Overview
Haller (left) and Thaurer Zunterkopf
The Inntal range is the southernmost ridge of the Karwendel mountains and is the northern limitation of the Inntal valley around the town of Innsbruck. This range is commonly known by the name “Innsbrucker Nordkette”. There are some very prominent peaks within this range: the two summits of Solsteine, Hohe Warte, Rumerspitze. A famous via ferrata (Innsbrucker Klettersteig) and a frequented hiking trail from Hafelekar cablecar station along the ridge crest are some wellknown highlights of this part of Karwendel.
The eastern part of this range, however, is not very well known among the mountaineers. Summits like Lattenspitze, Wildangerspitze and, in our case, Haller and Thaurer Zunterkopf, will cause more or less astonished looks when named as hiking goals.
Haller and Thaurer Zunterkopf are twin peaks at the very eastern end of the Inntal chain. Both summits are below 2000 m, dwarf pine overgrown with some lush summit meadows and they divide Inntal valley from Halltal valley, the steep tributary valley to the Inntal with the old salt mines. These old mines built once the prosperity of the region and are the cause for the interesting historical village center of Hall.
To the west the two Zunterköpfe are divided from Wildangerspitze by a col named Törl. Törl is the only col between Inntal and the upper Halltal valley.
The altitude differenc from Inntal to the summits is 1.400 meter, from the upper Halltal about 600 m. Even though the summits are not very high the hike from Inntal valley ground is not too short. Very steep slopes and some rugged rockfaces give these two mountains not a too tame appearance. The traverse route has two short rock scramble parts with fixed steel ropes and the traverse trail runs along the brim of the mountain in some parts with spectacular vertiginous views down to Inntal.
But I should not exaggerate: both summits are easy hiking summits with excellent summit views to Halltal chain of Karwendel and to the Inntal and Brenner mountains. You will not meet too many fellow mountaineers, mainly locals. And the summit meadow of Thaurer Zunterkopf is a good place for a long nap in the sun................
Getting There
Summit view to Bettelwurf
Trailheads for the Zunterköpfe are
You reach Halltal
Halltal trailhead
Halltal road is a toll road. As there was a huge rockslide in 2010 the road actually (2011) is toll free. The owner intend to install a landslide warning system, from then on it is a toll road again (2012).
In Halltal there are several marked parking areas. Outside these areas parking is not allowed. On sunny days the police controls the parking situation and heavily fines everybody parking outside these areas! I´ve seen them several times doing that!
Halltal / Ißbrücke is the very last (and huge) parking area along the Halltal road.
Important note:
Actually (2012) the Halltal toll road from Absam into Halltal valley is completely closed for public traffic due to some severe rockslides in the last years.
At the beginning of the valley there is a new parking area for hikers. All Halltal ascents start at this parking area. Add 1 to 1,5 hours to your ascents from the former Halltal parking lots.
There is a cab shuttle service available which costs between 25,-- and 30,-- €, one way!. See www.absam.at for this service.
The village of Absam intends to find a solution to reopen the road. Actual plans are too expensive. Hopefully there will be a solution in the near future.
Halltal with Sankt Magdalena
Absam trailhead
Instead of using Halltal road as described above use the first parking area before arriving at the toll station or turn left before entering Halltal and park at a parking lot near the shooting stands. The trailhead is west of the Halltal road and east of the shooting stands.
Thaur trailhead
Parking area at the end of Stollenstraße. Proceed on the dirt road until you reach the parking area. You reach Thaur by using road number L 372 from Innsbruck or from Absam above Hall.
Route Overview
Haller (left) and Thaurer Zunterkopf as seen from Törltrail)
Halltal / Sankt Magdalena trail
Follow the signposts from parking area Issbrücke to Sankt Magdalena on a forest road. Before entering the clearing of Sankt Magdalena a narrow and steep trail starts at your right. Follow this teail to the cross of Hochmahdkopf. Follow the east ridge of Hochmahd to Haller Zunterkopf (some easy rock scramble at the summit block, secured with steel ropes).
Halltal / Törl trail
Starting at Issbrücke follow the forest road to Herrenhäuser, the former salt mining center. Follow trail number 216 to Törl. At Törl descend shortly to the east. Take the left trail at the trail junction and ascend to Thaurer Zunterkopf.
Absam trail
Follow the narrow and marked trail up to Runstböden, Pfeiferler and Hochmahdkopf. Follow the east ridge of Hochmahd to Haller Zunterkopf (some easy rock scramble at the summit block, secured with steel ropes).
 Haller Zunterkopf as seen from Hochmahdkopf - Sankt Magdalena and Absam trail |  Rock scramble near Haller Zunterkopf |  Connecting ridge Haller to Thaurer Zunterkopf |
Thaurer Alm / Törl trail
Follow the forest road up to Thaurer Alm. You can use the old foottrail (nowadays sort of shortcuts between the switchbacks of the forest road), too. Take the trail to Törl or alternatively to Kaisersäule, a rock feature in the southwest risge of Thaurer Zunterkopf. Before reaching Törl, take the right hand trail up to Thaurer Zunterkopf. The alternative trail to Kaisersäule directly continues to the Thaurer Zunterkopf summit.
Haller Zunterkopf to Thaurer Zunterkopf
This is a delightful and short traverse on a good trail with some spectacular views to the Bettelwurf - Lafatscher range of Karwendel and to Inntal and the southern mountain ranges. A short rock scramble section is secured with a steel rope.
All trails can be combined to nice traverses of these summits.
Red Tape & Accommodation
Haller Zunterkopf and Bettelwurf
Red Tape
Haller and Thaurer Zunterkopf are part of the “Alpenpark Karwendel”, an important and strictly protected national park.
There is no entrance fee for the park but many regulations to follow.
There is a National Park Information Center at Hinterriß.
The road to Halltal is a toll road with restricted parking areas which should be respected.
Accommodation
Camping is not allowed within Alpenpark Karwendel.
Food and lodging can be found in
Mountain huts
Gear & Mountain Condition
Wildflowers of Zunterköpfe: Parnassia palustris
Haller and Thaurer Zunterkopf are mainly a late spring, summer and autumn hike.
Maybe Thaurer Zunterkopf is summited with skies via Thaurer Alm, too.
Normal hiking gear and good shoes are sufficient.
Current Weather:
Map and Guide Book
Sankt Magdalena and Absam trail near Thaurer Zunterkopf summit
Maps
Alpenvereinskarte, 1 : 25.000, Karwendelgebirge, Mittleres Blatt, number 5/2, 2008
Alpenvereinskarte, 1 : 50.000, Innsbruck und Umgebung
Guide Book
Walter Klier: Karwendel alpin, Alpenvereinsführer, Bergverlag Rother, München, 16th edition, 2011
Images
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