Nordkette is the alpine wall that rises directly behind Innsbruck's old town, and its cable-car summit, Hafelekar (station at about 2,256 m; a 10-15 minute walk reaches the 2,334 m Hafelekarspitze), is billed as the 'Top of Innsbruck.' It is the gateway to the Karwendel, Austria's largest nature park, and is famous for the flowing Hungerburgbahn stations designed by Zaha Hadid, so its signature appeal is reaching a 2,300 m, 360-degree panorama barely 20 minutes from the city center. For 2026 the summer season runs 25 April - 1 November (with a maintenance closure 2-19 November), letting visitors pair a city stroll with a high-alpine viewpoint in a single day.
The 360-degree panorama from the Hafelekar viewpoint over Innsbruck, the Inn Valley and the Karwendel range
The 10-15 minute summit path from Hafelekar station up to Hafelekarspitze (2,334 m), with a Geotrail explaining the Karwendel's geology
The four Hungerburgbahn stations by Zaha Hadid Architects - fluid roofs shaped like glaciers and frozen streams
The 'Cloud 9' sun terrace and panorama at Seegrube (1,905 m), plus starlight evening rides on the first Friday of each month
Karwendel Nature Park wildlife and alpine flora, summer hiking, mountain biking and the Innsbrucker Klettersteig via ferrata
Good to know
SeasonThe 2026 summer season runs 25 Apr - 1 Nov, with a maintenance shutdown 2-19 Nov before the winter season opens 20 Nov. Always confirm operating status and current timetables on the official site before you go.
SafetyThe summit sits around 2,300 m, so it stays cold and windy and weather changes fast even in midsummer. Skip light clothing - bring a windproof layer, long sleeves and grippy shoes, as the summit path is loose gravel.
SafetyCheck the Hafelekar and Seegrube webcams for cloud and fog before setting out; an overcast day can erase the view entirely, so a clear morning is best. Do not enter the Klettersteig (via ferrata) without proper gear and experience.
RulesThe Karwendel is Austria's largest protected nature park: stay on marked trails, do not approach or feed wildlife, carry out all litter, and check the rules before flying any drone.
MannersThis is a quiet mountain environment - avoid loud noise and Bluetooth speakers, and keep dogs leashed. The viewpoints and Cloud 9 are popular photo spots, so mind the flow of people behind you when shooting.
CautionBuy tickets at official counters, nordkette.com or via the Innsbruck Card. Beware third-party resale sites with inflated prices or unclear validity. Innsbruck is generally safe, but keep valuables in front of you in crowded gondolas and stations.
Practical info
From the Congress/Lowenhaus station near Innsbruck's old town (by the Golden Roof), the Hungerburgbahn funicular links to the Seegrube and Hafelekar cable cars in three sections, running about every 15 minutes (continuously when busy). A round trip to Hafelekar is roughly EUR 20-56 depending on section, age and promotions, so verify fares, timetables and seasonal dates on the official website for the latest information.
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