Discover Patsch: Mountain Views, Traditions and Trails

Patsch offers sweeping views over Innsbruck, the Nordkette and large parts of the Inn Valley. There are also nature trails, church art and a carnival tradition shaped by women. There are several ways to plan a holiday here: a circular trail through alpine plant species, hikes with different starting points, and cultural themes spanning from the Bronze Age to the present day.

Mountain Scenery and Alpine Garden

The Patscherkofel-Zirmberg Landscape Conservation Area is accessible on foot from Patsch. The Patscherkofel Alpine Garden sits at a specific altitude: at 2,000 metres beside the mountain station of the Patscherkofelbahn, it covers 1.5 hectares. The Alpine Garden is considered Austria’s highest-altitude alpine garden; its circular trail showcases alpine plant species from around the world. If you are interested in alpine plants, the garden combines a circular trail with a great diversity of species.

The Zirbenweg offers a different natural highlight. It passes through a dense stand of Swiss stone pines that is centuries old. While the Alpine Garden showcases alpine plant species from around the world, this trail focuses on the old Swiss stone pine forest. The two themes therefore offer different ways to experience mountain nature, without requiring any particular level of hiking fitness.

Local History, Art and Traditions

The history of the area goes back a long way: archaeological finds in the vicinity of Patsch indicate that people lived here around 4,000 years ago. The ceiling frescoes in the parish church of Patsch, dedicated to Saints Donatus and Stephen, are the last work by Anton Zoller (1695–1768). The Patsch Easter tomb also dates from around 1767 and is set up every year. When it can be seen depends on the Easter calendar and parish arrangements.

At the Patsch Schellenschlagen, women shape this carnival tradition in Patsch. In 2022, Schellenschlagen was recognised by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage. The archaeological finds, church frescoes, Easter tomb and carnival tradition offer different ways to explore the history and customs of the village.

Hikes and Tours with Different Starting Points

A family hike described as easy starts in the centre of Patsch and follows well-maintained trails to the pilgrimage site of Heiligwasser. Conditions may vary depending on the season. Another hike to an alpine pasture starts at the Patscherkofelbahn mountain station and follows a forest road via the Hochmahdalm and Patscher Alm to Patsch. The two routes differ for day-planning purposes in both their starting points and destinations: the village centre and Heiligwasser for one, and the mountain station and a route via two alpine pastures to Patsch for the other.

The Goldbichl Archaeological Trail is accessed from the Römerstraße via a wide, gently ascending forest path. A cycling tour along the old Römerstraße leads from Igls through Patsch towards Matrei am Brenner. This gives you a choice of an archaeological trail and a cycling tour, each with its own route description, when planning your excursions.

The Zirbenweg can also be walked in the opposite direction. The route described for the return journey includes taking the Glungezerbahn downhill, travelling to Tulfes and then taking VVT bus routes 540/530 back to the Patscherkofelbahn. Bus and cable car services are seasonal, so check timetables and operating hours before setting out. When choosing a holiday apartment, it may help to consider your preferred starting points: the family hike starts in the village centre, while the hike to the alpine pastures starts at the mountain station. Seasonal transport services are another factor to consider when planning the Zirbenweg.

Discover more destinations: Absam, Gnadenwald, Sistrans, Mützens, Neustift in the Stubai Valley, Fritzens, Oberperfuss, Mils near Hall

For the main travel overview: Innsbruck-Land.