Nordkette Innsbruck
The Nordkette mountain range in Innsbruck is the striking massif that rises directly above the city. It comprises the southernmost peaks of the Karwendel range. Thanks to the modern Nordkette cable car, a funicular and gondola whisk you from the city center to this high alpine terrain in just 20 minutes. At the highest point – the Hafelekar – at 2,334 meters, you can enjoy a spectacular 360-degree view of the vibrant city and the pristine Karwendel mountains. In summer, locals come here for hiking, climbing, and mountain biking; in winter, for skiing and freeriding.
The Nordkette is the first thing you see on your way to Innsbruck – whether you arrive by car, train, or even plane. The Nordkette is the mountain range in the Karwendel Mountains. Its peaks lie like a chain to the north of Innsbruck, hence the name Nordkette (North Chain ). These mountains are characterized by their imposing, steep rock faces, which makes them particularly attractive. The Nordkette is over 2,000 meters high , which is why it appears so majestic . The Nordkette is always present – even when you’re standing in the middle of the city’s pedestrian zone. At the same time, this area is a recreational space for people who live here or are on vacation.
I’d like to share some impressions of the Nordkette mountain range with you, including many familiar sights and a few insider tips – some of which even locals don’t know. The Nordkette offers fantastic opportunities for walks , alpine hikes , or simply a breathtaking excursion while sightseeing in Innsbruck. The Nordkette cable car makes it all possible. It runs year-round. I’ve been up there many times and have plenty to share. Sit back, relax, and let yourself be inspired and captivated! Thousands of readers before you have already been thrilled by it.
Many meters of elevation difference between the peaks and the city
Strictly speaking, the Nordkette mountain range begins in the Inn Valley, north of the Inn River, and rises to the Hafelekar peak at around 2,300 meters above sea level. Innsbruck, with the Inn River at its base, lies at 574 meters. Between the urban area and the mountain peaks lies a 1,700-meter difference in altitude , offering a variety of destinations and attractions. Below, it’s green and populated, while above, bare rock dominates. I’ll take you with me – from the valley floor to the highest point, which is also known as the Top of Innsbruck .
The first prominent landmark on the way from Innsbruck’s old town towards the summit is Hungerburg , the highest district of Innsbruck. From here, there is already an impressive view of the mountain landscape. Further up is the Seegrube , where downhill biking is possible in summer and skiing in winter.
Finally, you reach the Hafelekar , the Top of Innsbruck, from where you can enjoy a truly spectacular view of the city and the mountains. The Nordkette cable car is the means of transport for exploring the Nordkette mountain range and experiencing all facets of this fascinating mountain world. With its help, you as a visitor can travel from the Old Town to the summit of the Nordkette.
The Hungerburg on the Nordkette mountain range
Above the city center, the first prominent point on the Nordkette mountain range is Hungerburg . It’s one of Innsbruck’s districts. Strictly speaking, Hungerburg is Innsbruck’s highest district . Around 300 meters above Innsbruck’s old town, you already have your first beautiful views of the mountains to the south. From the viewing platform at the Hungerburgbahn mountain station, you can even see across to the Bergisel Ski Jump. The famous Europa Bridge is also visible.
Between Hungerburg and the Inn River, the hillside is heavily wooded. A few houses peek out from among the trees. The Alpine Zoo is also located here. According to Wikipedia, it’s “one of the highest zoos in Europe.” I’m not a fan of zoos, so I can’t comment on that. I think the playground at Judenbühel , with its great views, is interesting for children. It’s relatively large, has a fantastic view, and isn’t too crowded. A real insider tip .
–> good to know about Hungerburg
–> the transportation to the Nordkette by Hungerburgbahn funicular
The Seegrube on the Nordkette mountain range
Hungerburg is the last settlement. Above it, you’ll find the cable car facilities, the scattered huts on the mountain, and plenty of nature. For me the Nordkette experience begins above Hungerburg. First, there’s deciduous forest. This is wonderful in autumn with the changing colors of the leaves. If you’re planning a hike: The temperature is pleasant in autumn, as you’ll be in the sun here, while it gets very cold and shady on the north side. From Hungerburg, the trail leads up to the Seegrube .
The Seegrube is the transfer point for the Nordkette cable car. Coming from Hungerburg, the Seegrube cable car terminates here. Simultaneously, the cable car up to the Hafelekar, the Top of Innsbruck, begins at the Seegrube. In summer, the Seegrube is the starting point for downhill bikers. One of the most challenging downhill runs in the Alps begins here. For visitors to the Seegrube, it’s a spectacular sight to see the bikers, clad in protective gear, hurtling down the steep ramps of the mountain.
The Perspectives Trail at the Seegrube is a unique panoramic path that blends art and nature. This 1.8-kilometer circular route features a series of architecturally designed viewing platforms . These structures, visually reminiscent of the region’s avalanche barriers, are strategically placed to offer spectacular views across the entire Inn Valley and the Karwendel mountain range. The trail is easy to walk and perfect for families and inexperienced hikers. It’s not just a path, but a visual journey that celebrates the beauty of the alpine landscape from ever-changing perspectives.
In winter, the area around the Seegrube is Innsbruck’s premier ski resort. It’s a paradise, especially after fresh snowfall. Snowboarders and carvers appreciate the groomed slopes and the many powder runs alongside them. For expert skiers, the long, sweeping cirques are a particular delight when snow conditions are good. In April, this area transforms into a haven for a unique winter sport: Figln. It’s incredibly fun, and sliding down the soft, spring snow is especially enjoyable.
You can reach the Seegrube via the Seegrube cable car. The Hafelekar cable car starts from the Seegrube.
–> Seegrube cable car
–> Hafelekar cable car
Hafelekar – Top of Innsbruck
At the very top of the Nordkette mountain range is the Hafelekar cirque, with its 2,334-meter-high summit, the Hafelekarspitze. From here, you’re so high up that you can not only look down on the city of Innsbruck, but also beyond the Nordkette to the other mountains in the Karwendel range. You can even see the Zugspitze and the Wetterstein Mountains ! It’s a unique experience that you can enjoy thanks to the Nordkette cable car, without any alpine experience. In summer, you can reach the viewpoints without any special equipment. I’ve even seen guests up there wearing high heels. Thousands of visitors to the city take advantage of the short trip to the Hafelekar. But Innsbruck locals also love to go up there and enjoy these mountains right in the city. If you enjoy hiking: the best way to do so, equipped with hiking gear, is on the famous Goetheweg trail . It’s the best high-altitude trail Innsbruck has to offer! The starting point is at the Hafelekar.
–> You can see my Goetheweg experiences here.
AUTHOR’S TIP: If you’d like to experience this too, thanks to my partnership with the Nordkette cable car, I can offer you a 10% discount on your Hafelekar ticket ! You won’t find a better deal anywhere else. And if you order it right here, you’ll skip the long wait at the ticket office…
–> my day at the Hafelekar including a 10% discount code
Nordkette cable car
The Nordkette cable car is the main means of transport from the Old Town all the way up to the Top of Innsbruck. This cable car takes you to all the beautiful spots on the Nordkette mountain range. The modern cable car starts right in the city center and ends at the very top. The valley station is located at the Congress Innsbruck in the Old Town. The Nordkette cable car is not just a means of transport, but also an architectural masterpiece designed by renowned architects like Zaha Hadid. Take a look at the unique architecture of Zaha Hadid’s buildings .
The Nordkette cable car journey is divided into three sections : the Hungerburg funicular runs from the Old Town to Hungerburg, the Seegrube funicular takes passengers from Hungerburg to Seegrube, and the Hafelekar funicular finally leads to the Hafelekar, the highest point of the Nordkette mountain range. The Nordkette cable car has a long history dating back to the 1920s.
