Patscherkofel Schutzhaus

The Patscherkofel (2,246 m) is Innsbruck’s local mountain – and one of the best-known peaks in Tyrol. The downhill races of the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics were held here. The Schutzhaus at 1,970 m, near the top station of the Patscherkofelbahn, is the classic rest stop for everyone arriving by cable car or on foot – the actual summit is still about 44 minutes’ walk further up.

Location and Character

From the top station you get one of the best panoramic views in the region: the entire Inn valley from Kufstein to the Brenner, the Nordkette directly opposite, and to the south – the Stubaital with its 3,000-metre peaks. In Föhn conditions you can see from here exactly where you’ve just been.

The Schutzhaus is well run, family-friendly and – precisely because it’s reachable by cable car – suitable for all fitness levels. In addition to the summer season (May–October), the Schutzhaus is also open in winter (mid-December to the end of March).

Access

By cable car: Patscherkofelbahn from Igls (near Innsbruck) – about 10 minutes, running daily (season).

On foot from Patsch (about 960 m): ascent via the normal route to the Schutzhaus, about 2.5 hours, about 960 m elevation gain. Demanding but rewarding. Reaching the actual summit (2,246 m) takes correspondingly more elevation gain and time.

From Innsbruck: bus to Igls (about 20 minutes), then cable car. Or by car: Igls is about 25 minutes from the Stubaital.

Tours from the Schutzhaus

• Patscherkofel summit (2,246 m) – about 44 minutes on foot from the Schutzhaus
• Viggarspitze (2,306 m) – summit tour, 1 hour from the Schutzhaus
• Rumer Spitze (2,454 m) – demanding extension, requires sure-footedness

Combination with the Stubaital

Travel time Neustift → Igls about 30 minutes. Ideal half-day trip: cable car in the morning, lunch break at the Schutzhaus with panoramic views of the Stubaital, return in the afternoon.