Discover Karrösten: Geology, Hiking and Culture

Karrösten combines hiking trails with insights into local history and craftsmanship. A geology trail, routes on the Tschirgant, listed religious buildings and the Schatz weaving mill offer different ways to make the most of your stay.

Hiking trails with different highlights

The Karröster Alm geology trail is a 6.40-kilometre circular hike. The route is listed as having 432 metres of elevation gain and 426 metres of descent. Along the forest road to the Karröster Alm, eleven information panels explain the region’s geological features. The trail thus combines a circular route with a specific subject explained on the panels along the way.

Longer hikes also lead on from the Karröster Alm, including to the summit of the Tschirgant. The “Up the Tschirgant via the mountain rescue hut” route starts at the Karröster Alm car park and leads to the summit, which offers 360-degree views. Shortly after the mountain rescue hut, there is a short section secured with a steel cable. Take this passage into account when planning your hike.

Another hike to the Karröster Alm climbs 548 metres and runs partly along a forest road and partly along woodland paths. Its planning details therefore differ from those of the geology trail: the circular distance and both the ascent and descent are specified for the trail, while the ascent and changing types of path are key features of this hike.

At an altitude of 1,468 metres, the Karröster Alm serves homemade cakes and cold specialities. What is available to visitors may vary seasonally, so check what is currently on offer before your visit.

Two other trails also offer different scenery: the high-altitude trail from Karrösten to Karres passes through forests and meadows. The Fabriksteig runs along woodland paths and meadows to the village of Karrösten.

Local history and protected buildings

The Expositur Church of Sts. Mary Magdalene and Nicholas was consecrated in 1409 and rebuilt after a fire in 1766. The Tyrol list of protected monuments maintained by the Federal Monuments Authority, dated 30 June 2025, lists the church and cemetery as protected by regulation. For the King’s Chapel in Karrösten, the list specifies monument protection by notice under Section 3.

The history of mining in the Karrösten area dates back to the Bronze Age. Mining on the Tschirgant flourished under Emperor Maximilian: (fahlerz) ore was extracted from 41 mines. These two periods give visitors a historical perspective that spans from early mining to a later heyday.

Weaving and landscape

The Schatz weaving mill is a traditional family business in its third generation and offers Tyrolean woven goods. During one-hour tours of the workshops, visitors learn about flax, patterns and weaving techniques. As arrangements may change, it is best to ask in advance about current options.

Most of Karrösten’s municipal area is covered by forest. Fruit and maize grow on the sun-exposed slopes. Together with the woodland and meadow trails, this creates a landscape that provides context for both the hikes and local agriculture.

If you would like to plan another activity in addition to hiking, you can try climbing at the Karrösten bouldering hall with Bettina Schöpf-Greinig by prior arrangement. Please arrange your participation in advance.

Discover more destinations: Sankt Leonhard im Pitztal, Köfles, Mieming, Nassereith, Karres, Roppen, Obergurgl, Stams.

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