Description

Easily accessed from Innsbruck via Neustift in Stubaital, this is a superb hike right in the middle of a famous Tirolian valley.

The hike itself is steep in places, and there is some very easy scrambling near the summit, but it's suitable for intermediate hikers looking for a challenge.

Park up at the foot of the Brandstattalm's access track and be considerate when doing so - the parking area isn't huge but there's enough space for a dozen or so cars.

If it's full there are other options nearby but bear in mind that there are villages further up the valley - don't block the road! The hike begins with a short section on the Brandstattalm's access track but the "steig" (hiking path) branches off to the right a few minutes after leaving the car park.

The steig is steep but direct and the height gain comes quickly.

It crosses over the access track a few times so if your thighs are burning and you want some easier terrain then there are plenty of chances to bail out from the steeper option. When you arrive at the beautiful and beautifully-positioned Brandstattalm, resist the temptation to gorge on Tirolian feasts - there's still plenty of uphill to do! Continue past the hut on a clear path which ascends through forests and meadows with ever improving views of the famous Stubai peaks.

As you near the summit the views become so good that they're impossible to ignore, yet the trail gets steeper and rockier; stopping to admire the view is a better idea than trying to do so whilst still hiking! The final section of the trail is the rockiest of all, and leads to the exposed summit cross.

Take in your staggering surroundings and then descend back to the Bradnstattalm for the feast you denied yourself on the way up! Suitably satiated, stroll triumphantly down the Brandstattalm's access track (the "steig" is steep and feels treacherous to descend) to the parking area.