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Actually I wanted to write a post about a tobogganing trip to the Strassberghaus. Actually, because first there was too much snow, so that the path had to be closed, then too little. But that doesn't matter at all, because the hike is beautiful even without or with little snow. Maybe I'm the only person who loves the transitional season, when winter and spring can't decide whose turn it is now, when the snow slowly melts and the thermometer climbs above zero again, and when everyone knows that winter will fight back and won't give up its place without a fight. I love the colors. As strange as it sounds, I think it's beautiful when the snow melts and the brown meadows are revealed. I like that very unique vibe and even the mud and dirt (well... maybe not that one).
THE PLANNED TOBOGGANING TRIP
Originally I wanted to go to the Strassberghaus with my family - my husband and our two sons. But since we, as already mentioned, had missed the opportunity to go tobogganing until now, I took advantage of a child-free afternoon and went on a little hike alone with my husband. He was not really enthusiastic at first. Unlike me, he doesn't like the transitional season at all. He can't appreciate the beautiful, slightly washed-out colors, the lovely smell of the forest, or the birdsong that heralds spring.
Many ways lead to the Strassberghaus. Either you start in Wildermieming (as we had actually planned for our first attempt - what we did instead, you can find here) or in Telfs at Gasthof Lehen. This time we decided to do the latter. Even though my husband didn't really feel like it and probably would have preferred to spend the child-free day gambling in front of the PC, I'm quite sure that he changed his mind after the first few meters at the latest. The reason for this were the sweet donkeys that we walked past.
I mean, what could be cuter than these animals with their trusting, slightly dreamy, a little dopey faces? If you're not in a good mood, it's your own fault.
ON THE WAY
So the two of us joyfully trudged through the forest. But of course, we wouldn't be us if the trip had gone off without a mishap. "Honey, that trail wouldn't be so good for our kids, good thing it didn't work out with the boys last time," my husband commented. "Hm... Yes, the gorge is a bit steep, but it's beautiful here!" was my reply. Funny, I had read the directions and the trail was clearly described as a forest road. It was not difficult to walk, but on one side it was quite steep downhill and how to toboggan here now was also a mystery to me. With our clumsy two and a half year old I would not have felt very comfortable here. Long story short, we noticed only at the suspension bridge over the Griesbach that we were almost on the Klammsteig and had clearly lost our way.
That moment when you realize you're barking up the wrong tree..
...but you still think it's beautiful.
The little detour was still worth it, because the trail was really beautiful. Anyone who wants to know more about it should take a look at Werner's article - and I'm sure that for larger, sure-footed children, the Klammsteig is actually a great experience in summer. For us, however, it was nothing in this snow situation and at quite a late hour. We turned back and took the forest road to the Strassberghaus. Honestly, the path is actually well signposted, provided of course that you read the signs and follow them in the RIGHT direction. And who wants to be on the safe side and in any case exclude that it goes to him the same as us - here I have linked you again the directions.
FINALLY AT THE DESTINATION
The Strassberghaus itself is beautifully situated at 1,197 m above sea level in an idyllic valley basin of the Mieminger chain. You have a great view of the surrounding mountains such as the Hohe Munde. If you haven't had enough yet, you can hike from the Strassberghaus to the Neue Alplhütte. You can also find a great post about it on the blog.
My conclusion: The hike is beautiful at any time of the year, perfectly suitable for families and all those who like to take a small, not too strenuous excursion. Unfortunately, I can't report from my own experience how well the trail is suited as a toboggan run, but as far as I can tell, the run doesn't knock my socks off. Maybe it's just because I've only seen it in poor snow conditions and lack imagination. But I think it's not perfect for us as a family, because the last part to the Strassberghaus is very flat and you would have to pull the toboggan long before it finally goes downhill again. But thank goodness there is a great choice around Innsbruck - you can find our favourite routes here.
With this in mind, enjoy the rest of the winter, it won't be long before spring has finally won.
INFORMATION
Starting point: "Kraftwerk" Strassberg car park, Telfs (above Gasthof Lehen)
End point: Strassberghaus
Walking time ascent: approx. 1.5 h
Routelength: 3.1 km
Route description including map: here
Arrival by public transport: It is best to take bus 4176 from Innsbruck (main station) to Telfs (Anton-Auer-Straße) and change there to bus 1. Now take the bus to Sonnensiedlung Nord, from where it is a 10 minute walk to Lehen, from where you start the actual hike.
Arrival by car: You reach the starting point via the Inn valley. In Telfs you drive to the district "Lehen", which is about 3 km above the centre. There you leave the asphalted road and continue on a forest path in the direction of "Strassberghaus/Neue Alplhütte". After about 450 m you will find the parking lot on the left side.
Photos © Elisabeth de Koekkoek
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Mother, TV series addict and nature lover with a passion for good food and the mountains!
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