Around the Gratlspitze
The Alpbachtal Card offers an activity for every day, ranging from various options like guided e-bike tours, sightseeing tours, or mountain hikes. We decided to join one such hike around the Gratlspitze. The tour begins at the tourist information center in Alpbach, the most beautiful village in Tyrol. And yes, the village is indeed lovely, even though, as we later learned from our tour guide Peter, the award was granted quite some time ago. At the entrance to Alpbach, conveniently across from the supermarket, there is an easy-to-find parking spot. From there, it takes about 5 minutes to reach the starting point.
Sweaty Ascent
Today, it is particularly hot, making the ascent from the tourist information center in Alpbach up into the forest under the blazing sun very strenuous. We reach a small, shaded resting place with a fountain, where we take a short break, catch our breath, and refill our water supplies as needed. Oh dear, if it continues like this, it’s going to be quite a slog today. But tour guide Peter, who is from Alpbach, reassures us. The path continues uphill, but we walk in the shade of the trees. We hike along the so-called Heimatweg, which leads from Alpbach into the mountains. At an elevation with a small chapel, we take another deep breath and take a look inside the small house of worship. After a refreshment, we continue on. By now, we have already tackled most of the elevation. From here, the path to the mountain inn Holzalm is almost leisurely. Along the way, Peter gives us a brief history lesson. We pass the old mining area and the “Kaiserbründl” spring until we reach Hösllacke. This section not only gives us insights into the former copper and silver mining but also challenges us as hikers. Here, the path is partly exposed and very narrow, requiring full concentration with every step.
The Silver of Gratlspitz
500 years ago, Tyrol was a world power in silver mining, and Alpbach was fully involved. The mining era ended in the 19th century, and today only a few relics remind us of it. Before Alpbach was discovered for tourism in the 1930s, as we learn, this idyllic settlement, situated at an altitude of 1000 meters, was a typical mountain farming village. It was a world of hard agricultural work, isolated from the rest of the world, with no road connections down to the Inn Valley. Centuries ago, Alpbach was already a bustling place: metal ores were mined here with great success. Alpbach is located in the middle of a geological zone rich in ore deposits: the Schwaz dolomite, which forms the mighty rock face of Gratlspitz above the village center, conceals large deposits of copper and silver within it.
The fascinating part is that you can still see the copper color in the surrounding stones. The oxidation minerals formed are mainly azurite, malachite, and tirolite, which can still be found in the spoil heaps, recognizable by their characteristic blue and green hues. Naturally, I took a small souvenir from here.
Stopping at the Holzalm
Around noon, we reach the popular Holzalm. It is buzzing with activity, and finding a spot in the outdoor area is quite challenging. After a while, I find a place and enjoy my snack. This spot is a meeting point for day-trippers, cyclists, and hikers alike—a true spot in the sun. After lunch, we plan our return to Alpbach. First, we head uphill again until we reach the Hauser Joch. Here, we take another moment to enjoy the magnificent view of the Kitzbühel Alps and the surrounding area. Then we head downhill, passing many colorful flowers, like the knapweed or the touch-me-not, until we finally reach the Bischofer Käsalm. Unfortunately, no stop is planned here.
Chic, Chicer, Luxury Chalets
Behind the Käsalm, things get expensive. Here, the luxury chalets of Bischofer Bergwelt are located—three nights for 2,900 euros. That’s quite a statement. But I have to say, the accommodation does look very tempting. Especially in winter, around Christmas and New Year’s, I imagine staying here would be really wonderful. Yes, for now, that remains just a dream. From the Alm, we make our way down to Alpbach in large and quick steps, where the heat awaits us once again. The hike around the Gratlspitze is very beautiful and a little bit steeped in history.
