Self Guided: Tyrol and Bavarian Alps
Self Guided: Tyrol and Bavarian Alps
Karwendel Alps Highlights Self Guided 3 Days
Explore the wild heart of the Karwendel Alps on this three-day trek through one of Austria's most beautiful mountain ranges. Starting from the turquoise waters of Lake Achensee, the route climbs to Binsalm for your first night before continuing into the dramatic limestone scenery surrounding Karwendelhaus for the second night, two of the range's classic mountain huts.
This is a trek for those seeking real wilderness: expect remote trails, big Alpine views and overnight stays in mountain huts rather than hotels. The final day descends to Scharnitz, from where a short train ride carries you back to Innsbruck. A short, immersive introduction to true Alpine hut-to-hut trekking.
-
Duration
2 Nights, 3 Days
-
Start Location
Lake Achensee, Austria
-
Date(s)
June - September
-
Price
From €215
Adventure Snapshot
VIEW GALLERY
-
-
+ 21
This adventure combines dramatic limestone peaks, remote alpine terrain and authentic mountain hut stays, making it an ideal introduction to true hut-to-hut trekking for those looking to experience the Alps.
Beginning on the shores of Lake Achensee, one of the Tyrol's largest and most striking alpine lakes, the route climbs steadily into the mountains towards Binsalm, a peaceful alpine pasture surrounded by sweeping views back over the lake and the surrounding peaks. From here, the trail continues deeper into the Karwendel range, crossing rugged, remote terrain to reach Karwendelhaus, one of the region's classic mountain huts, set dramatically beneath the range's towering limestone walls. The final day brings a scenic descent to the village of Scharnitz, from where a short train ride carries you onward to Innsbruck, bringing the trek to a comfortable close.
Throughout the journey, you'll stay overnight in traditional mountain huts rather than hotels, sharing simple, hearty meals and cosy communal accommodation in the heart of the mountains. With remote trails, big alpine views and genuine wilderness at every turn, the Karwendel Alps Highlights trek is a short but immersive way to experience real Alpine hut-to-hut trekking, offering a taste of high-mountain adventure in the Karwendel Alps.
Learn more. Download our guide here.
DOWNLOAD PDFEnter your details to download the Karwendel Alps Highlights Self Guided 3 Days brochure
YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE
WHO IS THIS FOR?
The Karwendel Alps Highlights self-guided trek is well suited to fit, adventurous walkers looking to experience the wild beauty of the Karwendel Alps on a short, immersive time frame. You should have a good level of fitness and be comfortable walking for around 5-7 hours a day, averaging around 18km and up to 1300m of ascent or descent.
This is an excellent choice for trekkers who have some previous hiking experience and are looking for a genuine taste of Alpine hut-to-hut trekking, without committing to a longer multi-week route.
The route does have any technical sections, but you should be prepared for sustained uphill and downhill walking. You'll be carrying a backpack (luggage transfers are not available on this itinerary), as you stay in mountain huts along the way rather than hotels, which provide simple, comfortable lodging and hearty meals in the heart of the mountains.
-
Duration
2 Nights, 3 Days
-
Start Location
Lake Achensee, Austria
-
Date(s)
June - September
-
Ability
Level ALevel A
You’re not quite sure where to start but you’re hungry for an adventure and can’t wait to get going. Bring it on!
-
Price
From €215
Adventure Overview
See real footage of previous expeditions
Meet The Team
01:48Introducing our crack squad of mountain lovers and adventure junkies. We spend most of our days plotting, planning and building some of the very best trips out there for you all to enjoy.
Trekking the Karwendel Alps, Austria
2:47Charlie and Olly trek the Karwendel Alps Highlights in Austria starting from Lake Achensee.
Kit & equipment required for this adventure
Please note this is a guide and you may be required to rent or purchase last minute equipment on arrival dependent on the weather and changes in itinerary.
For the full downloadable Karwendel Alps kit list please click here.
Hiking shoes / Trail Shoes
Good grip and ankle support is recommended
Soft shell jacket
Light technical jacket ideally with hood
Lightweight fleece
Something light and thin
Tech T-Shirts
Highly breathable, lightweight synthetic technical t-shirt.
Trekking Poles
Foldable or telescopic poles are best
FULL KIT LIST
More info
Click the link in the text above to find the full kit list
FINER DETAILS
YOUR ADVENTURE PACKAGE
The trek starts in Lake Achensee and finishes in Scharnitz where you can either take the train south to Innsbruck or north to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. If you would like to book any additional nights with us pre or post trip, please let us know.
What's Included?
- 2 nights accommodation
- 1 dinner
- 2 breakfasts
- 24/7 Support communication with our team in the Alps
- Navigational App
- Planning and reservations
What's not Included?
- Flights
- Airport transfers
- Travel insurance (required)
- Luggage transfers
- Additional nights before, during and after trip (can be added on request)
- Lunches, snacks and drinks
- In-resort travel (bus / lifts / trains)
Adventure like a local
The Adventure Base Difference
Born & Bred in the Alps
With an office at the foot of Mont Blanc in Chamonix, we help you Adventure like a local.
Customer Focused
We don't just want you for one trip, we want you for lots! We work extremely hard to earn that right.
Don't take our word for it
Our clients do the talking. Check out their latest reviews and see what makes their trips so special.
Guaranteed Departures
If you can book it, we'll run it even if it's just for you. You shouldn't have to wait to get excited for your trip.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE ACCOMMODATION
We know the importance of having comfortable accommodation on this trip. After long days trekking it's vital to have a comfortable bed and good food to enjoy. We've handpicked accommodation along the way that we're sure you're going to love.
VIEW GALLERY
-
-
+ 4
ON THE TREK
The 2 nights accommodation on the trek will be in dormitories and / or small shared rooms. You may be able to upgrade in some of the accommodation options if requested in advance and based on availability.
-
Duration
2 Nights
-
Internet
Wifi included
-
Beds
Dormitory
-
Food
2x Breakfasts, 1x Dinner
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Karwendel Alps Highlights Itinerary
Whilst you will try and stick to the tried and tested itinerary below, availability in some of the locations may not always be available. In this instance we will provide a suitable alternative and make sure you're aware of any changes.
Keep in mind: The moving times shown don’t account for breaks. Add 1–2 hours each day for a more accurate total trail time.
Please note: Early or late season departures may be impacted by reduced bus/train operating schedules, so the availability of transport options may vary.
-
Day 1:
Lake Achensee - Binsalm
Your trek begins with an easy stroll along the shores of Lake Achensee, on wide, comfortable paths with lovely views out across the turquoise water. From Pertisau, the route eases away from the lake and into the open, tranquil Falzthurntal valley, climbing gently through forest and meadows an easy, scenic warm-up for what's to come.
The path then steepens noticeably, switchbacking up the mountainside toward the Binssattel saddle. It's a sustained, arduous pull, but the views only get better as you climb, and at the top you're rewarded with a sweeping panorama taking in the Laliderwand, the Eng valley, and the peaks of the Sonnjoch and Gramai.
From here, it's all downhill a gentle 30-minute descent brings you down to Binsalm, your alpine hut for the night, set in a beautiful spot above the valley.
Approximate time and distances:
20kms / 1000m up / 450m down / 6 hours trekking
12miles / 3280ft up / 1400ft down / 6 hours trekking -
Day 2:
Binsalm - Karwendelhaus
Today brings an up-and-down day as you navigate deeper into the heart of the Karwendel. Leaving the quiet, little-visited pastures of Binsalm, the trail winds through a landscape of sharp climbs and descents, threading between rocky ridgelines and alpine meadows. Along the way you'll pass Falkenhütte, one of the region's classic refuges, perched at 1,848m beneath the towering Laliderer Wände, a perfect spot to pause and take in the scenery.
From Falkenhütte, the final stretch climbs once more on a narrow forest path that rises steadily, mostly shaded, though it can catch the afternoon sun, before delivering you to Karwendelhaus. Over a century old, this massive mountain hut of natural stone and timber cladding seems to grow straight out of the rock face. It sits dramatically on the mountainside high above the valley, a fitting, unforgettable place to spend the night deep in the Karwendel wilderness.
Approximate time and distances:
17kms / 1300m up / 1000m down / 6 hours trekking
10.5miles / 4300ft up / 3280ft down / 6 hours trekking -
Day 3:
Karwendelhaus - Scharnitz - Train to Innsbruck
Your final day begins with a series of switchbacks winding down from Karwendelhaus on a broad forest road, quickly losing height as you leave the high pass behind. The path soon eases into the long, open Karwendeltal valley, with the towering Birkkarspitze, the Karwendel's highest peak, and other imposing summits framing the valley floor on either side.
Along the way you'll pass the Larchetalm, a beautiful stretch of pastureland where you can rest beside the rushing Karwendel stream, and the small Birzl Chapel a little further on. The route follows the Karwendelbach for much of the descent, with side waterfalls, cascades and small gorges to enjoy as the stream tumbles down through the valley.
The final stretch flattens out into a gentle, easy walk along the valley floor, bringing you into the village of Scharnitz. From here, a short train ride carries you onward to Innsbruck, marking a comfortable and scenic end to your three days in the Karwendel.
Approximate time and distances:
16kms / 100m up / 900m down / 4 hours trekking
10miles / 300ft up / 3000ft down / 4 hours trekking
Frequently asked questions about this adventure
Karwendel Alps Highlights: FAQs
Getting to your Adventure: Tyrol and Bavarian Alps
Wondering how to get to your adventure with us? Please see here for more info.
Are you ready?
Our adventures are attributed a difficulty level from A to E. This Karwendel Alps Highlights Self Guided 3 Days trip is rated Level A, for beginners and newcomers We recommend you only book a trip that reflects your ability.
Level A
For beginners and newcomers
- You’re not quite sure where to start but you’re hungry for an adventure
- Little / no prior experience
- Shorter time duration
- No technical skills required but keen to learn
- Basic level of fitness
Think you've got this?
This trip is at this level
Level B
For those with some prior experience
- You have some previous experience in the outdoors, whether that’s hiking, skiing or climbing, and are keen to build on that
- You will either be starting to venture into more technical terrain or slightly more challenging environments
- Some basic skills
- Moderate fitness
More your level?
Level C
For accomplished adventurers
- You enjoy challenging yourself physically and mentally
- You’re comfortable on multi-day adventures and you call yourself an avid adventurer
- You're not quite George Mallory but you subscribe to his 'because it is there' attitude
- Strong level of fitness
More your level?
Level D
For the pros
- You're ready to test your skills on the next challenge
- You're comfortable in most types of alpine environments
- Some level of technical skills
- Strong level of fitness
More your level?
Level E
For the experts
- You’ve been on multiple adventures and have built up a solid skillset to tackle most challenges out there
- Good technical skills and knowledge
- Experienced in alpine/mountains environments
- Very high level of fitness
More your level?
Climb Triglav
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Slovenia’s Julian Alps as you embark on an unforgettable trek through Triglav National Park. This exhilarating journey will take you to the summit of Slovenia’s highest peak, lead you through the stunning Triglav Lakes Valley, reveal nature’s most awe-inspiring wonders, and offer you the experience of staying in traditional mountain huts.
-
July - September
-
Level A
-
€1030.00
Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights
Experience the best of the Tour du Mont Blanc trails, trekking through France, Italy and Switzerland in just 4 days, for those that are looking for a shorter trip. Jam-packed with some of the best bits of the whole Tour du Mont Blanc, this trip has been designed in order to have an incredible trekking experience.
-
July - September
-
Level A
-
€990.00
Chamonix Ice Climbing Course
Whether it is mountain ice or frozen waterfalls, ice climbing is superb and always an ultra rewarding outdoor experience. The ‘thunk’ of your axes bedding into the ice, and the beauty of the mountains in winter is hard to beat.
-
January
-
Level A
-
€1790.00
Women Only 11-Day Tour du Mont Blanc Guided Hike
This 11 day female-only Tour du Mont Blanc guided trek is all about bringing incredible women together for one unforgettable experience. An incredible opportunity to completely immerse yourself in the mountains and enjoy the natural beauty of the seven valleys that surround western Europe’s highest mountain.
-
July - September
-
Level B
-
€2990.00
Arolla to Zermatt Haute Route Trek Guided 6 Days
The Haute Route trek is one of the world’s great multi-day treks. The route links two world-famous mountains, Mont Blanc in France and the Matterhorn in Switzerland. Enjoy this 6 day version of the trek from Arolla to Zermatt.
-
July - September
-
Level B
-
€2390.00
Dolomites Alta Via 1 Guided Highlights
Discover the Alta Via 1 Trek – a spectacular journey through the heart of Italy’s Dolomites. This iconic trail winds through some of the most stunning UNESCO-listed alpine landscapes in the world. We’ve crafted this itinerary for those who want to experience the best of the Alta Via 1 on a shorter adventure. Perfect for hikers short on time but big on adventure, this guided trek packs in the highlights without skimping on the views. Over just a few unforgettable days, you’ll soak up dramatic peaks, scenic trails, and cozy mountain rifugios — all with expert guidance and none of the stress. If you’re after a high-impact trekking experience in a short window, this trip is made for you.
-
July - September
-
Level B
-
€1755.00
Guided Trail Running: Dolomites Alta Via 1 in 7 Days
Discover the Alta Via 1 Trail Run, an unforgettable journey through the heart of Italy’s Dolomites. Covering approximately 120 kilometres over 7 days, this point-to-point trail-running adventure takes you through some of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in Europe, all set within the UNESCO-listed Dolomites. Designed for runners seeking a balance of challenge, adventure, and incredible scenery, you'll traverse high alpine trails, dramatic limestone peaks, remote mountain passes, and traditional rifugios, while immersing yourself in the unique culture and natural beauty of this iconic region.
-
August
-
Level C
-
€2890.00
Guided Trail Running: Tour du Mont Blanc 8 Days
This full 8-day trail running version of the Tour du Mont Blanc offers an incredible opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the mountains while covering the iconic route at a faster pace. Journey through the seven spectacular valleys surrounding Western Europe’s highest peak, enjoying breathtaking alpine scenery, charming mountain villages, and the unique cultures of France, Italy, and Switzerland along the way.
-
July
-
Level C
-
€2990.00
Women Only Climb Mont Blanc
If the idea of standing on the summit of Mont Blanc excites you, you’re not alone! We know there’s a lot of women out there who share that same drive, excitement, and sense of adventure. Sitting in the Alps between France and Italy at 4808m, Mont Blanc is the highest peak in Western Europe. This trip is all about bringing incredible women together for one unforgettable experience. If this sounds like you, then keep on reading...
-
May - September
-
Level C
-
€3565.00
Alpine Haute Route Ski Tour
The Haute Route ski tour has deservedly earned its reputation for being one of the world's great ski adventures. Embark on an epic 6 day journey crossing spectacular glaciated terrain from Chamonix to Zermatt. Love your skiing? This is a must for you!
-
March - April
-
Level D
-
€2340.00
Climb the Triple Crown of the Alps
Climb the famous Triple Crown of the Alps. Mont Blanc, Matterhorn and Eiger. A lifetime mountaineering achievement, all possible within 10 days with the right fitness and preparation.
-
July - August
-
Level E
-
€
Bernese Oberland Ski Tour in the Swiss Alps
The Bernese Oberland ski tour is a stunning link up of high altitude mountain huts and peaks in the wild Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps. The ski terrain in this region is for expert ski tourers with strong endurance. It features long days on huge glaciers, remote huts, and big, wild terrain — a true adventure for seasoned riders.
-
March
-
Level E
-
€2450.00
Climb the Eiger
The Eiger is one of the most sought after summits in the Alps and a formidable challenge for any keen mountaineer. Located in the Bernese Alps in Switzerland, this is a major Alpine classic steeped in historic tales of heroic climbing. On this trip we climb via the Mittellegi ridge. Got what it takes?
-
July - August
-
Level E
-
€4830.00
