This easy winter hike combining nature and culture starts at the Karlskirche church in Volders, widely considered one of the most rococo buildings in Tirol. From the church the trail enters a forest and passes several impressive castles before reaching the traditional settlement of Himmelreich above the town of Wattens, which has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The five houses and circular wall which have been excavated are also visible in winter provided the snow cover is not too thick.
Historical winter hike
Starting point
Karlskirche church in Volders
Hike to
Himmelreich settlement
Finishing point
Karlskirche church in Volders
Mountain chain
Tux Alps
Length
7.2 km
Total hiking time
2 h 30 min
Features
- Circular hike
Difficulty rating
easy
Altitude
660m 560m
Elevation uphill 150m
Vertical metres downhill 155m
Fitness level
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
* These are approximate values and recommendations. Please take your personal fitness level, technical ability and the current weather conditions into account. Tirol Werbung cannot guarantee that the information provided is correct and accepts no liability.
Parking
Car park at the Karlskirche church in Volders
Downloads
Trail description
From the car park at the Karlskirche church in Volders the first part of the hike leads along the road. At the wayside shrine, turn sharp left and continue along a forest trail with very old trees. Follow the signs, past the Schloss Friedberg and Schloss Aschach castles as far as the prehistoric settlement of Himmelreich above Wattens. Return along the same path, past a large pond before reaching the starting point next to the Karlskirche church.
Information on place
Hiking trails in this region
Gnadenwald
In all her winter splendour, Walderalm Alpine Pasture Hut in Gnadenwald is…
Absam
This beautiful trail can be treated either as a long winter walk or a…
Tulfes
Take it a little slower and soak in the views by snowshoeing along…
