Tyrolean Silver Path

The Tyrolean Silver Path is a circular route along the Inn Valley to the most beautiful places in the region. All twelve municipalities of the Karwendel Silver Region are crossed: Jenbach – Stans – Vomp – Terfens – Weer – Kolsass – Kolsassberg – Weerberg – Pill – Schwaz – Gallzein – Buch in Tirol. The starting point of the long-distance trail is Jenbach train station. From here, it leads in five daily stages mostly at medium altitude through the Karwendel mountains and the Tux Prealps. The path is easy to moderately difficult and especially entertaining, as many sights are located along the route. Individual stages are therefore also ideal for families. The stages of the long-distance trail are recommendations but do not exclude an individual route choice. Along the path, there are enough accommodation options as well as sufficient ascent and descent possibilities.

Special feature: Along the Tyrolean Silver Path, you embark not only on a natural experience but also on a journey into the 15th and 16th centuries. A time when the Karwendel Silver Region was known as the largest mining metropolis worldwide. The historical story of the region runs like a "silver thread" throughout the entire route of the Tyrolean Silver Path. In each of the twelve municipalities, numerous information and stories related to history can be found at our information stations. Furthermore, there are many sights in the municipalities associated with silver mining.

The Tyrolean Silver Path project is supported by the Regional Management of the Schwaz district.

STAGE 1: Jenbach - Stans - Vomp.
➳ Starting point: Jenbach train station
➳ Ascent: 805 m
➳ Descent: 466 m
➳ Length: 20.1 km
➳ Highest point: 971 m
➳ Walking time: ~ 07:00 h

Route description: The first daily stage of the Tyrolean Silver Path starts at Jenbach train station. Starting from the starting point, Bahnhofstraße leads after about five minutes of walking to a roundabout. Here, follow the main road north to reach Jenbach parish church. This was included as a waypoint due to its origin story linked with population growth from silver and copper processing around 1450. Along the way to or from the first waypoint, the organic farm shop Jenbach offers a chance to replenish hiking provisions. Returning to the roundabout, the yellow signs of the long-distance trail now lead over the Inn Valley motorway bridge down to Innstraße, where the first information station and digital stamping point await discovery. From Jenbach to the west, crossing the Tratzberger Au, which blooms beautifully in summer, Tratzberg Castle can be reached in about 40 minutes. The castle is one of the most important art and cultural monuments of Tyrol and was at times owned by the Fugger family. Guided tours are offered in the fully restored castle. A recommended option for a first break is Schlosswirt Tratzberg. From here, the hiking route runs through the forests of Stans, past the next information station and the pilgrimage church Maria Tax, to St. Georgenberg, Tyrol's oldest pilgrimage site. The imposing so-called “High Bridge” offers beautiful views over the Wolfsklamm gorge and the Inn Valley below. The continuing section leads at constant altitude via Alpsteig trail. Upon reaching Vomperberg, the Puitner Stüberl is an excellent opportunity to replenish energy reserves. From here, after about 15 minutes, the route joins the Klimaweg, which besides the breathtaking panorama of the Tux Prealps also provides interesting climate information. The first day stage ends at a small green area where the information station Vomp, a drinking fountain, and a hiking bench for relaxation are located. Besides accommodation options at Vomperberg, there is also the possibility to descend into the village of Vomp.

Waypoints & Sights:
➳ Parish church of Saint Wolfgang & Leonhard, Jenbach
➳ Tratzberg Castle, Jenbach
➳ Pilgrimage church Maria Tax, Stans
➳ Pilgrimage monastery St. Georgenberg, Stans
➳ Information stations Jenbach, Stans, Vomp

Places to eat:
➳ Organic farm shop Jenbach, Jenbach
➳ Schlosswirt Tratzberg, Jenbach
➳ Pilgrimage monastery St. Georgenberg, Stans
➳ Puitner Stüberl, Vomperberg
➳ Prem Butcher’s, Vomp
➳ Pelikan inn, Vomp
➳ Hotel Vomperhof, Vomp

STAGE 2: Vomp - Terfens - Weer/Kolsass.
➳ Starting point: Vomperberg
➳ Ascent: 404 m
➳ Descent: 704 m
➳ Length: 15.4 km
➳ Highest point: 892 m
➳ Walking time: ~ 05:30 h

Route description: Attention! Detour in the area Vomperbach/Vomperloch. Please follow the detour or the signs.

Starting from Vomperberg, the second daily stage leads directly behind the Pension Karwendelrast to Vomperbach. For the steeper sections, the use of hiking poles is recommended in wet conditions. Those who have decided to descend to Vomp have two options: either climb back to the last waypoint at Vomperberg or walk west along the village road. After passing the Derfeser gravel pit, the hike continues along the main route. Past the hydroelectric power station and shortly after crossing the footbridge at Fuchsegg, the municipality of Terfens is reached. After a short but steep ascent, the route leads via Heizingweg to Umlberg. Here, follow the Panorama Trail, which runs directly along the forest edge. Further along the Jakobsweg through the picturesque Larch Valley leads to the next information station. To reach the pilgrimage church Maria Larch and its healing water chapel from here, you have to leave the main Tyrolean Silver Path route about 200 m eastward. After returning the short section, the path leads southwards through the Eggenfelder. Attention is required as a discreet path must be taken first along the forest edge across a meadow. Further on, Neu Terfens is passed via Mühlweg and the Inn is crossed for the first time along the Riedstraße. Besides the modern designed village square of Weer, which is perfect for resting and relaxing, the information station Weer at the end of the second stage also awaits discovery. Places to eat and accommodations can be found in the adjoining communities of Weer and Kolsass.

Waypoints & Sights:
➳ Pilgrimage church Maria Larch, Terfens
➳ Information stations Terfens, Weer, Kolsass

Places to eat:
➳ Schmalzerhof, Weer
➳ Hotel Rettenberg, Kolsass
➳ Steixner Inn, Weer

STAGE 3: Weer/Kolsass - Kolsassberg - Weerberg.
➳ Starting point: Weer/Kolsass
➳ Ascent: 660 m
➳ Descent: 336 m
➳ Length: 13.1 km
➳ Highest point: 1137 m
➳ Walking time: ~ 05:00 h

Route description: The third stage of the Tyrolean Silver Path is the shortest route. Before starting the hike, it is recommended to replenish hiking provisions with regional delicacies at the Kolsass organic dairy. From Weer/Kolsass, the path climbs to the municipality of Kolsassberg. Initially, it goes along a forest road to the Gartlach snack station, ideal for a relaxing break. From here, for the first time, you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the Inn Valley and the Karwendel mountain range from the south. After about two hours of walking, the Kolsassberg information station is reached just a few meters from Hotel Jägerhof. Attentive hikers will discover the old mining tunnel “Reindlmühle” along the way. After crossing the rear suspension bridge over the partly wild Weerbach, the municipality area of Weerberg is entered and the municipality of Kolsassberg is left. Past the Maxnhager riding center, the third day’s destination at Weerberg comes into view. If there is enough time, it is recommended to explore the sights of the municipality.

Waypoints & Sights:
➳ Mining tunnel “Reindlmühle” & rear suspension bridge, Kolsassberg/Weerberg
➳ Information station Kolsass, Kolsassberg
➳ Parish church of the Immaculate Conception, Weerberg
➳ Church of St. Peter, Weerberg
➳ Rablhaus Museum, Weerberg

Places to eat:
➳ Gartlach snack station, Kolsassberg
➳ Kolsass organic dairy, Kolsass
➳ Hotel Pension Jägerhof, Kolsassberg
➳ Astl’s farm shop, Weerberg
➳ Schwannerwirt country inn, Weerberg

STAGE 4: Weerberg - Pill - Schwaz.
➳ Starting point: Weerberg
➳ Ascent: 812 m
➳ Descent: 1150 m
➳ Length: 19.8 km
➳ Highest point: 1482 m
➳ Walking time: ~ 07:30 h

Route description: The fourth daily stage, the longest of the five compared to the previous day, starts from Mitterweerberg. The path first follows an asphalt mountain road into the recreational forest above Weerberg. In this section, there are repeatedly exceptional panoramic views over the Inn Valley and the Karwendel mountains. Also impressive is the view of the Kellerjoch mountain area to the east. From Außerweerberg, the path continues along the Taubenwald at the foot of the Gilfert. Just below the Loassattel, which separates Gilfert from Kuhmesser and further from Kellerjoch, the district of Hochpillberg of the municipality Pill is reached. Past the valley station of the Kellerjoch cable car, which offers a short break at 1,887 m above sea level, the Tyrolean Silver Path continues downhill northwards, always with the silver town Schwaz in sight. Due to the many sights and attractions in the district capital Schwaz, it is worthwhile for history and culture-interested hikers to plan an extra day here to explore the sights more thoroughly.

Waypoints & Sights:
➳ Information stations Weerberg, Pill, Schwaz
➳ Freundsberg Castle, Schwaz
➳ Franciscan monastery, Schwaz
➳ Parish church of the Assumption of Mary, Schwaz
➳ Fugger House, Schwaz
➳ Schwaz silver mine, Schwaz
➳ Treasure chamber Silver Region shop, Schwaz
➳ Museum of peoples, Schwaz
➳ Tourism association Silver Region Karwendel, Schwaz

Places to eat:
➳ Biohotel Grafenast, Hochpillberg
➳ Frieden - The Alpine Panorama Hotel, Hochpillberg
➳ Freundsberg Castle, Schwaz
➳ Tippeler Inn, Schwaz
➳ Einhorn Schaller Inn, Schwaz
➳ Hotel Inn Golden Lion, Schwaz
➳ Knappenkuchl, Schwaz
➳ Silberberg Restaurant, Schwaz

More dining options can be found in the Schwaz gastro guide.

STAGE 5: Schwaz - Gallzein - Buch in Tirol - Jenbach.
➳ Starting point: Schwaz
➳ Ascent: 770 m
➳ Descent: 787 m
➳ Length: 19.3 km
➳ Highest point: 1134 m
➳ Walking time: ~ 07:00 h

Route description: Starting from the silver town Schwaz, the last day stage leads over the Pflanzgarten and past the Maria Zell chapel. Then part of the scenic Schwaz miners’ trail is hiked, where the historical mining sites can be viewed and experienced. Only 15 minutes later, the Simon Juda chapel is passed. The path continues uphill to the famous place of the bull legend, where in 1409 a wild bull supposedly uncovered a silver vein for the first time with its horns. At medium altitude, the path first follows the Vogelsang trail along the impressive gorge of the Bucherbach. Downhill, the route passes through Hochgallzein and the next information station before continuing over Sailberg into the last of the twelve municipalities, Buch in Tirol. Due to slippery conditions, especially when wet, caution is recommended and the use of hiking poles. Shortly before reaching the district Maurach, the path passes an extraordinary power spot, the Raffau chapel. The last sights of the circular route are Rottenburg castle ruins and the Notburgakapelle. The Rottenburg castle ruins once represented the economic center of Tyrol. Nearby is also the impressive Notburga spruce, known as the highest spruce in Tyrol. From here, it is only a few kilometers until the Inn is crossed again at the district Rotholz and the destination of the long-distance hike, Jenbach train station, comes into view.

Waypoints & Sights:
➳ Schwaz miners’ trail, Schwaz
➳ Maria Zell chapel, Schwaz
➳ Simon Juda chapel, Schwaz
➳ Raffau chapel, Gallzein
➳ Koglmooser bull site, Gallzein
➳ Rottenburg castle ruins, Buch in Tirol
➳ Information stations Gallzein, Buch in Tirol

Places to eat:
➳ Farm shop Pirchnerhof, Schwaz
➳ Farm shop Kohlerhof Danzl, Schwaz
➳ Esterhammer Inn, Buch in Tirol

Waste disposal: There is NO waste disposal available at our snack stations along the Tyrolean Silver Path. Since the path regularly passes public waste collection points, please use these for disposal. Please keep the snack stations and paths of the Tyrolean Silver Path clean! Thank you very much for your support!