Kolsass: Circular Walk, Local History and Mining

Kolsass brings together outdoor activities and history through several distinct themes: a circular hiking trail between Wattens and Kolsass, a long parish history, and memories of mining and ore processing. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Kolsass, you can plan your stay around these interests. A walk through meadows and forest, the summer cycling route to Innsbruck, and historical landmarks offer different ways to spend your days.

Hiking through meadows and forest to the Lourdes Chapel

A circular hiking trail runs between Wattens and Kolsass through meadows and forest to the Lourdes Chapel in Merans; the return route leads through the Archenwald forest. The Lourdes Chapel is a special stop along the route. The succession of meadows and forest shapes the trail, while the chapel provides a clearly identifiable cultural landmark. This way, the landscape and a specific destination are both at the heart of the hike. As route details may change, check the current route before setting out.

Church history across several eras

The parish history dates back to 788, when the parish of Kolsass was elevated to the status of a mother parish. A priest in Kolsass is first mentioned in a document from 1233. The building history began later. In the 14th century, the Romanesque church was remodeled in the Gothic style, and in the 17th century the nave was enlarged. The early parish records and the later construction phases represent different periods in the town’s history. The Catholic parish church of the Visitation of Mary at Kirchplatz 3 is protected as a listed building by ordinance.

Protected landmarks and historical features

Heritage protection extends beyond the parish church. The cemetery and cemetery chapel at Kirchplatz 3 are also protected by ordinance. A mural in the connecting passage between the primary school and kindergarten is likewise protected. Other protected features include the wayside shrine at Fiechterweg 4 and a wayside cross near Kirchplatz 3. There are currently six listed properties in the municipality of Kolsass. The examples range from religious buildings to a mural in the connecting passage.

Mining as part of local history

Alongside agriculture, mining was an important source of income in Kolsass for several centuries, particularly in the hamlet of Mühlbach. Iron ore was processed at smelting works from the 14th to the 16th century. Gold was panned in Kolsass in the 16th and 18th centuries. The periods overlap in the 16th century: both iron ore processing and gold panning took place then; gold was also panned in the 18th century. Mühlbach is the hamlet most closely associated with the mining history. This economic history adds another perspective on Kolsass alongside its church and architectural heritage.

Hike or summer cycling route?

In summer, the Inn Cycle Path in the Tyrolean Lower Inn Valley runs from Kolsass to Innsbruck, which is 20 km away. This gives you a practical comparison when planning: the hiking trail is a loop with a return route through the Archenwald forest and a stop at a chapel, while the Inn Cycle Path leads to Innsbruck in summer. Consider whether you would prefer to plan a hike that includes the Lourdes Chapel or add a cycling tour in the direction of Innsbruck. The parish and mining histories offer further topics to explore during your stay. If one of these routes is a deciding factor in your search for a holiday apartment, check the current route or conditions beforehand.

Discover more destinations: Neustift in the Stubai Valley, Trins, Statz, Lans, Pfaffenhofen, Patsch, Mützens, Götzens

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