Absam: Halltal, the Karwendel and cultural history

Absam between Halltal and cultural history

Absam is shaped by the Halltal landscape; most of the municipality lies within the Karwendel Nature Park. Halltal is known for its striking landforms and trails, while museums and the Marienbasilika showcase tangible historical objects. These different themes offer you a variety of ways to plan a stay in Absam.

Halltal: landscape and trails

The historic salt trail in Halltal passes rugged, sheer limestone walls, fascinating vegetation and emerald-green streams. It ends with a view into one of the eight main tunnels. The trail description thus connects the valley’s landscape with a specific destination at the end of the route.

The ascent to the Bettelwurfhütte starts in Absam-Eichat, passes through Halltal and takes about 4.5 hours. This approximate duration applies to the ascent; conditions may affect the actual time. The Runstboden loop in Absam passes the ski jump located in the middle of the forest at the entrance to Halltal, then continues to Runstboden, offering beautiful views. These routes therefore offer different points of reference: an approximate ascent time is given for the Bettelwurfhütte, while the ski jump and Runstboden are the specific destinations on the Runstboden loop.

For directions at the entrance to Halltal: the former toll road into Halltal is closed to public traffic. The newly renovated car park at the entrance to Halltal in Absam has around 200 spaces. As details about the facility may change, check the local situation before setting off.

Museums and historical objects

The Matschgerermuseum was established by the Absamer Matschgerer in 1985–1987 at Stainerstraße 1. It is located in the former Absam fire station and displays around 200 wooden masks; the oldest is about 200 years old. The collection of masks is the main focus of this museum.

The Gemeinde Museum Absam displays an extraordinary model of the Absam salt mine from the 19th century. Also among its exhibits is a violin made by Jakob Stainer. Together with the wooden masks in the Matschgerermuseum, these objects offer a variety of tangible themes from Absam’s local history.

Another art-historical object can be found in Absam’s Marienbasilika: the Fiegerkreuz is a crucifix carved from Swiss pine wood in the second half of the 15th century. The Way of St. James also passes through Absam, adding a pilgrimage route to the local points of interest.

Matschgerer tradition

During the carnival season, the Absamer Matschgerer also perform in local inns in the years between the major processions, which take place every four years. Individual performances vary by season. If a performance is important to your travel plans, check the dates for the relevant carnival season. This helps distinguish the seasonal Matschgerer performances from the landscape and museum attractions described as year-round features.

Discover more destinations: Zirl, Pfaffenhofen, Flaurling, Seefeld in Tirol, Wattens, Neustift im Stubaital, Reith bei Seefeld, Innsbruck

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