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Hike along Highline179

Gemeinde Reutte, Austria

Details

Distance

1.2 miles

Elevation Gain

400 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Alex E

Face your fear of heights and hike across the Worlds Longest Tibet-Style Foot Bridge. This hidden gem in the Austrian Alps has views which are absolutely breath taking.

Hike to this amazing 376 foot high suspension bridge that spans 1329 feet across the a valley in the beautiful mountainous Tyrol region of the Austrian Alps. The bridge spans the B179 highway, connecting the old Roman Fort Claudia and the 700 year old Ehrenberg castle. This hike is breath taking and not for the faint of heart, but offers amazing views. The closest town is Reutte, Austria. There are a few restaurants and hotels in the town if you plan to stay a while. There is also a restaurant and gift shop near the parking lot. The hike up to the bridge is fairly steep and was very slippery because it was covered in ice when we visited. Bring trekking poles if you have them. It took us about 20 mins to hike the mile long trail. 

The bridge is 4 feet wide and has a see through metal grated bottom, which makes the crossing that much more exhilarating. The height of the bridge and its slight sway in the wind, can be nerve racking at first, but once you trust it's not going to fall, it's a fun adrenaline rush. The bridge was literally in the clouds on the day we visited, and it was surreal to feel as if we were walking on a cloud. Once the clouds broke the views of the valley and the surrounding region were breath taking. 

Since we visited in the middle of winter, the entire area was covered in snow which made it that much more beautiful. The hike up to the start of the bridge is a nice trail that switchbacks its way up the mountain. It provides plenty of different photo opportunities on your hike up. The fort and the castle are also very cool to explore, read about on the trail signs, and photograph. There is an automatic entry system, such as a vending machine you put your money into to get a ticket and gain access to the bridge. It cost 8 euro to cross the bridge. If you or a friend isn't up for the thrilling bridge crossing, the views and hike to the start of the bridge are still worth it. The bridge is open from 8 am to 10 pm daily and night photos, that I've seen of the bridge lit up look spectacular. 

We just so happened to stumble upon the bridge in between skiing in the Austrian Alps and traveling to Switzerland. Traveling from Munich, Germany it took us about 3 hours to get into the area. Its only about 70 miles away but the driving in the mountainous region during winter can be very slow, I'm sure its much quicker during summer. Take the 95 Autobahn southwest towards Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The road changes to route 23 and follows the Loisach River the entire route. When you cross into Austria, it becomes route 187. The route intersects B 179 in Obergarten and from there follow the signs to Highline 179. You cant miss it if you are driving on 179.

The bridge is dog friendly, but they must be leashed. Small children also have to be held, no strollers or backpacks are allowed.


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