Hall-Wattens region
Holidays in the Hall-Wattens region
The medieval old town of Hall, the Kristallwelten in Wattens and in between villages between the Karwendel and the Glungezer – here culture, Alms and family destinations lie close together.
Briefly explained
What can you do in the Hall-Wattens region?
The Hall-Wattens region links the old salt town of Hall, the Kristallwelten in Wattens and quiet villages such as Gnadenwald, Absam, Thaur and Tulfes. On one side of the valley stands the Karwendel, on the other the Glungezer – in between lies the Inn.
You can hike on the Zirbenweg high above the valley, go into the wild Halltal, mint Taler coins in the Münze Hall, marvel at the Kristallwelten or stop off at the Walderalm. Each destination below has a link to the official provider and a route planner – also handy once you are already there.
Nature & hiking
Outside there is enough for many days
Four trails we like to walk ourselves – with an honest note on who they suit.
Zirbenweg on the Glungezer
Up with the Glungezerbahn and at around 2,000 metres through one of the largest stone-pine stands in the Alps – almost level, with a view over the whole Inntal. One of the best-known high-altitude trails in Tyrol.
Halltal in the Karwendel
The wild valley behind Absam: old salt-mining history, chapels and quiet paths into the Karwendel. Car-free – you walk in on foot or ride in by bike.
Walderalm and Hinterhornalm
From the Gnadenwald plateau up to two real Alms with a view of the Karwendel and a good Jause (snack). For many of our guests the most beautiful half-day in the region.
Places of power: the basilica of Absam and the Romedikirchl
The pilgrimage basilica in Absam and the Romedikirchl above Thaur are places for taking a deep breath – easy to combine with a light hike on the sunny slope.
Family & culture
Some destinations may be a holiday day of their own
The detailed information stays with the official bodies – we tell you honestly what is worthwhile for whom.
Swarovski Kristallwelten
Glittering chambers of wonder, a large play tower and the garden with the giant – right in Wattens, so no long journey. Come early at the weekend, then it is quieter.
Burg Hasegg and the Münze Hall
The first Taler was minted here – forerunner of the dollar. In the museum you can strike a coin yourself and look out over the roofs of Hall from the mint tower.
Old town of Hall in Tirol
One of the largest preserved old towns in western Austria: narrow lanes, squares, small shops and cafés. Most beautiful with a guided tour or simply letting yourself drift.
Guided summer programme
The tourism association offers a weekly programme from herb hikes to sunrise tours – much of it is cheaper or free with the guest card.
Summits
If today may be a summit day
Up with the Glungezerbahn
From Tulfes in two sections up the local mountain of the region – at the top the Zirbenweg, the view as far as the Karwendel and, in winter, a fine family ski area await.
Glungezer, Largoz and Hundskopf
Three real summit destinations for experienced walkers – from the panoramic mountain Largoz above Volders to the rocky Hundskopf in the Karwendel. Start early and take the weather forecast seriously.
Bike
Off by bike – and back with a good feeling
Along the Inn to Hall
Flat along the Inn cycle path into the old town of Hall – eat ice cream, stroll and roll back at ease. Also easily doable with a bike trailer.
Hinterhornalm and Walderalm
From Gnadenwald uphill with views and a refreshment stop – the classic tour of the region. With an e-bike also for leisure riders.
Mountain biking on the Glungezer
Forest tracks and trails on the sunny side above Tulfes and Wattenberg – if you like altitude metres, you will find your tour here.
Water
An afternoon by the water is almost always possible
Bathing and swimming in the region
Open-air pools in Hall and the villages and small bathing spots for a quick cool-off after the hike – the tourism association has the overview.
Day trip to the Achensee
Tyrol’s largest lake, a good half hour away – shore paths, boat trips and a grand mountain backdrop. With the Achenseebahn even the journey there becomes an experience.
Winter
When winter begins outside the hut
Skiing on the Glungezer
The ski area of the region: manageable, snow-sure on the north slope and without long waiting times – ideal for families and leisure skiers.
Tobogganing and winter hiking
Natural toboggan runs like the long descent from the Glungezer and cleared winter paths through the Halltal or across the Gnadenwald plateau.
Cross-country skiing and ice skating
Quiet cross-country trails on the Gnadenwald plateau, plus ice rinks in the villages – winter at your own pace, even without skis.
Food & regional shopping
Regional shopping in the Hall-Wattens region
Cheese, Speck, eggs, bread, honey and fine brandies are available around Hall directly from farms, small shops and at the market. We show you what you can get where – and from which accommodation the way fits especially well.
Farmers’ market in the old town of Hall
Vegetables, cheese, bread, Speck and seasonal produce directly from farmers in the surrounding area – Saturday mornings in the old town of Hall. Afterwards, stay for a coffee in the lanes.
Brennerei Purnerhof
The Hupfauf family produces multiple award-winning fine brandies at the Purnerhof in Terfens – just beyond the region’s border. The finish for a good hut evening. Please enjoy responsibly.
Farm shops in the district
Over 30 direct marketers in the Innsbruck-Land district – from eggs and honey to cheese and meat. The overview shows which farm lies on your way.
Our tip: we sort by your accommodation.
If you are staying in Gnadenwald, the Walderalm Jause and the Martinsstuben are just around the corner. From Fritzens you are quickly at the farmers’ market in Hall and at the Purnerhof in Terfens. With each accommodation we show you the nearest shops.
Please always check current opening times with the business
View food and drink in the Hall-Wattens region ↗ · Direct marketers in the Innsbruck-Land district on regional.tirol ↗
Stopping in: our inn tips
If nobody wants to cook today – four houses where we like to sit ourselves.
Alpengasthof WalderbrückeOn the way up from Absam to Gnadenwald – a rustic stop in the forest, good after the Halltal day.To the website ↗
MartinsstubenCafé and inn on the sunny plateau of Gnadenwald – home cooking and home-baked cakes after the Alm hike.To the website ↗
RomediwirtAbove Thaur by the Romedikirchl – regional cuisine with one of the most beautiful views over the Inntal.To the website ↗
Goldener EnglOld-town house in Hall with history since 1629 – for the town stroll with a stop afterwards.To the website ↗
Farming in the Hall-Wattens region
Between the Inntal and the Karwendel lie Alms that have been stocked for centuries – and paths that someone has to maintain.
- Alm farming7,971 managed Alms – who does what up there and why.
- Why good paths help everyoneWho builds and maintains Alm paths – and why barriers are a question of liability.
In between
Today we simply stay at the hut.
That too is a good day around Hall: stove on, book open, Jause on the table. If you are still looking for a place like that – here are our accommodations in the area.
Staying in the region
Here you can stay around Hall-Wattens
The region is the inspiration – the accommodation turns it into your holiday. We know every one of these houses personally.
Getting here
How to get to the Hall-Wattens region
By trainYou reach the region via the stations Hall in Tirol and Fritzens-Wattens, both on the Inntal line. Whether the last stretch to your specific hut makes sense without a car is stated honestly right at the accommodation.
On site with the guest cardYou get the Hall-Wattens Card from your host – with benefits at excursion destinations and for the tourist board’s guided weekly programme.
By carA12 Inntal motorway, exits Hall-Mitte or Wattens. From Munich about 1.5 hours, to Innsbruck it is only ten minutes.
All information on the Hall-Wattens Card at the tourist board ↗
For dreaming on
Two more regions for a next holiday
Together for the region
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