Hike up Hoadl at Axamer Lizum

If you are looking for somewhere to watch one of the best sunsets in Tirol, then Axamer Lizum might just be that place.

Whilst this area is perhaps better known as being a ski resort in winter, it has some of the most picturesque hiking close to the city of Innsbruck, being at the foot of the Kalkkogel mountains, also known as the "Dolomites of Tirol".

Because the mountain lifts only run for a couple of months during the summer, the best way to reach the highest points for epic sunset views is to hike up from the car park at the start of the resort.

From the car park, you've got a number of options of routes to take, but the ones I recommend the most are hiking up to the Birgitzkopfl or to the Hoadl Saddle.

My personal favourite is the hike up to the Hoadl, as up here you are right at the foot of the Kalkkogel, which catch some stunning alpenglow just after the sun sets behind the mountains in the west.

The hike up to the Hoadl is a wide gravel road, but it is quite steep in places, so sturdy footwear and hiking poles are recommended. You also need to make sure that you take your head torch for the way back down!

At the top of the saddle, you have the option to bear right and hike along the ridge towards the Hoadl mountain restaurant. Alternatively, you can take a left and follow a narrower trail out towards the Kalkkogel.

For the hike back down to the valley, I recommend sticking to the wide gravel road, as it's the easiest route to see in the dark when you've only got head torches to light the way.