22. Ilmspitze

Return a few meters along the main road to the village entrance of St. Nikolaus. There, cross the Falschauer river via a bridge. Here begins trail no. 18, which leads moderately steeply upwards through dense forest. The last section to the managed Auerberg Alm (1644 m) is taken on the slightly flatter forest road to the hut (about 75 minutes). Afterwards, continue first along the wide forest path that passes the alm. At the end of this tractor path, the trail becomes narrower and significantly steeper. Over scree and large boulders you finally reach the extensive meadows of the unmanaged Seefeld Alm (2110 m, about 2.5 hours). After the alm, you hike past a beautiful mountain lake, the Seefeldsee. The ascent path remains steep but is repeatedly softened by somewhat flatter sections. The last ramp, which leads up in switchbacks over scree and stones, is truly challenging and demands your very last reserves of strength. After about four hours, you arrive at the Ilmspitz with its imposing