The Eagle Walk, known locally as the Adlerweg, is one of Europe's most spectacular long-distance hiking trails. When viewed on a map from above, the route traces the silhouette of an eagle with outstretched wings across the Tyrolean landscape, giving this magnificent trail its evocative name.
Stretching 413 kilometers across the entire breadth of Tyrol, the trail connects St. Johann in the east to St. Anton am Arlberg in the west. Along the way, hikers pass through diverse landscapes ranging from gentle alpine meadows to rugged mountain terrain, with countless opportunities to experience authentic Tyrolean culture and hospitality.
Trail Overview
The main route of the Eagle Walk is divided into 24 stages, each designed as a comfortable day's hike. The stages vary in length and difficulty, typically ranging from 10 to 25 kilometers with elevation gains between 500 and 1,500 meters. This modular structure allows hikers to tackle the entire route over several weeks or select individual stages for shorter adventures.
Highlighted Stages
Stage 1: St. Johann to Gaudeamushutte
The journey begins in the charming town of St. Johann in Tirol. This opening stage introduces hikers to the beauty of the region with a gradual ascent through forests and alpine pastures. The destination, the Gaudeamushutte, offers traditional mountain hospitality and stunning sunset views.
Stage 9-11: The Karwendel Section
Perhaps the most dramatic portion of the Eagle Walk, these stages traverse the wild Karwendel nature park. Rocky peaks, pristine valleys, and the chance to spot wildlife including chamois and golden eagles make this section particularly memorable. The terrain here is more demanding, requiring good fitness and some mountain experience.
Karwendel Section Requirements
- Suitable for experienced mountain hikers
- Some sections include exposed terrain
- Trekking poles strongly recommended
- Weather can change rapidly - be prepared
Stage 15-17: Around Innsbruck
The trail passes directly through the Tyrolean capital, offering a unique urban interlude. The Nordkette cable car provides easy access to and from the trail, making these stages ideal for those wanting a taste of the Eagle Walk without committing to multiple days on the mountain.
Planning Your Hike
When to Go
The optimal season for hiking the Eagle Walk runs from late June through early October. July and August offer the warmest weather and longest days, though these months also see the most visitors. September brings beautiful autumn colors and quieter trails, but shorter days and the possibility of early snow at higher elevations.
Accommodation
One of the Eagle Walk's greatest assets is its excellent infrastructure. Each stage ends at a mountain hut (Hutte), village guesthouse, or hotel, eliminating the need for camping equipment. Mountain huts should be booked in advance during peak season, particularly on weekends. The Austrian Alpine Club operates many of the huts along the route and offers membership discounts.
Difficulty and Fitness
While the Eagle Walk is designed to be accessible to fit hikers with some mountain experience, it should not be underestimated. The cumulative elevation gain over the full route exceeds 31,000 meters, and some stages include exposed sections requiring sure-footedness. Those new to alpine hiking might consider starting with the easier eastern stages before progressing to more challenging terrain.
Practical Considerations
Getting There and Away
Both endpoints of the Eagle Walk are well connected by public transport. St. Johann in Tirol has regular train connections from Innsbruck (approximately 1 hour) and Salzburg (approximately 1.5 hours). St. Anton am Arlberg lies on the main railway line between Innsbruck and Zurich. This makes it easy to hike the route in either direction or to access mid-route starting points.
Luggage Transport
For those preferring to hike with just a daypack, luggage transport services are available along the route. Your main bag is collected from your accommodation each morning and delivered to your next overnight stop, allowing you to walk unencumbered.
What to Bring
- Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support
- Rain jacket and warm layers (weather changes quickly)
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- First aid kit and personal medications
- Headlamp for early starts or emergencies
- Cash (many mountain huts don't accept cards)
- Hut sleeping bag liner (required in most huts)
Resources and Further Information
For detailed stage descriptions, current trail conditions, and booking information:
- Official Eagle Walk Website (Tirol Tourism)
- Austrian Alpine Club - membership and hut booking
- Bergfex - detailed trail maps and GPS tracks
