Karres: Hiking, climbing garden and mining history

Karres combines hiking and mountain tours with a climbing garden and traces of the former mining era on the Tschirgant. Different time frames and requirements may be relevant when choosing your destination: two easy hiking and mountain tours have approximate durations listed; good footing is required at the three summit crosses associated with the Tschirgant. There is also the footpath to the Karrer Alm, two routes that pass by the village, and a Tyrolean inn.

Hiking: two tours with different durations

The easy Karres–Roppen hiking and mountain tour is 5.50 km long and takes about 1 hour 40 minutes. The easy high-altitude trail Karrösten / Karres is 6.00 km long; it is listed as taking about 2 hours 30 minutes and covering 335 metres of elevation gain. The routes differ in length by half a kilometre, while their approximate durations differ by around 50 minutes. This lets you plan according to the time available rather than considering distance alone. Trail conditions and markings may change on both tours.

Climbing garden and trails on the Tschirgant

The climbing garden in Karres has more than 80 routes, most of them easy. The number of routes and their grades may change following a redesign. A dedicated car park has been established at the climbing garden. Parking regulations and access conditions may change; check them before setting out.

The Tschirgant is a popular destination for mountain hikes and offers an impressive panoramic view in every direction. Its summit stands out from Landeck like a freestanding pyramid. The three summit crosses associated with the municipalities of Karres, Karrösten and Haiming can be reached from the main summit in about 30 minutes. Good footing is required. As conditions on a mountain route may change, check them before setting out.

The Karrer Alm is situated at an altitude of 1,648 metres and can be reached on foot via an alpine track. It winds through spruce forests and past the Lehnetalgraben. Trail conditions and access regulations may change; check the latest information before your tour.

Mining history in Karres

Mining on the Tschirgant brought a period of prosperity to Karres from the 14th to the 17th century. During this period, up to 1,000 miners worked in 41 mines. The Wennerhaus is one of two surviving miners’ houses in Karres. Large gateways and late Gothic pointed rib vaults in these houses recall the mining era. The figures convey the scale of mining, while the surviving houses offer architectural reminders of this period.

Trails by the village and places to eat

The Way of St. James passes by the village of Karres. The Inn Cycle Path in the Tyrolean Oberland also runs past the village. The routes may change; check the current markings on site.

Karres has a rustic Tyrolean inn serving excellent home-style cooking. If you plan to visit, check in advance whether it is currently open.

Discover more destinations: Tarrenz, Roppen, Nassereith, Längenfeld, Umhausen, Oetz, Karrösten, Silz

View the main travel overview: Imst.