountainous Nature Park

The rugged Karwendel Mountains gave the nature park its name. The nature guides offer numerous exciting tours that let you experience the rugged mountain landscape on hikes or climbing trips. The visitor centers in Scharnitz and Hinterriß serve as gateways to the thrilling adventures in the Karwendel Nature Park. The famous north faces—the Laliderer Walls—offer a special experience. Those who wish can also book multi-day tours, spend the night in one of the rustic huts, and relax on the vast alpine pastures while enjoying the sun. The gray, massive rock faces form the backdrop. High above the bustling city of Innsbruck, the highest peak in the Karwendel—the Hafelekar—soars from the wild mountain range. One hiking trail leads to the summit via the Karwendel’s Nordkette. For those who find the trail too strenuous, the cable car offers an alternative way to reach the Hafelekar peak. The view from the observation deck of the sea of houses in Innsbruck and the surrounding mountains is breathtaking. More tips from our blog.

Plants and Animals in the Karwendel Nature Reserve

The Karwendel Nature Park impresses with its diversity of plants and animals—with around 1,305 plant species and more than 3,035 animal species. The golden eagle makes a majestic impression on visitors to the Karwendel. It soars effortlessly high into the sky and circles overhead. Nature guides offer nature excursions right in the middle of one of the occupied eagle territories. During these tours, they explain the distinctive features and habits of these large birds. They lead guests close to the eagle nests and share a wealth of information about the eagles’ diet in both summer and winter.

Themed Trails and Top Highlights

A thriving nature adventure playground has been created at the Scharnitz Information Center. The nature guides enthusiastically explain the significance of the well over 200 different plant species found there. They also note that swarms of rare butterflies, bees, and bumblebees regularly gather there and thrive. The “Engalm” themed trail winds its way along the unique Ahornboden. To preserve the “Großer Ahornboden, ” active alpine farming is necessary on both sides of the trail. A completely different natural landscape unfolds along the historic brine hiking trail in the Halltal. The nature trail winds past rugged, vertical limestone cliffs and emerald-green streams. The“Gleischklamm” gorge is untamed and wild. This indescribable landscape of water and rock is considered one of the most beautiful and pristine gorges. On the way to the Georgenberg pilgrimage church, the trail leads past the roaring waters of the Wolfsklamm. Then the view opens up again, revealing the Karwendel cliffs and the pilgrimage church. The team of nature guides is fully dedicated to nature and the wildlife in the Karwendel Nature Park, inspiring people of all ages with their passion for this alpine region.

Images: https://www.karwendel.org/