Day trip to Innsbruck's local mountain: the Nordkette

An adventure in the summer and winter

For the locals it's long been part of life in Innsbruck to go to the Nordkette for a drink after work or at the weekend or for some active recreation. A recreational and play area for active people in the summer, a ski area with several highlights in the winter: the Nordkette with the Hungerburg district in front of it, the Seegrube and Hafelekar. Every season is an experience that is close enough to touch from the city. As a guest at Hotel Sailer you receive 5% discount off the funicular trip.

Ski rental & ski schools in the greater Innsbruck area.

From now on you can get your ticket for the Nordkettenbahn directly at the reception of your Hotel Sailer. For you, this means - no more waiting at the ticket office, as well as a 10 percent discount on your ticket. And the best thing is: After only a few minutes' walk you have already reached the valley station of the Nordkettenbahn, whose cable car takes you up to the southern edge of the Karwendel mountains.

From the city up the mountain

The trip starts in the city centre, where the Hungerburg funicular's bottom station is situated. The funicular opened in 2007 impressively rises up out of its surrounding area like an architectural highlight. Both the stations and the cable-stayed bridge were designed by Zaha Hadid, whose plans and ideas already gave rise to the ski jump on the Bergisel.

Panoramic views on the Hafelekar & the Seegrube.

From the top station of the Nordkettenbahn, the journey continues with the panoramic gondola lifts of the Seegrubenbahn and the Hafelekarbahn. Altitude metre by altitude metre, you leave the city of Innsbruck behind and find yourself in the relaxing and peaceful nature of the Karwendel mountains. A glance back reveals an overwhelming panorama of Innsbruck framed by the mountains. Marvel at the mighty mountains of the Stubai and Zillertal Alps as well as the Karwendel Mountains and enjoy the dreamlike view of the entire central Inn Valley and Wipp Valley.

Skiing, freeriding, winter hiking & more in winter.

In winter, the Nordkette ski area is the place to be, with 15 kilometres of slopes offering skiing fun for all ages. For families with children, the magic carpet, the snow hill and the practice slopes are especially recommended. Action-loving freeriders prefer the Hafelekarrinne, which is one of the steepest ski routes in Europe with a gradient of 70 percent. Freeskiers and snowboarders will find cool rails and obstacles in the Nordkette Skylinepark. And those who are still learning to ski will also find a ski school with ski rental.

In addition, there is also an easy winter hiking trail on the Hafelekar, the Top of Innsbruck, which reveals fantastic views of the surrounding Karwendel mountains. After the wintry snow adventures, numerous huts and the legendary Cloud 9 snow club with cool sounds and a sun terrace invite you to relax and enjoy.

Panoramas, hiking, biking & adventures in summer.

Summer on the Nordkette lures with priceless views, recreation and active opportunities. The 1,905 m high Seegrube becomes a meeting point for excursionists and sportsmen who make the downhill trail or the climbing routes unsafe. A flying fox also provides fun for young and old. In addition, various hiking trails lead to rustic alpine pastures and into the unique Karwendel Nature Park. If you want to go all the way to the top, take the next gondola lift from Seegrube to the Hafelekar and enjoy a breathtaking view of the city of Innsbruck below and the Karwendel at 2,334 metres above sea level. And if you are lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of one of the wild animals that live there, such as a golden eagle, ibex or marmot.

On the way to the Nordkette: family excursion destination Alpenzoo Innsbruck

Another attractive day trip destination is situated between the Nordkette and the old town, Alpenzoo Innsbruck is right next to one of the Hungerbahn funicular's stops.