Ellbögen: History and Alpine Pastures

Ellbögen can be explored through several specific themes: a long ecclesiastical history, prehistoric cup stones and traces of iron ore mining, as well as hiking and cycling routes. Two Alpine pastures and the Meissnerhaus offer different locations and elevation details to help you plan excursions. The season also plays a role: in summer, hikers and mountain bikers come to the Meissnerhaus; in winter, ski tourers, snowshoe hikers and sledders meet there. You can shape your stay around cultural history, a specific excursion destination or seasonal activities.

Cultural History in Ellbögen

St. Peter’s parish church has been mentioned since the early 14th century. There are also cup stones dating from the Stone and Bronze Ages: Ellbögen has the largest collection of Stone Age and Bronze Age cup stones in Tyrol and Austria. Around 1600, iron ore was mined in the Viggar and Arztal valleys. Heavily deteriorated remains can still be seen in both valleys; they are known as “Knappenlöcher” (miners’ holes).

The historical themes thus range from prehistoric evidence and the church to ore mining around 1600. The visible, heavily deteriorated remains are part of the context of the Knappenlöcher, as is the history of the mining. If you would like to include cultural history in your trip alongside activities, these different traces offer a distinct way to explore Ellbögen.

Hiking, Alpine Pastures and Cycling

The Arztaler Alm lies at 1,900 metres in the valley of the same name in the Tux Alps, east of Ellbögen. A hiking trail leads from Oberellbögen, starting at the Hinterlarcher car park, to the Alpine pasture in about 1.5 hours. The starting point and approximate walking time give you a guide for planning this hike; the elevation also indicates the destination’s location.

Another destination is the Profeglalm, also known as the Ochsenalm. It lies at an elevation of over 1,800 metres on the slope of the Morgenkogel. A cycling route starts in Ellbögen and leads south of the Patscherkofel to the Profeglalm. The described activities therefore differ when choosing between these destinations: a hike to the Arztaler Alm, with an approximate duration provided, and a cycling route from Ellbögen to the Profeglalm.

In summer, Ellbögen has a well-signposted network of trails for hiking and cycling at different difficulty levels. This gives you several ways to spend time outdoors, without every tour needing to involve the same activity or level of challenge. Route conditions can change, so check the latest trail information before setting out.

The Meissnerhaus in Different Seasons

The Meissnerhaus is a Category I Alpine Club hut at 1,720 metres in the Viggartal valley, south of the Patscherkofel near Innsbruck. In summer, hikers and mountain bikers come to the Meissnerhaus. In winter, ski tourers, snowshoe hikers and sledders meet there. These seasonal activities make the hut a useful point of reference when considering your travel dates and planned activities together.

The hike to the Meissnerhaus starts at the paid car park in Ellbögen/Mühltal. This gives you a specific starting point for the tour; no walking time is provided for the hike. Before travelling, check the latest operating information for the Meissnerhaus and the parking information, which may change.

A Place to Eat

The Neuwirt inn serves dishes made with “Duxer Ochsen” beef. If you would like to include this culinary aspect in your stay, check the current menus and service arrangements before your visit. This keeps dining a distinct part of your trip planning alongside the historical themes and outdoor activities.

Discover more destinations: Mützens, Neustift Im Stubaital, Innsbruck, Schmirn, Tulfes, Zirl, Völs, Pfaffenhofen

For the wider travel overview: Innsbruck-Land.