Technical difficulty: 2/10
Fitness: 4/10
Objective danger: 1/10
Landscape: 6/10
Busy: 7/10

An easy round right above Innsbruck connecting huts in the Nordkette mountain range.

Starting point: Thaurer Alm Parkplatz
Ending point: Thaurer Alm Parkplatz
Length: 15km
Vertical: 800m
Speed: runnable trails all the way

Route:

If you're seeking an easy and accessible running route near the city of Innsbruck, this Loop is an excellent choice. This trail is perfect for an afternoon run or even for those days when the weather isn't quite cooperating. Our journey begins and ends at the Thaurer Alm parking lot, located just east of the city. This convenient starting point makes it easy to fit this run into a busy schedule or to spontaneously decide to hit the trail when the mood strikes.

From the parking lot, we start uphill, with two options available: a trail for those who prefer a more natural running surface, or a less steep forest road for those who prefer a gentler incline. Both paths lead in the direction of Thaurer Alm, and after about 600 vertical meters, we reach the hut of Thaurer Alm itself. Here, the trail begins to traverse to the West. After a short uphill stretch, there's an opportunity to take a 10-minute side trip to the summit of Thaurer Rosskopf (1574m). This detour is well worth the effort, offering stunning views over the city that make for a perfect photo opportunity or simply a moment to pause and appreciate the beauty of the surroundings.

Continuing on, the trail rolls gently along, crossing a few avalanche chutes (be sure to watch out for lingering snow in early spring) before passing the private hut of Vintlalm. This marks the highest point on the route, and from here, the trail begins to descend. The descent starts gently, still traversing westwards, before becoming significantly steeper as it leads towards Rumer Alm. This is a great spot to rest and refuel before continuing the downhill stretch.

There are many paths to choose from for the descent, but the ultimate goal is to reach Rechenhof, where you'll connect to a larger forest road that traverses low down across the Nordkette range. This forest road leads back east to the parking lot, marking the end of the loop.

Tip: bring some money with you (small change). Rumer Alm has a self-serve fridge with drinks open even in the off-season.