Patscherkofel Summit

Start at the top of the Patscherkofelbahn cable car (1952 metres), which comes up from the village of Igls, 5 kilometres south of Innsbruck, and reachable easily by bus or car. A return ticket on the cable car is €21.50, and a "Zirbenweg" ticket (which takes you up the Patscherkofel then down the Glungezer chairlift and on the bus back to Igls) is €24.50. From the top of the cable car, follow the clear jeep track south as it climbs gently. There are other jeep tracks and subsidiary paths, but the main summit path is clear and well signposted. After 1 kilometre the track doubles back left, then right and then left again, before making a long rising traverse northwards. This traverse section is wonderful, as more and more of the Inn valley is gradually revealed. The traverse lasts 800 metres and then the track turns right and makes a half-moon shaped curve round to the summit of Patscherkofel (2250 metres). There is a lovely little restaurant at the summit, serving all sorts of local delicacies, and there is also a huge broadcasting tower. After lunch and a drink, descend by the same route.