Ehrwald at the foot of the Wetterstein Mountains

Ehrwald is located right at the foot of the Wetterstein Mountains, which include the 2,962-meter-high Zugspitze. When looking for a hotel in Ehrwald, the local activities offer a concrete framework for your stay: they range from a water-themed circular trail and routes in the Ehrwalder Alm area to a challenging mountain tour up the Zugspitze. The excursions differ in route, season and requirements. Plan according to whether you want to hike, take the mountain railway, enjoy winter sports, or learn about local culture and traditions.

Hiking: Circular Trail or Mountain Tour

The “Zugspitzi am Gaisbach” water adventure trail follows the Gaisbach stream toward the Seeben Waterfall and loops back via the alpine meadows. Hiking plans in the Ehrwalder Alm area follow a different route: a summer hike leads to Seebensee, from where you can continue on to Drachensee. This makes Seebensee either a hiking destination in its own right or a starting point for a possible extension.

The Gatterl tour involves substantially different demands. It leads on foot from Ehrwald over the Gatterl to the Zugspitze and is suitable only for experienced mountaineers who are sure-footed, have no fear of heights, are in good physical condition and have suitable equipment. If you are planning this tour, check the conditions and requirements before setting out. It is clearly different from the paths and walks described in the Ehrwalder Alm area.

Ehrwalder Almbahn and Excursion Options

The 8-person Ehrwalder Almbahn gondola takes visitors from Ehrwald to the top station at an elevation of 1,500 meters. From there, you can take a walk to Almsee; the top station is also a starting point for hiking, mountain and mountain biking tours. The summer hike to Seebensee is also in the Ehrwalder Alm area. The railway’s operating hours and days vary by season. Check these details when planning your trip.

You can also plan your journey to the valley stations according to your mode of transport: the valley stations of the two cable cars near Ehrwald can be reached by car, train and bus. If you are traveling by public transport, check the latest timetables in advance. This lets you factor travel to the valley stations and use of the mountain railway into your plans without assuming that every excursion starts from the same place.

Winter Sports, Cycling and Culture

The Ehrwalder Alm ski area has a total of 27.5 kilometers of pistes at elevations from 1,100 to 1,900 meters, with 13 varied runs. Piste figures may change as the ski area develops. If they are important for your plans, check them against the current winter trail map before your trip.

Cyclists can also choose from trails of different difficulty levels at the Ehrwalder Wettersteinbahnen: the “Blue Bird Trail” is rated easy, while the “Bare Knuckle Trail” is rated difficult. These ratings provide a clear distinction between the two trails. Conditions and operating status can change; check the latest situation before your ride.

“Bergfeuer Ehrwald” is part of the region’s cultural traditions. This social practice in Tyrol was added to the Austrian Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010. Scheibenschlagen is one of the oldest Alpine Shrovetide customs and takes place in Ehrwald every year on the first Sunday after Ash Wednesday. Since the date depends on the calendar, check it for your year of travel.

Ehrwald also has a history of cable cars: the “BAHNORAMA anno 1926” cable car museum in the valley displays the original cable car drive and a historic operator’s cabin. The “Museum im Spinnhof” began operating as a museum in its current premises on June 21, 2020. Together with the hiking and mountain railway options, these attractions give the village a character that encompasses historical and cultural themes as well as tours.

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