Hiking in the Wipptal – Tours That Almost Start on the Doorstep
Anyone who hikes in the Wipptal saves what elsewhere eats up half the morning: the drive to the trailhead. The Stoacherhof stands in Mützens, a hamlet above Matrei am Brenner, and some of the tours begin here with no drive at all. This guide shows which walks are within reach from here, what level of fitness they suit, and what sets the Wipptal apart from its overrun neighbouring valleys.
Why the Wipptal is the more honest hiking region
The Wipptal is the valley the Brenner route runs through — and precisely for that reason most people know it only as a stretch of road, not as a destination. For walkers that is an advantage. While in the neighbouring Stubai valley the car parks fill up early on fine days, here you often walk for hours without meeting a soul. The side valleys of Gschnitz, Trins and Navis are quiet, unhurried valleys with alpine pastures and summits, but without the big tourism machine. The Stoacherhof lies in the middle of this network of paths: not in a hiking resort, but in the landscape the paths set out from.
The classics that are quick to reach from here
The best-known mountain above the valley is the Serles, the “Altar of Tyrol”, which you can see from the balcony. The classic approach leads over Maria Waldrast, the highest-altitude pilgrimage monastery in Europe — the toll road up starts right here in Mützens, and it takes around 15 minutes by car to the top. From Maria Waldrast several tours begin, from the easy themed trail to the demanding ascent. For scenic, flower-rich high-level walks the Blaser is well known, reachable in around 15 minutes by car. And if you want a quiet day by the water, drive to the Obernberger See — around 25 minutes by car, then about 20 minutes on foot to the shore of one of Tyrol’s turquoise-blue mountain lakes.
For every level of fitness — from a pasture stroll to a summit tour
The Wipptal covers every level of fitness, often on the same day. Anyone who likes it gentle takes the themed and pasture trails around Maria Waldrast or stays on the valley floor. Anyone after altitude finds it on the Blaser, on the Serles or on the summits above the side valleys of Gschnitz, Trins and Navis. The advantage of the location: short strolls and high-alpine tours lie close together, so a group walking at different paces need not split up — some take the long way, others the short one, and you meet on the same alpine pasture. For planning, a glance at the previous evening’s weather is usually enough; the paths in the Wipptal are well waymarked, and the Wipptal tourist board keeps the current conditions and opening times of the huts.
Pastures, refreshment stops and what the locals know
A day’s hiking in the Wipptal calls for a refreshment stop. Above Trins lies the Padasterjochhaus, known for its Kaiserschmarrn; on the way to the Wipptal summits there are further working alpine pastures serving a cold platter and home-made fare. Anyone who plans the tour so that a hut lies halfway turns the ascent into a full day — and need not carry the snack up themselves. Which pasture suits which round, whether it is better to go clockwise and where the view is finest at the end of the effort: that is local knowledge no walking guide captures so precisely. Do ask us about it at check-in — we live here and walk the paths ourselves.
Tours and destinations within reach
- Maria Waldrast & Serles
Pilgrimage monastery at a good 1,600 m and starting point for the ascent of the Serles. The toll road starts in Mützens; around 15 minutes by car to the top.
- Blaser
A viewpoint mountain, known in early summer for its wealth of flowers — a high-level trail with a wide view across the Wipptal. Trailhead around 15 minutes by car.
- Obernberger See
A turquoise-blue mountain lake at the head of the Obernbergtal, one of Tyrol’s finest photo spots. Around 25 min drive plus about 20 min on foot.
- Gschnitztal
A quiet side valley with alpine pastures and summits, distinctly calmer than the big names — ideal for long, solitary days of walking.
- Trins
A walking and refreshment destination at the mouth of the Gschnitztal, trailhead Trins around 15 minutes by car. The Padasterjochhaus and pasture paths lie above it.
- Navistal
The third of the quiet Wipptal side valleys — unspoilt, rural, with ascents far from any bustle.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you hike from the Stoacherhof without using the car?
Some of the tours begin with no drive at all, straight from Mützens. For the higher destinations such as Maria Waldrast or the Serles you take the toll road, which likewise starts right here with us.
How do you get to the Serles?
The classic approach leads over Maria Waldrast. The toll road there begins in Mützens; it is around 15 minutes by car to the monastery, and from there you continue on foot.
Which walks are suitable for families?
Around Maria Waldrast there are easy themed and pasture trails. We are happy to work out specific family-friendly tours with walking times with you in person.
Is it possible to reach the trailheads by bus and train?
Within the Wipptal you travel free on bus and train with the Wipptal Card included for our guests. For the higher trailheads a car is usually more practical.