Hinterriß: Nature Park and Tours in the Karwendel

Hinterriß is the only permanently inhabited settlement in the Karwendel and remains populated year-round. When looking for a hotel in Hinterriß, the main focus of your planned trip can be a helpful guide: the Nature Park House and geology, a short hike to the Binsalm, or a multi-day tour offer different themes and time frames.

History in the Karwendel

The discovery of a Bronze Age sword in Hinterriß shows that people were already present there in prehistoric times. A Stone Age trade route for flint also ran through the Riß Valley. It led over the Plumsjoch to Lake Achensee and the Inn Valley, and continued south across the Alps.

A later historical connection is Duke Ernst II of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha: from 1860, he used his hunting lodge in Hinterriß as a base for hunting throughout the entire Karwendel region. The periods associated with these places differ considerably—from early traces of human presence to the use of the Karwendel for hunting in the 19th century.

Nature Park House and Geological Topics

The Hinterriß Nature Park House focuses on nature and history, hunting, and the people of the Karwendel. In summer, it is open from May 1 to the end of October, Wednesday through Monday, 09:00 to 17:00; it is closed on Tuesdays. Check the opening hours before your trip.

Behind the Nature Park House is the “Golden Nail” trail, established in 2012, which provides information about the geological significance of the Karwendel. At Kuhjoch, the Golden Nail marks a reference point for the transition between two geological periods around 199.6 million years ago. It is a geological reference point, while the trail explores the significance of the Karwendel.

The labyrinth in Hinterriß also offers a unique way to explore the Karwendel. It is a Cretan, or classical, labyrinth, typically with seven circuits. At its center is a ceramic artwork symbolizing the biodiversity of the Karwendel and inviting visitors to pause and reflect.

Hikes, Cross-Country Ski Trail and Tours

A short, easy hike leads from the Eng in Hinterriß to the Binsalm. The Binsalm offers traditional local cuisine and overnight accommodation. The Karwendel Tour differs considerably in duration: it runs from Hinterriß to Stans and is designed to take four days and three nights. The tour starts at the Gasthof zur Post in Hinterriß.

Another option is the Karwendel cross-country ski trail, which runs for 28 kilometers from Hinterriß through the Riß Valley to the Engalm. If you are interested in the area around the Großer Ahornboden, you could consider an individually bookable guided nature tour, which leads via the Großer Ahornboden to the Enger Grund.

At the Eng Alm, fresh pasture milk is made into butter and cheese. You can sample both at the rest hut and buy them in the farm shop. Together with the options of a hike, cross-country skiing and a guided tour, these offer various ways to plan your trip—from a short outing to a multi-day excursion.

Plan Your Journey

Hinterriß is accessible by public transport from Bavaria: the BRB runs from Munich to Lenggries, followed in summer by a regular mountaineering bus to the Eng and back. As timetables may change, check your connection before your trip.

By car, you can reach the Hinterriß Nature Park House via the toll road from Wallgau or via the Sylvenstein Reservoir. If you are looking for a hotel, you can first consider whether you would like to focus your stay on the Nature Park House's themes, a single outing or a longer tour. The time frames mentioned offer a concrete comparison.

Discover more destinations: Strass Im Zillertal, Acham, Hart Im Zillertal, Weer, Maurach, Fügen, Gerlosberg, Hainzenberg

Back to the main travel overview: Schwaz.