Salfeinssee Ridge Loop
Technical difficulty: 2/10
Fitness: 2/10
Objective danger: 1/10
Landscape: 7/10
Busy: 7/10
A true classic close to Innsbruck. An easy loop with nice views of Kalkkogel mountains, a nice hut you can stop at and a cool ridge ending at probably the most Instagram-able lake in Tirol :)
Starting point: Parking at the Sportplatz in Grinzens
Ending point: Parking at the Sportplatz in Grinzens
Length: 15km
Vertical: 1100m
Speed: First half on forest roads, second half or nice single track. Pretty fast moving.
Route:
Today, I have a great trail running route to share with you. This trail is a classic and a local favorite, nestled close to the city of Innsbruck. So, lace up your running shoes, and let’s get going!
Our journey begins in the quaint village of Grinzens, where we’ll park at the Sportplatz. Don’t worry if you don’t have a car, as this starting point is easily accessible by bus from Innsbruck. Once we're there, we’ll hit the trail and start our ascent on a forest road that leads us to Kemater Alm. If you’re looking to cut some distance, you have the option to drive up this road a bit before parking and running the rest of the way (the road is paid - a “Mautstrasse” - and costs 5 Eur at the time of this writing).
The way up to Kemater Alm is a gentle gradual climb, stretching for about 6km. Initially, we'll be enveloped by the cool shade of the forest, but as we ascend, the trees will give way to spectacular views of the Kalkkögel mountain range emerging in the distance.
Reaching Kemater Alm, we’ll find a cozy spot to grab a bite or a refreshing drink. It’s also the last spot to fill up your water bottles before we continue onwards. Once refuelled, we’ll cross a little stream and begin our climb towards the western ridge, slowly rising above the forest until we reach the summit of Grieskogel (2158m). The elevation might challenge your legs, but the breathtaking views at the top are totally worth it!
At Grieskogel, the trail becomes friendlier as we transition onto a rolling trail along the ridge heading north. Our next destination is the picturesque Salfeinssee (Salfeins Lake). On a calm day, the still waters of Salfeinssee perfectly mirror the towering Kalkkögel mountains, creating one of the most Instragram-able spots in Tirol.
Now, with the village of Grinzens waiting for us, we have two choices for our descent. If you’re up for a steeper downhill run, take the trail that leads directly to the village. But if you prefer a gentler pace, the forest road offers a less steep but longer route back.
Pro tip: Salfeins See is NOT a lake to swim in! Bringing stuff to swim is a waste of effort :D
Photos by @the.running.nomad and @nelesieben
