Karwendel Alpine Park (Alpenpark Karwendel)

The Basics

The park is named after the Karwendel, the largest mountain range of the Northern Limestone Alps, which crosses through Germany and Austria. Two on-site visitor centers can provide useful information and maps prior to exploring the park. In addition to hiking, climbing, and mountain biking in the park, you can take a nature tour (in German) focused on the park’s flora and fauna with one of the park guides. Another, less energetic option for getting great views of the park and mountain range is taking a cable car from Innsbruck’s Hungerburg district.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Alpenpark Karwendel is a must-visit for nature lovers.

• Visitors wishing to spend the night will find mountain huts, inns, and campsites throughout the park.

• Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.

How to Get There

The closest city to Alpenpark Karwendel is Innsbruck, Austria, which is a 20-minute drive away. Munich, Germany, is around an hour and 45 minutes away. You can also reach the park by cable car, bus, and train from Innsbruck and by train and bus (with connections) from Munich.

When to Get There

The landscape varies throughout the year, depending on weather conditions, which plants are in bloom, and what wildlife is present. Spring and summer offer the most favorable hiking and climbing conditions. Throughout the summer, the park hosts a calendar of special programming for children and adults, including educational sessions on wildlife and guided hikes, though most if not all are conducted in German.

Flora and Fauna

Alpenpark Karwendel is a designated Natura2000 area, park of a network of protected areas within Europe. As such, it is home to a diverse range of fauna including the Alpine newt, red deer, common sandpiper, golden eagle, chamois, and adder, as well as flora such as the sycamore maple and German tamarisk.