Hiking the Innergschlöss Glacier Trail & Staying at Matreier Tauernhaus

An unforgettable mountain escape in East Tyrol, Austria

Some trips are spontaneous. Others feel meant to be. When I first came across the Innergschlöss Glacier Trail, something just clicked. A circular trail with alpine meadows, waterfalls and glacier views? Yes, please! But I knew from the start-I wanted the whole experience to feel personal and special. That’s why we chose to stay at the Matreier Tauernhaus.

Hiking the Innergschlöss Glacier Trail

This stunning loop trail begins right behind the hotel, winding through high-alpine pastures and rugged glacier terrain. If you want to skip the first 4 km of walking, you can hop on a local taxi to the Gschlösstal valley for just €6 per person. This is especially welcome on the way back, when your legs are tired and you still have kilometers ahead. The shuttle runs regularly until 7 p.m.

The full trail is about 9.5 km with 680 meters of elevation gain. It leads through postcard-perfect landscapes-crystal-clear streams, blooming wildflowers, a little lake on top and culminates in a panoramic view of the Innergschlöss Glacier. Info boards along the way share the story of the land, geology and glacial history. We barely met more than a few other hikers along the way-it was peaceful, quiet and felt like our own private alpine world. The hike felt to me as moderate, but it depends on your fitness level and completely worth the effort.

Staying at Matreier Tauernhaus – A Place Full of Heart

I love places with a story – Matreier Tauernhaus is not just a place to stay-it’s a living part of Tyrolean history. Open since 1207, it was originally built to provide shelter for traders crossing the Felbertauern pass. For centuries, people came here with their mules, carrying salt, wine, leather, and more over the Alps. The hotel has been run by the same family for almost 100 years and today’s generation Brugger family continue the legacy with warmth and care.

From the moment we arrived, we felt truly welcomed. The rooms are rustic and cozy with nice wooden furnishings and stunning mountain views even from the shower! After hiking, the sauna is a perfect treat for tired muscles. Dinner was delicious, homemade and rooted in local tradition. Breakfasts was generous, with options even for gluten-free guests like me and we loved that you could make your own sandwich to take with you on your hike.

It’s a place that values its guests as people, not just bookings and that made our stay feel personal and special.

Why this trip will stay with me

It’s hard to capture in words what makes a place feel right. Maybe it’s the views. Maybe it’s the people. Maybe it’s the way you sleep better, breathe deeper, and feel a little more yourself. That’s what we found on this trip. A stunning alpine hike that felt intimate and majestic. A hotel steeped in history but full of warmth. And those little moments that seem small at first, but in the end, they’re not small at all. They’re the ones you carry in your heart.