THE WIPPTAL | MAIN VALLEY

From a geographical perspective, the Wipptal in Tyrol runs from Innsbruck in the north to the Brenner Pass in the south and is one of the most important Alpine crossings in Europe. The three villages of Matrei am Brenner, Steinach am Brenner and Gries am Brenner are located along the Sill river and are very centrally located in the entire Wipptal region and its mountain valleys. They are easily accessible by public transport thanks to the Brenner Railway.

Here in the main valley, in the cozy villages of Matrei, Steinach and Gries, you will not only find warm hospitality in the traditional hotels and inns, but also pristine natural spots right on your doorstep or in the adjacent mountain valleys. Thanks to its central location, the connection to public transportation (S-Bahn Innsbruck-Brenner and bus connections to the valleys) is best in the villages in the main valley.
In summer, a vacation in the main towns is ideal for hikers and nature lovers who want to be in the mountain valleys quickly for hiking, but still appreciate the proximity to the provincial capital of Innsbruck. A special place of power is located at 1,600 m above Matrei at the foot of the Serles: Maria Waldrast with the highest monastery in Europe. The area around the former Trautson Castle has also been revitalized and is home to a new event center and an archery park.
In winter, the Bergeralm ski and leisure arena in Steinach am Brenner is the center of alpine skiing for young and old. Maria Waldrast is home to the longest natural toboggan run in the region and the Sattelberg in Gries is the Mecca of the ski touring scene.

Places in the main valley

Summer highlights

Link tohttps://www.wipptal.at/de/dein-urlaub/ausflugsziele#/pois/AT2/6b526f4b-77e1-41a0-a8ee-ba92fd6f7efe/wasser--und-erlebniswelt-baerenbachl
Bärenbachl adventure world on the Bergeralm in Steinach am Brenner | © TVB Wipptal | Johannes Bitter

Bärenbachl Bergeralm

On nice days, the "Wasser- und Erlebniswelt Bärenbachl" at the middle station invites children to hike and play.

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Link tohttps://www.wipptal.at/de/dein-urlaub/ausflugsziele#/pois/AT2/28200031-2a0b-4643-af5e-2714558ce9c1/kloster-und-wallfahrtskirche-maria-waldrast
Landscape shot of the monastery with inn in summer with the Serles in the background | © TVB Wipptal | Johannes Bitter

Maria Waldrast

In addition to many hiking trails, there are two themed trails here: the Creation Trail and the Spring Trail, which focus on water and spirituality.

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Link to/biking
Mountain biker with bike on the rock with a view down from the Brenner border ridge | © TVB Wipptal | Johannes Bitter

Explore the border ridge

With the E-MTB over the Sattelbergalm up to the border ridge, where you explore the ridge on old military roads with old position bunkers.

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Winter highlights

Link tohttps://www.bergeralm.net
 Nösslachjoch mountain station from above in the Bergeralm ski area in Steinach am Brenner | © TVB Wipptal - Florian Wiedemayr

Bergeralm ski and leisure arena

From the beginning of December to the end of March, a ski area with guaranteed snow and perfectly groomed pistes. In summer, the highlights are the "Bärenbachl" water & adventure world and the Bikepark Tirol.

Website Bergeralm
Link tohttps://www.wipptal.at/de/dein-urlaub/ausflugsziele#/pois/AT2/28200031-2a0b-4643-af5e-2714558ce9c1/kloster-und-wallfahrtskirche-maria-waldrast
Snowy view of Maria Waldrast monastery with church | © TVB Wipptal | Joakim Strickner

Maria Waldrast power place

In both summer and winter, the power place Maria Waldrst with the highest monastery in Europe is worth a trip to let your soul soar and let nature take effect on you.

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Link tohttps://www.sattelbergalm.at/
Winter photo of the Sattelbergalm | © TVB Wipptal

Saddle Mountain

The former ski area in Gries am Brenner has now become THE Mecca of the ski touring scene in the Wipptal valley. The toboggan run and the unique hut experience also attract winter sports enthusiasts.

Website Sattelbergalm

Useful things for your vacation