Gastronomy Eppzirler Alm, hut

Historical alpine hut full of legends and stories. Even the emperor enjoyed being a guest here.

Description

At the end of the Eppzirler Valley, there is a pasture surrounded by rugged limestone peaks. In the 16th century, valuable Tyrolean stone oil was extracted in this breathtaking natural setting, and even Emperor Maximilian was particularly fond of hiking in the area around the Eppzirler Alm. To this day, the active alpine farming with about 90 head of cattle at 1,459 meters above sea level is a popular destination for hikers and families.

The impressive panoramic view over Erlspitz, Eppzirler Scharte, Kuhjochspitze, and Reitherspitze is framed by lush alpine meadows surrounding the cozy inn in the Alps. From early June to late October, the cabin host Christian serves hungry guests Tyrolean delicacies from farm production and delicious refreshments on the sun terrace. Children are always welcome at the spacious 1100-hectare alpine farm, and pilgrims can even find a small Mary's Chapel there. By the way: According to legend, somewhere in the area, 30 tons of imperial gold were hidden after the end of the war. Nobody has found it to this day.

You can learn more about the history of the Eppzirler Alm and its hosts in our blog.

In the series "Almgeflüster & Hüttengeschichten", you can find out why the life and work of the mountain innkeepers is much more than just a job.

STARTING POINT
From the paid parking lot Gießenbach or the train station Gießenbach near Scharnitz, you can head up well-marked forest roads into the valley to Eppzirler Alm.

Please note: In Gießenbach, the railway crossing will be closed from July 12 to August 5, 2025. In general, bikers and hikers are allowed to pass through the construction site. Increased construction activity will take place from Friday, 25th July to Sunday, 27th July 2025, between 9:00 and 16:00 the crossing may be temporarily closed several times. A complete closure of the crossing is scheduled for Monday, 4th August 2025 – passage will not be possible during the day.

To reach Eppzirltal, Eppzirler Alm, and Oberbrunnalm on these days, hikers can take the path at Mühlberg from Scharnitz, and from Seefeld, the hiking trail Hirnweg is recommended. Bikers may exceptionally use the Hirnweg directly from Bodenalm to the valley entrance in Gießenbach on the days of the total closure.

SUMMER TOURS

• Hike to Eppzirler Alm. From Gießenbach near Scharnitz, the trail begins steeply on a forest road, then more leisurely towards Eppzirler Zinne. Through the steep Gießenbach Valley heading south, turn at the bridge towards Eppzirler Alm. Traverse lush alpine herb meadows to the idyllic Eppzirler Alm located at the end of the valley. Return the same way to the starting point.
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• Round hike Eppzirler Alm. A beautiful but quite challenging round hike with wide views over the Seefeld region. From the valley station of the Rosshütte cable cars in Seefeld, hike over Schlagkopf (1,518m) to Eppzirler Alm. From there, continue to the famous Nördlinger Hütte, then return over Reither Spitze and Reitherjochalm to the starting point.
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• Adlerweg Stage 15. The fifteenth section of the most famous long-distance hike in Tyrol takes hiking enthusiasts from Solsteinhaus through the Eppzirler Scharte (surefootedness required) and the wild romantic Giessenbach gorge down to Scharnitz or further to Leutasch.
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• Biking tour to Eppzirler Alm. This biking tour leads through the picturesque Gießenbachtal to Eppzirler Alm. After a snack at the Alm, the return journey follows the same path.To the biking tour