Day 26 Möselalm to Innsbruck

The breakfast of milk products direct from the cows we listened to all night was much appreciated. With big thunderstorms predicted after 1 pm, we got moving fairly early and we headed out shortly after 8 am. I talked with the hut owner and he assured us that the way we were planning to go would work and the cable car was running from the top down into Innsbruck. 

A pleasant walk along forest roads and single track for the first ½ of the hike. Then we left the road and the trail’s steepness increased and our pace slowed but we continued to moving forward up the valley. As the mountain walls closed in around us, we had a hard time seeing how this trail could possible lead us up and out of these cliffs. 

As we arrived in the end of the valley we watch chamois’ cross the scree fields around us. Then a family came out with about 4-5 babies and we oohed and ahhed at them while they climbed very close to us. All the while my anxiety was ramping up - how the heck are we getting out of here? Had I taken us down a path that required via Ferrata gear? Or straight up climbing gear? 

We followed the marked trail as it switched backed up the scree headed for a small gulley that didn’t seem possible to get up. As we got closer we could see the precarious path balanced on the cliff face. It seemed farcical that a route planned would put the path there, but we inches our way along and up. We needed to be very careful with numerous places with significant exposure and we were wishing they had put in some cables. But everyone kept their heads and we emerged at the top, safe, a bit shell shocked and happy to have made it by 11.15, well before any thunderstorms were visible. It was odd to have just climbed such a strenuous and precarious route and then be thrust into the throngs of tourists as they got off the cable car to climb the 100m to the peak and take their triumph photos. 

A short break with snacks as we hadn’t had one all morning resulted in 7 yellow-beaked bandits show up and crowd around us, all vying for a crumb to fall. We might have ‘accidentally’ let a few land on our hands and eat from our nuts. 

A fast ride down the modern cable car and then an even faster ride down the even more modern and very slick cable train Through tunnels that dropped us just 5 min from our hotel right by the alt Stadt and the river Inn. 

Tomorrow is a zero day, as we’ve been going for 7 days and ready for washed laundry and something other than hiking!

Note the yellow explanation point that says ‘May’ be dangerous.

Getting to tree line

How in the world is the trail going to get us up those cliffs?n

Family of chamois distracting us from the route

Narrow path through the cliffs

Sara up above us. Rock fall was a real danger.

Made it to the top!

Cute birds looking for a handout