What To Do In Summer In Alpbach Austria

Summer in Alpbach transforms this small Tyrolean village into one of Austria’s most inviting mountain destinations. With its traditional wooden chalets, flower‑lined balconies, and sweeping alpine views, Alpbach offers a mix of outdoor adventure and relaxed village life without the crowds. Whether you’re here for hiking to the Wiedersberger Horn, mountain biking, swimming in crystal‑clear lakes like Lake Reither, or simply soaking up the sunshine in one of Austria’s prettiest villages, summer in Alpbach delivers a perfect blend of nature and culture.

Alpbach is a traditional alpine village in the Tyrol region of western Austria, set on a sunny plateau above the Alpbachtal valley. It’s around 45 minutes from Innsbruck and easily reached by car, bus, or train connections via Brixlegg. Due to its convenient location, visitors can easily spend a week or a weekend break here, or even take a day trip from Innsbruck.

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Views of sunrise hike to Wiedersberger Horn.

Summer activities in Alpbach

Summer in Alpbach is ideal for travellers seeking quick access to alpine trails, lakes, and family-friendly activities. Hike Gratlspitze or Wiedersberger Horn, swim in Reintalersee and Achensee, or take a scenic walk through Tiefenbach Gorge. Families can visit Lauserland and ride the Lauser Sauser coaster. For culture, the Museum of the Tirolean Farmhouse offers insight into traditional Tyrolean life. Finish your day with classic Tyrolean cuisine in the village.

Here is our list of things you can do in Alpbach, Alpbachtal during the summer holidays:

1. Alpbachtal Summer Card in Alpbach

Visitors in Alpbach can benefit from the Alpbachtal Summer Card during their stay for activities. You’ll typically receive it for free when staying overnight in the region. This card unlocks incredible value and convenience, especially for families and budget-conscious visitors. There is a similar incentive in Morzine, France, in summer.

The card permits free use of the mountain lifts (including Wiedersbergerhornbahn) and public buses in the Alpbachtal region. It also provides free entry to local bathing lakes and swimming pools, as well as to attractions such as the Museum of Tyrolean Farmhouses, and to planned activities organised as part of the Alpbachtal family programs.

2. Walk the Mühlbachweg Path of Contemplation

The Mühlbachweg Path of Contemplation is a relaxing, 2.2 km circular walk. It has several features along the way, including a pond where you can dip your feet, sculptures, areas to learn about the village (such as the types of wood they used), and even resting areas. The gravel trail leads through the forest, is wide in most sections, and is only a gentle climb upwards.

The trail is free and suitable for everyone, including families and should take around 45 minutes to 1 hour to walk. The Mühlbachweg Path of Contemplation starts and ends at the Alpbach tourist office in the village and is open during the summer. Use a day backpack to carry essentials like a water bottle and snacks.

2.1 Mühlbachweg Path of Contemplation

Distance: 2.2 kms
Suggested hiking time: – 1 hr
Fitness level: – Easy

Alpine flowers on the chalets in the village of Alpbach

3. Alpbach Homeland Trail in Summer

Another hike that starts in the village is the Alpbach Homeland 5.17 km loop trail. This family-friendly activity should take you about an hour and a half to complete. This path, though, is a little steeper; however, you will get some amazing views across and down to Alpbach village. There are signs along the trail to help navigate your way around the trail. Carry a water bottle to keep hydrated.

It also features displays of insights into nature and local history, as well as benches for resting and taking in the views. The Alpbach Homeland trail is one of the most popular walking trails for families. There are similar family hikes in Les Gets in Summer.

3.1 Alpbach Homeland Trail

Distance: 5.17 kms
Suggested hiking time: – 1 hr & half
Fitness level: – Easy

4. Sunrise Hike to Wiedersberger Horn

One of the most popular things to do in summer in Alpbach is to hike to the summit of the Wiedersberger Horn at sunrise. You will be greeted by panoramic views of the Austrian Alps, accompanied by the sound of the traditional Alpine horn and the tinkling of cowbells. The ascent to the summit is 2.127 metres, and you start from the Wiedersbergerhorn gondola Car station at an altitude of 1,185 metres.

Depending on your fitness level, it should take you about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Nature lovers will, depending on the time of year in summer, see rare plants and grasses in bloom, such as the alpine flower Almrosen (Rhododendron). Don’t worry if you don’t make it all the way to the summit, as there are a couple of viewing points (seats) along the way. It is advisable to wear a headlamp, base layers and hiking boots or trail shoes.

4.1 Sunrise Hike Additional Information

Times – Ascent (4:15 – 6:00 a.m.) Descent from 8:00 a.m.
Free – The lift is free with the Alpbachtal Summer Card.
Ticket Purchase – Available from the Alpbachtal tourist offices

Sunrise Hike on the summit at Wiedersbergerhorn Horn

5. Have breakfast at the highest mountain hut in Alpbach

After the sunrise hike to Wiedersberger Horn, head to Hornalm for a hearty Austrian breakfast. Located at 2032 meters, near the Hornlift 2000 chair lift, the Hornalm is the highest ski hut in the Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau. The Hornalm is open from 6:45 a.m. on days when the sunrise hike to Wiedersberger Horn is open during the summer.

Enjoy your breakfast while taking in the stunning views over the Ziller and Alpbach Valleys. Just make sure you book in advance (at least the day before).

6. Ride the Wiedersbergerhorn Cable Car

Wiedersbergerhorn Cable Car top station reaches an altitude of 1,185. In summer, it provides access to the Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau area. Where visitors can enjoy panoramic mountain views, hike along the numerous trails in the Kitzbühel Alps, and dine in the high-altitude mountain huts.

Additionally, there is the Lauserland Aplbachtal children’s adventure playground for families, where you can use the Alpine coaster. The Wiedersbergerhorn Cable Car opens in late May and closes in early November, with a short period in between closed for maintenance. Parking and the cable car are free for visitors with an Albachtal card.

7. Ride the Alpine Coaster “Lauser Sauser”

One of the coolest things to do in summer in Alpbach is to ride the Alpine coaster known as the Lauser Sauser down the Wiedersbergerhorn mountain. It involves jumps, twists, and turns at high speed while strapped into a seated position in a two-seater sledge. You fly down the Wiedersbergerhorn from an altitude of 1.845 m while reaching speeds of up to 40kmph over 134 vertical meters.

When the ride is over, the coaster carries passengers and the sledge back to the top. You cannot take your backpack, but there are lockers at the start where you can leave your bag for a refundable deposit. Children aged between 3 and 8 years old must travel with another person. Alpine Coaster is also open in winter, like the one in Pays de Gex, France.

7.1 Lauser Sauser Additional Information

Located – At the top of the Wiedersbergerhorn gondola station.
Opening Hours – Daily | 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM (In summer)

Wiedersbergerhorn gondola station, where the Lauser Sauser starts

8. Hike Wolfsklamm Gorge, Stans

About a half-hour drive from Alpbach lies the Wolfsklamm gorge and the Georgenberg Monastery in Stans. In summer, enjoy a hike to one of Austria’s most beautiful gorges and admire the cascading waterfalls. The Wolfsklamm Gorge hike is a 6 km round trip that leads over steps, ridges, and rocky canyons through the gorge, passing waterfalls. It has an elevation gain of 350 m and takes roughly 3-5 hours round trip, with the entrance point in Stans village.

The hiking trail requires a moderate level of fitness, as parts involve steep walking and climbing stairs. Wear good hiking shoes. Just as you reach the halfway point, there is a spot where you are allowed to stop and dip your feet in the water. At this point, you can either hike up to Georgenberg Monastery or head back by crossing the small bridge and descending via Fiecht. Bring your GoPro or 360-degree camera to capture the waterfalls.

8.1 Wolfsklamm gorge Information

Distance: – 6kms
Suggested hiking time: – 3 hours
Fitness level: – Moderate
Opened: – 1st May – 31st October (during spring and summer in Tyrol)

9. Have lunch at St Georgenberg Monastery

Have a traditional Austrian meal at St Georgenberg Monastery after your hike up Wolfsklamm gorge. Known to be one of the oldest pilgrimage sites in the Tyrol region, the monastery features a small shop, a Gasthaus (a German-style inn) with a bar and restaurant, and a terrace offering beautiful panoramic mountain views. Here, visitors can enjoy hearty, Austrian dumplings, savoury schnitzels and flaky apple strudel (Apfelstrudel).

I had Wiener Schnitzel with a glass of local wine. It tasted delicious and was well worth the hike up the mountain. Hiking the Wolfsklamm gorge and visiting the St. Georgenberg Monastery are among the top things to do in Stans in summer. Both are popular with hikers and families who love the outdoors. Make sure you book your lunch in advance at the St. Georgenberg Monastery, as it gets really busy, and it saves you from disappointment.

Hiking through the Wolfsklamm Gorge and the Georgenberg Monastery, Stans

10. Hike through Tiefenbach Gorge (Tiefenbachklamm)

Tiefenbach Gorge, or Tiefenbachklamm, is another great hike to add to your Alpbach summer trip. It is situated between Kramsach and Brandenberg in the Alpbachtal region, about a 16-minute drive from Alpbach village. The hike offers emerald-green water gushing through the narrow ravine, stunning waterfalls, and the Tiefenbach Gorge (Tiefenbachklamm). It reminded me of the waterfalls along the hike in Nagano, Japan.

This hike is about 4.5 km and should roughly take you about an hour and a half to complete. You can start either in Brandenburg or in Kramsach. There is a local bus that runs past both entrances. Around 1.5 km from the Kramsach starting point, you will reach the observation platform, an ideal spot to take in the breathtaking views and take pictures.

Most of the path is uneven, and you will need to step over stones or tree roots, especially in the forest and along the path above the Brandenberg stream. I suggest wearing good-grip hiking shoes. I wore my Merrell Hiking Trainers, which were ideal for this path.

10.1 Tiefenbach Gorge Information

Distance: – 4.5kms
Suggested hiking time: – 1 and a half hours
Entrance fee: – It is free to hike through the gorge.
Open: – During the Spring and summer season (The gorge is closed on days with heavy rainfall)

11. Visit The Museum of Tyrolean Farmhouses

A great place to visit in the Alpbachtal region during the summer is the Museum of the Tirolean Farmhouse in Kramsach. On a 20-acre site, this intriguing open-air museum is the largest in Tyrol and is great for the whole family, especially with the interactive areas for children. If you want to know more about the museum, you can book a guided tour in advance.

The outdoor museum aims to preserve architectural buildings across 14 farms and 23 outbuildings. It was interesting to explore these Tirolean farmhouses, learning their history through projected images and stories on the walls about the people who had once lived in them and the hardships they endured. If you are interested in Austrian history, how about visiting these historical sites in Salzburg?

11.1 Museum of the Tirolean Farmhouse information

Free – Entrance is free with an Alpbachtal Card, or you can purchase tickets here.
Open – During the summer season
Duration – Roughly 1-2 hrs

Visiting the open-air museum Museum of the Tirolean Farmhouse

12. Traditional Austrian Lunch at Wirtshaus Rohrerhof

Have a traditional Austrian lunch at Gasthaus Mariathal, located near the Museum of Tyrolean Farmhouses. Here you will find a wide selection of speciality Tyrolean cuisine, including Tiroler Gröstl (pan-fried potatoes with meat), dumplings, and Käsespätzle (cheese noodles). As well as Austrian beers and wines.

We had a selection of Austrian dishes, and the food was hearty, tasty, and fresh, so much so that I could not stop eating. It was one of my favourite Tyrolean meals of the whole trip.

13. Listen to Live music in Alpbach during the summer

One of the top things to do in Alpbach on a Friday night is to listen to live music in the village. The concert is held by the local brass orchestra band Bundesmusikkapelle Alpbach. The band plays every Friday evening during the summer season in the church square, opposite De Böglerhof Hotel.

Enjoy both traditional and modern music while sipping local schnapps sold by ladies in traditional costumes. At the same time, mingling with the other holidaymakers and locals in the Alpbach village. The free concert is held every Friday in summer from 7 pm and goes for one and a half hours, weather permitting. Before or afterwards, I suggest drinks and dinner at Gasthof Zirmalm in Alpbach.

Having Austrian lunch at Wirtshaus Rohrerhof

14. Alpbach Hotels in Summer

Alpbach offers a variety of hotels and accommodation options that emphasise wellness, nature, and convenient access to hiking trails. Given the village’s small size, most activities are within walking distance or a short bus ride away. Many hotels include the Alpbachtal Card, which provides free access to lifts, cable cars, and local transport.

A few of the hotels worth mentioning in Alpbach are Hotel Alphof Alpbach, a stylish 4-star hotel near the centre, and Gasthaus Jakober, a beautiful traditional guest house in the centre. For a wellness retreat, consider Hotel Der Alpbacherhof or luxury Der Böglerhof – a pure nature spa resort.

You can check all types of hotels and accommodation for availability in Alpbach during the summer on Booking.com.

15. Der Böglerhof Hotel

I stayed at the gorgeous Hotel Der Böglerhof, a nature spa resort that blends old and modern architecture and interior design with traditional wooden furnishings. Located in the centre of Alpbach and within walking distance of most tourist attractions, pubs, and restaurants. Hotel Der Böglerhof featured a heated indoor/outdoor swimming pool, an adjoining sauna, a gym, games rooms, and tennis courts.

It also has a restaurant, bar area and a terrace with stunning panoramic views of the Alpbach mountains and the Ziller Valley. If you are driving, there is free parking. My room was spacious, on the top floor, with a four-poster bed. It was decorated in the typical alpine chalet style, with double glass doors opening onto a balcony that took in the views across the village and slopes.

The entrance to Hotel Böglerhof with alpine flowers

16. Getting to Alpbach in the Summer from Innsbruck

Alpbach sits in the Alpbachtal Valley in the Austrian state of Tyrol, nestled at the foot of the Gratlspitz mountain. It is about 52 km from Innsbruck city centre. You can get to Alpbach in summer by car, train or bus. Innsbruck Airport is the nearest airport for those flying in.

16.1 Driving from Innsbruck Airport

If you’re driving, it takes about 45 minutes to reach your destination from Innsbruck Airport. Simply take the A12 motorway, exit at Brixlegg/Kramsach, and follow the signs into the Alpbachtal Valley. Europcar offers a good selection of car rentals at the airport, with competitive prices.

16.2 Trains from Innsbruck in the summer

Take a train from Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof to Brixlegg or Worgl station. From either station, take the local bus, which is free with your hotel reservation confirmation. The train can be booked and checked on RailEurope.com.

17. Alpbach summer buses

In summer, Alpbach is easy to explore without a car, thanks to frequent regional buses, all of which are free for guests with the Alpbachtal Card. The buses link Alpbach to nearby villages, including Reith im Alpbachtal, Brixlegg, Kramsach, Münster, Brandenberg, Breitenbach, Radfeld, Kundl, and Rattenberg.

On my balcony at Hotel Böglerhof, Alpbach, Tyrol

18. Other Things You Can Do in Alpbach in Summer

Swim in Lake Reither: Take a dip in Lake Reither to cool off after your adventures in Alpbach. It is located in the centre of the village. Bring a towel and sunscreen.

Visit Innsbruck: Take a day trip to Innsbruck, which is less than an hour away. You can explore the old town and see the main sights and attractions. Book activities in Innsbruck here on GYG.

Do the Panorama Hike: Hike the panoramic path around the Wiedersberger Horn. It reaches an elevation of about 1,880 m and is a 4 km route. You can do the route in either direction, both offering stunning panoramic views.

Lauserland Alpbachtal: Take the children to the Lauserland Alpbachtal and the adventure playground, which is open in summer. It is located at the top of the Wiedersbergerhornbahn gondola and is open daily from 10 am to 3 pm.

Extend your stay: If you have more time, how about staying at Park Igls Medical Spa Retreat near Innsbruck? It is a great add-on for those seeking health and outdoor retreats.

19. Tips for visiting Alpbach in summer

Activities in Tyrol: Here is a selection of summer activities you can book around the Tirol region with GYG.
Buses are free with the Alpbachtal Summer Card.
Outdoor clothing: The weather in the Austrian Alps can be unpredictable, so I suggest lightweight, waterproof clothing for your outdoor adventures, including a jacket, especially if you plan to hike. Jack Wolfskin online outlet store has a good selection of outdoor gear at discounted prices.
Sustainable Travel: Take a reusable water bottle or a water bladder to stay hydrated while hiking or mountain biking in the Austrian Alps. It can be refilled and reused repeatedly.
Summer mountain lifts: The two main mountain lifts, Wiedersbergerhornbahn and Reitherkogelbahn, in Reith open in summer, from May to Sept.
Internet Data: Airalo offers affordable eSIMs for Austria, so you can stay connected while on the mountain.

Mountain views across Tyrol, Austria, in summer

20. Other Summer Resorts in Europe

How about these detailed summer guides for other resorts in Europe during the summer period?

Have you been to Alpbach or the Tyrol Region in summer before and done any activities there? I would love to hear about your experiences in the comments. Get yourself some good outdoor gear from Jack Wolfkin’s online store for your adventure to Austria.

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Disclaimer: Even though I was invited by the Inghams and Tirol Tourism, all views are my own and based on my own experience.

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