5 tips for autumn in the Alpbachtal

Updated on 12/08/2022

When the leaves fall, it's time for an autumn hike in the Alpbachtal! The most beautiful hiking routes, culinary tips for on the way and events such as the Almabtrieb attract visitors to the mountains of Tyrol.

One of the best things about autumn is the beautiful nature. The trees slowly change colour and the air is cool and fresh. Take your time to enjoy the breathtaking scenery - preferably on a hike through the Alpbachtal. Autumn time is cattle drive time. One of the most traditional cattle drives in Tyrol takes place in Alpbachtal. A walk through the Matzenpark is also a great way to enjoy all the colourful splendour.

1. The time of the cattle drives

A number of cattle drives take place in the Alpbachtal region in autumn. One of the biggest is the Reither Almabtrieb, which is a large farmers' market and craft festival in addition to the colourfully decorated cows. Colourfully decorated cows, handicrafts and genuine Tyrolean delicacies make the Almabtrieb in Reith im Alpbachtal a special festival, which is celebrated every year on the last two weekends in September. The Reither Almabtrieb is one of the largest cattle drives in Tyrol with visitors from all over the world.

2. The best hikes in autumn

The Alpbachtal Tirol region is ideal for a beautiful autumn hike. The air is clear and fresh and the landscape offers a spectacular play of colours with its colourful leaves. The Alpbachtal in Tyrol is an ideal place for an autumn hike. TheGratlspitze (1,899 m) is the mountain with the best views in Alpbach. The exposed location offers outstanding views in all directions. Sunrise and sunset hikes are particularly popular. The Gratlspitze can be reached from Alpbach via the Steinweg to the Hösljoch and from there via the ridge to the summit. Walking time approx. 3.5 hoursThe legendary Berglsteiner See lake is nestled between deciduous forests in a marvellous natural setting. There is a lovely circular route around the lake with a few places to rest. The return route then leads back downhill along the forest road to the starting point. The Berglsteinersee 712er Lounge restaurant invites you to stop for a bite to eat. There are other places to stop for refreshments right by the Reintalersee lake.

The hike to the Voldöpper peak (approx. 5 hours total walking time) isa physically demanding circular tour with many metres in altitude. The descent is via the Heumösernalm, the Berglsteinersee to the Reintalersee back to the starting point. You can find more great tour tips on the tour portal: https://www.alpbachtal.at/de/tour

3.Walks through colourful foliageThepicturesque Matzen Castle Park is one of the most beautiful and valuable cultural landscapes in Tyrol. Matzen Castle rises to the south-west of Brixlegg. It was originally a tower castle, which developed into a castle in the 16th century. The park is a colourful place to visit, especially in autumn. Matzen Castle Park is ideal for a walk followed by a stop at the Gut Matzen restaurant with a view of the castle. There are also numerous hiking trails around Matzen Park. In Reith im Alpbachtal, for example, you can explore 12 stations on the Hildegard circular hiking trail, which leads those seeking relaxation to resting places with interesting facts about the healing power of herbs.

4. Culinary highlights in autumn

In autumn, the Alpbachtal region offers many good dishes that you should try. After a strenuous hike, an Alpbachtal hut snack is just the thing. They are served at the snack stations and mountain inns - on the original "Alpbachtal Hüttenjause" wooden board. If you want to combine indulgence with a unique experience, you should take a seat in the Alpbach gourmet gondola. A delicious breakfast is served directly in the gondola. Ride a few laps and start the day in style. A speciality that is enjoyed all year round is the Brandenberger Prügeltorte. The sweet Baumkuchen is baked over an open fire and is also enjoyed on public holidays.

5. A visit to the smallest town in Austria

With 440 inhabitants on 11 hectares, Rattenberg is the smallest town in Austria. The small town has preserved its medieval townscape and conveys this in a charming way. The picturesque pedestrian zone invites you to stroll through the narrow alleyways. As you pass the ornate glass shops, colourful facades, towers and the medieval castle, you soon realise that the town doesn't have to be big to offer great things. Rattenberg is the centre of glass processing in Tyrol. Glass cutters, glass engravers and glass painters can be found all over the streets. You can look over the shoulders of the glass refiners. The artists can create small figures or, if you wish, a heart made of glass. Tip: pay a visit to the Schlossberg. Because from high up you get a beautiful view of the city and the Inn Valley.