Alpaca hiking in Tirol isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of the Austrian Alps. The trail to the Weinbergerhaus located in the Wilder Kaiser Mountains guides you through a dense, mixed forest and colourful floral meadows to a field of fluffy Huacaya- Alpacas. Once you have reached the wooden hut you can treat yourself to Apfelstrudel and enjoy the view of Kufstein.
The more adventurous can hike via a lake, rock-climb, mountain bike all the way, or ski tour in winter. Trying to figure out where to start your hike, how to combine the visit with adventurous activities, or see the alpacas with minimal effort, where to stay, and what on Earth an Apfelstrudel is? Read on to find out.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Duration: 4 – 8 hours
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WHERE TO START YOUR ALPACA HIKE IN TIROL
There are different trails to the field of alpacas at the Weinbergerhaus. The fastest route is from Kufstein. Hikers can begin their walk from both the Kaiserlift, Kienbergerstrasse close to the Gasthof Felsenkeller, or at Mitterndorferstrasse.
The adventure for mountain bikers starts at Mitterndorferstrasse, various anyone interested in a ski tour needs to head to the Kaiserlift.
Do you want to enjoy a dip in a beautiful clear lake surrounded by cliffs to jump off? Then start or end your hike at the Hintersteiner See. The easy 8-hour hike from the Alpine lake takes you past the Wallerarlm and Hochegg. The route takes around 6-hours if you decide against a full loop and either end or start your hike in Kufstein instead.
Arriving By Car.
There is a big car park at the Kaiserlift costing € 3 per day. Alternatively, there is a small free parking space at the end of Mitterndorferstrasse. The unofficial car park is located a 30-minute walk away from Kaiserlift and a 10-minute walk from Kienbergerstrasse.
Taking The Lift.
Don’t feel like hiking? The single-seated cable car takes you high over the tree crowns and meadows all the way to the alpaca field. The Kaiserlift operates from 8.30 hours until 16.30 hours from the 1st of May until the 31st of October.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM ALPACA HIKING IN TIROL
EVERY WEDNESDAY – from 6 pm
Weinbergerhaus are hosting a Grillabend – Austrian bbq
The hiking path starting in Kufstein steadily inclines until you reach the fluffy, calm camel relatives. The trail guides you through the green forest over tree roots, past yellow and purple floral meadows. With most of the hike being in the shade of the trees, there is only one viewpoint before reaching Weinbergerhaus.
During your around 4-hour hike, you will rarely encounter fellow hikers. This path is perfect for anyone who wants to be surrounded by nothing but nature and the smell of forest greens. You might even encounter a mountain cock, surprised by having its day interrupted by a human.
Once you have reached the alpaca field you can enter the enclosure, pet the soft animals, or admired them from a bench. Please, bear in mind to be respectful to the alpacas and approach them with care.
After admiring the animal’s great eyelashes and fluffy fur you can treat yourself to a meal or tasty Austrian cake on the Weinbergerhaus terrace overlooking the Alps’ summits.
The hike itself isn’t difficult and no experience is required. It can be tiring depending on your fitness level. I sure was exhausted! If you still have more energy, then continue the path for another 1.5-hour to the Gamskogel peak for an incredible view over the Inntal.
ALTERNATIVES FOR ADVENTURERS
Four Day Kaisertour.
The four-day trekking adventure via the alpacas can be started in either Ebbs or at the bus stop on Eibergstrasse by Hintersteinersee.
DAY 1. The trail starts in Ebbs to Vorderkaiserfelden Hütte where you will spend the night. Hike Duration: 3-hours.
DAY 2. Take thepath Kaiserhöhenweg until the Stripsenjochhaus where you will sleep. Hike Duration: 5.30-hours.
DAY 3. On the third day, the trail from Hinterbärenbad will take you along the Bettlersteig path past the Gamskogel to the field of alpacas outside the third nights resting place, Weinbergerhaus. Alternatively, you can take the cable car. Hike Duration: 4-hours.
DAY 4. The final day will take you past the Hochegg, Walleralm, and finally to the clear water lake, Hintersteinersee. Hike Duration: 4 hours.
Rock-Climbing & Alpaca Hiking In Tirol.
Are you a true adventurer? Then continue your way from the Alpaca field to one of the four rock-climbing walls for different experience levels.
Hackenköpfe-Überschreitung II+ is the easiest route suitable for beginner climbers. Another easier route is the Zettenkaiser-Ostwand IV+ taking you via the Kaindlnadel and Westgrat to the Scheffauer-Widauersteig path.
The Scheffauer Nordwand Ostlerführe III can be found a 2.5-hour hike from Weinbergerhaus via the Widauersteig path. The trail is easy although there can be a risk of rockfalls. Part of the route has to be rock-climbed (A/B) with unsecured parts being a maximum difficulty level of 1.
The climbing route offering the most beautiful scenic view and the best rock and exposed position climbing is the Zettenkaiser-Ostwand IV+.
To my awareness climbing equipment cannot be hired in Kufstein directly but at selected INTERSPORT shops in the Kufsteiner area.
Mountain Biking To Weinbergerhaus.
Up for a challenge? Then saddle up and take a 1.5-hour return mountain bike ride from the forest road barrier on Mitterndorferstrasse in Kufstein. The signed path to Weinbergerhaus is a steady incline with the last stretch of the way being the steepest. On the way simply follow the signs to Kälberhag and cycle via the Aschenbrenner hut.
Mountain bikes can be rented from Inn Bike next to the prominent fort towering over the city of Kufstein. Prices start from € 19.
Ski Tour Instead Of Alpaca Hiking In Winter.
Finding yourself in Tirol during winter but still wanting to see the alpacas? Starting at the Kaiserlift station in Kufstein the route guides you along the old skiing run to a wide forest road past the Hinterduxer Hof. After 1.5 hours you will have reached the Weinbergerhaus. There you will find the alpacas enjoying the snow-covered fields. To return to the valley simply ski down the old ski run.
WHERE TO STAY
There are no hostels in Kufstein and the surrounding area. Hence staying in Kufstein does not come cheap. Your only options are hotels, Gasthäuser, or an Airbnb.
Hotel Gisela.
Your cheapest option in Kufstein at around € 50 other than an Airbnb is Hotel Gisela. This hotel is situated right in the town centre and they serve breakfast.
Weinbergerhaus.
Do you want to spend more time surrounded by alpacas? Then you can stay at the Weinbergerhaus. The night including breakfast does not come cheap at €48/ pp.
WHAT TO PACK FOR ALPACA HIKING IN TIROL
Make sure to bring 1 – 2 L of water, sun cream, and snacks. Wear hiking gear and most importantly check your body for ticks after the hike. There is a high amount of these animals living in the grass and they carry many diseases.
WHERE TO NEXT
There are endless opportunities for mountain trails within the Kufstein area. Have you been wondering about the mountain towering over Kufstein? Hiking Pendling is less strenuous than you might think.
Craving more adventure? Then head to Kössen for paragliding. Head to Salzburg to visit Mozart’s birth house and learn more about Austrian history. Or use the city as a base to visit dizzyingly high Dachstein Bridge that’s captured many times on Instagram or enjoy incredible views at the stairway to heaven.
Did I do a good job of creating curiosity for alpaca hiking in Tirol? Also, did I mention that I love Apfelstrudel? Still, no clue what it is? Apfelstrudel is an Austrian pastry filled with apple, served with vanilla sauce. YUM!
Now go ahead and explore! Try not to lose your towel.
