Trans Tyrol - Innsbruck to the Dolomites Hike

Arrive in Innsbruck and check into your hotel. Innsbruck has many interesting sights including the Swarovski Crystal World, Bergisel Ski Jump and the Tyrolean Railway Museum.

Taking the tram, you leave Innsbruck for the village of Mutters, then take the cable car to Muttereralm (included). Here you start your walk, along the 'Innsbrucker Almentour' (alpine) trail, from cabin to cabin. It is an easy trail mainly along a mountain road with wonderful views into the Alps. An alternative lower route is available in poor weather. Overnight in Fulpmes, a well known winter sports resort. Distance 15km/9.2mi, +350m/1150ft, -1020m/3350ft.

This morning you walk uphill along a long distance trail to the restaurant Sonnstein with a great view down to the valley in clear weather. Afterwards, follow the pilgrimage trail to the highest monastery in Europe, Maria Waldrast, which has a lovely restaurant. From this point you will cross from one valley to the next over a mountain pass. There is a cabin located here with a wonderful flower meadow around to the side, a great spot for a rest. There is a shorter, alternative route that traverses the side of the hill. Overnight will be in Trins, a lovely village at the edge of the Gschnitztal valley. Distance 15-18km/9.3-11mi, +930-1415m/3050-4640ft, -650-1130m/2130-3700ft.

The village of Trins is located at an altitude of 1233m/4045ft. Enjoy a well deserved rest day, or if you feel active the town is surrounded by a vast hiking path network. The Sarnthein waterfall is a short loop walk from the centre.

Today you will follow the pilgrimage trail called 'Romediusweg' to the next valley. The trail will lead you into a high valley where you ascend a mountain pass. Expect a lovely landscape with mountain pastures, summits with glaciers and little mountain lakes. A mountain road or a steep zigzag trail will lead you down to the small village of Obernberg, where you stay overnight. Distance 11km/6.8mi, +970m/3180ft, -806m/2645ft

Walk or take the local bus into the valley where you will start your walk to Lake Obernberg. After you pass the lake you will begin the ascent to the mountain pass 'Sandjöchl' or in Italian, Passo del Santicolo (2165m). At this point you will encounter a wonderful landscape with summits all around. On this mountain pass you will reach the border to Italy and hike along a military road, before walking down to Gossensass-Colle Isarco. It is a steep descent with great views into the Dolomites. Distance 13-16km/8-10mi, +844m/2770ft, -1135m/3725ft

Take the local bus to reach the starting point of today's walk in Innerpflersch. Step by step you walk upwards, passing mountain cabins but always with a view to the valley. When you reach Ladurns cable car station follow the high trail slightly up and down passing by mountain pastures dotted with cabins. Take a rest and enjoy the view of the Alps and Dolomites. The tour ends at the cable car station Rosskopf, where you will glide down to Sterzing-Vipiteno (own cost). Sterzing-Vipiteno is the main town after the Alps, with a history dating back to 14BC. Distance 13-17km/8-10.5mi, +700-1220m/2300-4000ft, -580m/1900ft