Stone Pine Path (Zirbenweg): Easy Hike near Innsbruck, Tyrol

The Stone Pine Path (“Zirbenweg” in German) is a blissfully easy walking path in the Tux Alps, high above the Inntal Valley in Tirol, Austria.

Lined by Europe’s largest and oldest stone pine trees (Zirben), this undulating forest trail invites you to breathe deeply, slow down, and contemplate your next Zirbenschnaps. 

From the trail, views extend across the Inntal Valley to the majestic Karwendel mountains.

The Zirbenweg trail begins at the Patscherkofelbahn cable car mountain station and ends at the Glungezerbahn mountain station.

With a convenient cable car ascent and descent, hikers can steadily walk along a high altitude path at 2,000 meters, with very little grade variance. It’s flat, straightforward, and a perfect activity if you’re hiking with children.

Kati and I hiked the Zirbenweg on an overcast day. Though we’re partial to sunny hiking days (who isn’t), there was something delightfully sedate and refreshing about being outside on a crisp, foggy afternoon.

The weather didn’t impact our experience, even though the views were somewhat limited. 

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Stone Pine Path Map

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When Can You Hike the Stone Pine Path?

Early June until early October, when the cable cars are operating. 

Tip: If you are here in spring / early summer, you can enjoy the blooming alpine roses that line the trail at this time of year.

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Stone Pine Path Circular Walking Ticket

Because this walk requires the use of cable cars and transit, you’ll need to purchase tickets either separately or together.

The Stone Pine Trail circular route ticket is a “combi-ticket” that includes one ride with the Patscherkofel cable car, one ride with the Glungezerbahn, and the (optional) bus between Tulfes and Igls (PostBus 4132/4134). 

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Where to Purchase the Ticket

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Glungezerbahn Valley Station 

Address | Glungezerstraße 14, 6075 Tulfes | Google Maps

Opening Times | 8:30 – 17:00. On Tuesdays in July and August, the cable car is open until 10 pm.

Opening Dates | Open daily from Early June – Early October

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Patscherkofel Valley Station

Address | Römerstraße 81, 6080 Igls | Google Maps

Opening Times | 9.00 – 17.00. On Thursdays, the cable car is open until 11 pm.

Opening Dates | Open daily from Mid/End May – Late October

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Stone Pine Path Trail Description

From the Patscherkofel mountain station, head East. After passing Patscherkofel Schutzhaus (mountain hut) locate trail 350.

Throughout the walk, follow signs to Tulfeinalm. 

After about 40-minutes of gentle walking, you’ll spot Boscheben Alm just off the trail, on your right side. You can grab a snack here, or continue to Tulfeinalm.

From the Boscheben Alm, the Zirbenweg runs along the forest line at about 2000 m above sea level.

Info boards explain facts about the local Swiss stone pine population.

There are no serious ascents or descents along the Zirbenweg.

Enjoy the magnificent views of Innsbruck and the Inn Valley as well as the breathtaking backdrop of the Nordkette (Karwendel Mountains), the mountain wall flanking the opposite side of the Inntal.

Towards the end of the hike, there’s another nice place to stop for refreshments at the Tulfeinalm.

The Tulfeinalm mountain hut is a mere 10-minutes from the Glungezerbahn mountain station. 

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Where to Eat in Tulfes after Hiking the Stone Pine Trail

We can’t write about this trail without mentioning Tuxerbauer Hofladen.

Located only a few minutes (walking) from the Glungezerbahn Valley Station, this delightful farmstand-shop-restaurant makes mouth-watering Tirolean specialties.

We ate here four times during our stay in Tulfes. Their Eierschwammerlgulasch (chanterelle mushroom goulash) and Kaspressknödelsuppe (cheese dumpling soup) were outstanding. 

Opening Times | Monday – Saturday: 09:00 – 19:00; Sundays and Holidays: 10:00 – 18:00

IMPORTANT: Though they close at 7 pm on weekdays, you shouldn’t arrive later than 5:30 pm, if you want to eat in their restaurant. We arrived at 6:10 p.m. for dinner, and it was already too late. 

Address | Schmalzgasse 5, 6075 Tulfes | Google Maps

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Where to Stay near the Stone Pine Trail

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Tulfes

Midrange | If you’re looking for a no-frills, but nonetheless clean and comfortable place to stay in Tulfes, B&B Appartements Glungezer is a great option. It’s walking distance to the Glungezerbahn, Tuxerbauer, and just a few meters from the bus stop. You can easily reach Hall in Tirol, Igls, and Innsbruck by bus.

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Igls

Budget | Hotel-Pension Leitgebhof in Igls features an excellent breakfast and a peaceful location. From Hotel-Pension Leitgebhof you can reach the valley station of the Patscherkofelbahn within 10 minutes on foot.

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Lans

Luxury | Gasthof Walzl in Lans dazzles their guests with high comfort, excellent cuisine and a newly renovated wellness area. Here you can truly relax after your outdoor adventures. You can reach the Patscherkofelbahn by foot (25 min.) or with a short bus ride.

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Innsbruck

Innsbruck is the capital of Tyrol and the fifth largest city in Austria. Set between the Karwendel North Chain and the Tux Alps, Innsbruck enjoys a privileged location in the Inn Valley. In our Innsbruck Hiking Guide, we summarized our favorite trails around the city, including the Wolfkslamm Gorge, Nockspitze Peak, and Hundskopf Peak.

Budget-Midrange | Motel One Innsbruck is located near the Innsbruck Train Station, a mere 10-minute walk into the Innenstadt (Inner City of Innsbruck). This modern 3-star hotel offers snug rooms with views overlooking the city and mountains. Don’t miss the top floor bar. Perks: luggage storage and 24/7 reception. Breakfast and underground parking are both available for an extra charge. 

Midrange | NALA individuellhotel is a quirky hotel with uniquely-designed rooms, a sun terrace, fitness room, breakfast (extra fee), and nearby parking (extra fee). 

Midrange-Luxury | Faktorei is a boutique hotel housed in a 15th century town house with 12 sun-drenched minimalist rooms, a garden, terrace, and bar. Private garage parking is available, but must be reserved in advance (extra fee). Breakfast is served in the hotel’s adjacent café (extra fee). 

Top Choice – Luxury | Altstadthotel Weisses Kreuz is a contemporary hotel with an atmospheric bar in Innsbruck’s pedestrian zone. Stay here for the delicious breakfast, stylish design, professional staff, and location. No on-site parking. 

Top Choice – Luxury | Set in a historic building in the center of Innsbruck, the exceptional Weisses Rössl is a boutique hotel with a 600-year-old Tyrolean restaurant. Expect a delicious breakfast. Paid public parking is located nearby.  

More Innsbruck Accommodations: Montagu Hostel (budget), Hotel Innsbruck (luxury), or Hotel Zach (luxury)

Look for accommodation in Innsbruck.

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