Wattenberg: Mountain Scenery, Hiking Trails and Culture
Accommodation in Wattenberg
Wattenberg is located at an altitude of around 1,000 metres in a scenic setting high above the Inn Valley. The municipality combines mountain scenery and hiking trails with traces of history—from a historic iron mine to small chapels. If you are looking for a destination for nature, hiking and cultural history, you can choose between routes of varying lengths and seasonal activities in Wattenberg.
Mountain Scenery and Trails
Wattener Lizum forms the eastern end of the Wattental valley and includes several alpine pastures. Mölssee is located at an altitude of 2,238 metres, is 144 metres long, up to 65 metres wide and has an area of 8,430 square metres. It can only be reached on foot; because it is located in a military restricted area, access is not always possible. Check current access information before planning a visit.
Hikes by Time and Distance
The Kleine Rundwanderweg starts and ends at the Gasthof Hanneburger in Wattenberg and takes about two hours. The moderately difficult Wuzelschellweg has a similar stated duration: it is 6.10 kilometres long and includes 378 metres of elevation gain. Both are estimated to take around two hours; the Wuzelschellweg also has a difficulty rating, distance and elevation gain listed. The Waldrunde Wattenberg starts and ends at the Gasthof MĂĽhle and takes about three hours.
The Lizumer Zirbenweg B leads from Lager Walchen in Wattenberg to the Lizumer Hütte and takes about 2.5 hours. The trail through an old stone pine forest is part of this route to the hut. The “Mölstal – Lizumer Hütte” circular hike also starts and ends at Lager Walchen and takes about 6.5 hours. The “Lizum – Mölser Berg” route starts there and leads to Mölssee in about 4.5 hours. The long-distance hiking trail “Traumpfad von München nach Venedig” passes through the Wattental valley to the Lizumer Hütte. Before setting out, check the latest route information on the regional hiking map or in the tourism listing.
History and Local Highlights
The iron mine in the Mölstal valley opened in 1315 and is considered the oldest mine in North Tyrol. The church at the Lizum military training area stands at an altitude of just under 2,000 metres and is one of Austria’s highest-altitude churches. Wattenberg is home to numerous small chapels that invite visitors to linger; traditional farmhouses are also part of the local landscape, many lovingly and stylishly renovated.
Since 1996, the Außermelang Alm at Wattenberg has been producing its own cheese. Near the Lizumer Hütte, the Lizumer Almkäserei offers “Lizumer Almkas” and “Lizumer Kasermandl” (Tilsiter) in a self-service refrigerator. Check availability on site. A church service is held every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. at the Sägerkirche; check the current service schedule before visiting.
Summer and Winter Activities
In summer, guided llama trekking through the Wattenberger forest takes place every Friday at 2 p.m. Check the specific dates before your trip. The mountain area around the Lizumer Hütte has ski touring routes of varying difficulty. The small Wildstättlift at Wattenberg is suitable for children, beginners and those returning to skiing; its operation depends on natural snowfall. The “Kreuztaxen” toboggan run is close to the Wildstättlift.
Discover more destinations: Völs, Neustift Im Stubaital, Oberhofen Im Inntal, Tulfes, Ellbögen, Mützens, Schmirn, Gschnitz.
See the overarching travel overview: Innsbruck-Land.
