Patsch: Nature, Trails and Local History

When planning a stay in Patsch, you can focus on nature, trails or local history. The Alpine Garden and the Zirbenweg represent different aspects of nature; the parish church, the Easter tomb and the Patscher Schellenschlagen lead to different aspects of local culture. Hiking and cycling tours include Patsch as a starting point, destination or stop along the way. If you are looking for a hotel, first decide which activities will shape your trip, then compare the location of a specific property with your plans.

Nature and trails around Patsch

The Patscherkofel-Zirmberg nature reserve can be reached on foot from Patsch. The Patscherkofel Alpine Garden covers 1.5 hectares, lies at an altitude of 2,000 metres and is located next to the top station of the Patscherkofel cable car. It is Austria’s highest alpine garden; its circular trail showcases alpine plant species from around the world. The Zirbenweg, by contrast, passes through a dense stand of centuries-old Swiss stone pines—an entirely different natural experience from the plant diversity of the Alpine Garden. Patsch offers sweeping views of Innsbruck, the Nordkette mountain range and large parts of the Inn Valley.

An easy family hike starts in the village centre of Patsch and follows well-maintained trails to the pilgrimage site of Heiligwasser. Conditions may vary by season. Another hike to alpine pastures begins at the top station of the Patscherkofel cable car and leads via Hochmahdalm and Patscher Alm to Patsch along a forest road. You can therefore choose between an easy family trail to a pilgrimage site and an alpine route passing two named mountain pastures.

The cycle tour along the old Roman road runs from Igls via Patsch towards Matrei am Brenner. The return journey is also part of planning a trip to the Zirbenweg: after descending to the Glungezer cable car, take VVT bus lines 540/530 via Tulfes back to the Patscherkofel cable car; the route can also be travelled in the opposite direction. Bus and cable car services vary by season, so check the timetables before setting out.

Culture and history in Patsch

The ceiling frescoes in Patsch parish church, dedicated to Saint Donatus and Saint Stephen, are the last work of Anton Zoller (1695–1768). The Patsch Easter tomb dates from around 1767 and is set up every year. The dates when it is displayed vary according to the Easter calendar and arrangements made by the parish.

Women perform the Patscher Schellenschlagen, a Shrovetide tradition in Patsch. UNESCO recognised it as intangible cultural heritage in 2022. Archaeological finds in the area around Patsch indicate that the region was inhabited around 4,000 years ago. Together, these stories span different periods, from traces of early settlement to a tradition recognised in 2022.

When looking for hotels in Patsch, use your travel priorities as a point of comparison: are you more interested in gardens and hiking trails, cycling or local culture? Then check whether the location of a specific property suits your plans, and compare the details with your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Aldrans, Pettnau, Fritzens, Neustift Im Stubaital, Matrei Am Brenner, Telfes Im Stubai, Mieders, Gnadenwald.

View the regional travel overview: Innsbruck-Land.