Nordkette. Jewel of the Alps

Panoramic mountain

The mountain at the heart of Innsbruck. The Nordkette is part of Austria’s largest nature park, the Karwendel Nature Park, and can be reached directly from Innsbruck city centre in just a few minutes! The breathtaking 360° view leaves a lasting impression, with the capital of the Alps on one side and Tyrol’s most extensive conservation area on the other.

The Hungerburg funicular enables visitors to reach the Hungerburg in just 8 minutes. There are several stops along the way including the Alpine Zoo, which is a favorite among families. After reaching the Hungerburg station, a short walk across Hermann Buhl Square, named after the world-famous Austrian mountaineer, leads visitors to the cable car station.

The Seegrube, at an altitude of 6,250 ft invites visitors and locals alike to relax, unwind and take in nature at its very best. Lying at an impressive 7,401 ft, the Hafelekar offers the most spectacular viewing experience. Thanks to a direct connection from the city, everybody can enjoy this unique experience within minutes.

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Adventure Nordkette

The Hafelekar Run is one of the steepest ski runs in Europe. With an incline of 70%, this ski run is reserved for extremely good riders. When the powder is at its best, it is more likely for some locals to be at the Hafelekar than at the workplace. The run for all those who like the extreme!

It takes about 20 minutes to get from the Seegrube Station to the Nordkette Climbing Arena. There are approximately 40 tours which are mainly single-rope routes at the UIAA difficulty levels 4 – 9, which means they are suitable for both beginner and advanced-level climbers.

Also experience the Innsbruck Fixed Rope Climbing Route.The best of the best have climbed on these rocks including mountain legend Hermann Buhl and also Hannes Gasser, who this route is named after. Climb in the footsteps of these climbing greats and experience unique mountain adventure.

NORDKETTE - you GOT TO GET UP THERE!

Tall or short, young or old, there is something for every hiker at the Nordkette. From short, flat circular hiking trails to longer tours from the Hungerburg into the Karwendel Nature Park, here you will find hikes and walks for every level of ability.

The impressive experience at the highest viewing point, the 2,300m-high Hafelekar, is within every man’s grasp thanks to a direct connection from the city. Visitors may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the normally shy wildlife, but the unique panorama of city and mountain is the real highlight.

Technik & Architektur

In no other place in the world is the dividing line between an urban area and rugged mountain terrain so thin. The new Nordkettenbahnen will now transport visitors directly from the city center of Innsbruck to high mountain terrain in just twenty minutes.

The journey begins at 560 m above sea level not far from the heart of Innsbruck's old town with its historical buildings and the world-renowned "Goldenes Dachl" (Golden Roof). Planned and designed by star architect Zaha Hadid, the cable car Hungerburg funicular with its unique stations sets new standards in international architecture. As the journey with the Panorama cable car continues along Seegrube and Hafelekar the picture changes: Visitors attention will be drawn to the carefully renovated station originally designed by the Tyrol architect Franz Baumann.

As visitors continue their ascent, the bustle of the town is replaced with the peace and beauty of the natural surroundings. Finally, all that remains is a spectacular view of Innsbruck that hints at the lively bustle of the city by day and shimmers like a sea of lights by night. On reaching the upper station at 2256 m above sea level, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city of Innsbruck on the one side and the unforgettable vista of untouched, pristine nature on the other. A visit to the Nordkette, set between the mountain range and the town, promises to be an unforgettable experience. Visitors will enjoy a unique combination of relaxation, the wonder of nature, and modern architecture.

NATUREPARK KARWENDEL

The Alpine Park Karwendel encloses almost the whole Karwendel massive and is the biggest protected area in the Tyrol and the biggest Nature Park of Austria with an area of 727 km². On account of the climatic and topographic conditions the Karwendel has an exceptionally high portion of natural habitats like primeval forests and wild rivers and accommodates a high biodiversity.

Many typical animal species and botanical species of the Alps like stone eagles, riverside runners or the German tamarisks (Myricaria germanica) specifically occur here to a great extent. The Karwendel also has a 150-year-old alpine-tourist history and is visited by approx. 1 million people yearly.

EXPLORE THE KARWENDEL

The Alpine Zoo

The Alpine-Zoo on the sunny side of Innsbruck. Europe’s highest-lying Zoo (750 m) is located on the foot of the Nordkette, right above the capital city of Tyrol with an unique view over the surrounding mountains. Experience the animal world in the alps here with more than 2,000 animals and 150 species. What's special about this "alpine zoo" is the way it presents alpine life forms from the past and present. The Alpine-Zoo is the only themed zoo of its type in the world that is home to such a complete collection of European alpine creatures, from animals to birds and fish.

Cable Railway Museum

The lower station of the Nordkette has been home to the “Small Cable Railway Museum” for the last 5 years. The museum is not only popular among cable railway enthusiasts who want to learn about the history of the Nordkette Cable Railways, it is also fascinating for all those who want to experience the old Innsbruck. An authentic replica of the very first cable car to make the journey to the top of the mountain can be found at the museum.

History

The history of the Nordkette Cable Railways is characterized by technical ingenuity, architectional innovation and hard work. Through over 100 years the face of the mountain, Innsbruck and also the cable ways has changed, but the credo stays the same: Technical innovation in perfect harmony with the nature surrounding it.

The territory around the Hungerburg was populated by middle of the 19th century. Since the city of Innsbruck showed little interest in the construction of a transport connection, the tourism pioneer Sebastian Kandler and the builder Josef Riehl decided on private initiative to create a connection between the city and the Hungerburg. But that was just the beginning.

HISTORY IN PICTURES