Climbing & Mountaineering in and around Innichen
Summit Dreams & Via Ferratas at Zwiglhof
The Sexten Dolomites are globally renowned as the cradle of alpinism. Where alpine pioneers like Paul Grohmann or Sepp Innerkofler once made history, a vertical paradise now opens up for mountaineers, via ferrata enthusiasts, and alpinists. The steeply rising limestone rock formations around Innichen – above all the imposing local mountain Haunold, the mystical Haunold Group, and the world-famous massif of the Three Peaks (Drei Zinnen) – offer tours of all difficulty levels.
Whether it's your first steps on a secured via ferrata with the family, historical rock tunnels from the First World War, or extensive summit traverses in the UNESCO World Natural Heritage site: The Zwiglhof in Innichen is your ideal alpine base camp for unforgettable experiences in the mountains.
Your Alpine Base: Infrastructure for Mountaineers at Zwiglhof
Those who want to reach great heights in the Dolomites need accommodation that is perfectly tailored to the needs of mountaineers. At Zwiglhof, you'll find the ideal combination of a quiet location, well-thought-out infrastructure, and genuine South Tyrolean hospitality:
- Drying room for mountain boots & equipment: After a long day on the rock, you can store your mountain boots, climbing harnesses, and backpacks in our heated drying room. The next morning, you'll step into perfectly dry shoes.
- Tour weather report & mountain guide service: The weather in the Dolomites determines summit success. We provide you with the current local weather in the morning. Upon request, we can arrange experienced, local mountain guides from the Sexten/Innichen Alpine School for you.
- Early morning start for alpinists: For long day tours, we are happy to prepare our regional farm breakfast a little earlier upon request or pack a hearty hiking snack for you to take along.
- Regeneration for tired muscles: After thousands of meters of ascent on the rock, there's nothing better than relaxing tired muscles in our Finnish sauna in the late afternoon.
Safety & Logistics: Rental, Hiking Buses & Cable Cars
For carefree tours in the Sexten Dolomites, reliable mobility, short distances to the starting points, and the right equipment play a central role. Around Innichen, you benefit from first-class connections and local partners:
- Via ferrata rental in Innichen: If you don't bring your own equipment, you'll find state-of-the-art via ferrata sets (harness, Y-set with energy absorber, and helmet) for easy rental at sports shops and rental stations in Innichen.
- Free hiking buses with the Guest Pass: Thanks to your free South Tyrol Guest Pass, you can use regional hiking buses and trains for free. This allows you to reach starting points in Innerfeldtal, Fischleintal, or Lake Braies relaxed, without your own car.
- Convenient ascent with mountain lifts: The ascent aids of the Drei Zinnen Dolomites (e.g., Haunold chairlift directly in Innichen, Helmjet in Vierschach, or Rotwand gondola in Moos) shorten strenuous valley approaches and take you directly to the via ferratas and panoramic high-altitude trails.
- Shuttle services to alpine hotspots: For highly frequented tours such as the Three Peaks circular hike or the Paternkofel via ferrata, regular shuttle buses are available from Toblach to the Auronzo Hut.
Category A: 6 Via Ferratas – Secured Vertical Adventures
Via Ferratas (Italian Via Ferrata) have a long tradition in the Sesto Dolomites. Many of today's secured routes follow the paths of historical trails and supply routes from the mountain war. Secured with wire ropes, iron clamps, and footholds, they allow even experienced mountaineers without pure climbing equipment to access breathtaking peaks and exposed ledges.
The Magic of Via Ferratas around Innichen
The via ferrata offerings around Zwiglhof range from short, child-friendly practice routes to high-alpine full-day undertakings with considerable exposure. Common to all is the incomparable feeling of overcoming rock face after rock face, secured by a steel cable, while the panoramic views into the Puster Valley become more spectacular with every meter:
- Vertical enjoyment for every demand: Secured by iron clamps, ladders, and natural rock ledges, you ascend the rugged walls of the Dolomites step by step.
- Variety right outside the farm: From easy beginner routes in the Haunold group to steeply rising ladder routes like on the Toblinger Knoten, every climber will find their favorite route.
- Unforgettable scenery: Every belay point rewards with spectacular panoramic views of the Sesto Sundial, the Puster Valley, and the world-famous north faces of the Three Peaks.
Safety & Fascination: Well-Equipped on the Rock
For the via ferrata experience in the Dolomites to remain completely safe and unforgettable, the right equipment and proper self-assessment are essential before starting the climb:
- Complete mandatory equipment: Helmets are strictly compulsory on via ferratas. A tested Y-shaped via ferrata set with a fall arrester, a comfortable climbing harness, and grippy via ferrata gloves belong in every backpack.
- Clear difficulty rating: The routes are categorized from A (easy) to E (extremely difficult). Beginners and families choose tours in the A/B range, while C/D already requires alpine experience.
- Weather & Time Management: An early start is essential in the Dolomites. Thunderstorms on metal cables must be avoided – always check the current local weather report at the farm before starting.
- Sturdy footwear: Grippy mountain boots or special approach shoes with a firm sole provide the necessary grip on the often narrow footholds.
1. Paternkofel Via Ferrata
(Via Ferrata De Luca / Innerkofler)
Probably the most famous via ferrata in the region leads through historical rock tunnels directly to the neighboring peak of the Three Peaks.
- Profile: 5.5 hrs total duration | 650 vertical meters ascent & via ferrata | Via Ferrata Difficulty: B/C (medium)
- Route: Auronzo Hut / Drei-Zinnen-Hütte → Rock Tunnel → Gamsscharte → Paternkofel (2,744 m).
- Highlights: Crossing the dark main tunnel (headlamp absolutely essential!) and the iconic panoramic view from the summit cross directly onto the world-famous north faces of the Three Peaks.
2. Rotwand Via Ferrata
(Via Ferrata Rotwand)
An impressive, historically rich via ferrata to one of the most striking main peaks of the Sesto Dolomites.
- Profile: 6.5 hrs. total duration | 950 vertical meters | Via Ferrata Difficulty: B (moderately difficult, long tour)
- Route: Rotwandwiesen (gondola from Moos) → Rotwandköpfe → Sextner Rotwand Summit (2,936 m).
- Highlights: Experience historical shelters, wooden huts, and trenches from World War I up close in the rock.
3. Toblinger Knoten
(Via Ferrata delle Scalette)
A real adrenaline rush for those without a fear of heights: This via ferrata overcomes the steep east face of the Toblinger Knoten almost vertically via historical iron ladders.
- Profile: 4.5 hrs. total duration | 500 vertical meters | Via Ferrata Difficulty: C (challenging, very exposed)
- Route: Drei-Zinnen-Hütte → Base of Toblinger Knoten → Ladder via ferrata → Summit (2,617 m) → Descent via the Feldkurat-Hosp-Steig (B).
- Highlights: Climbing almost vertical iron ladders directly in the rock and the unobstructed 360-degree panorama over the Drei Zinnen plateau.
4. Alpinisteig
(Via Ferrata della Pace)
The Alpinisteig is not a classic summit via ferrata, but one of the most spectacular band traverses in the entire Alps.
- Profile: 7 to 8 hrs. total duration | 900 vertical meters | Via Ferrata Difficulty: B (moderately difficult, but high alpine & long)
- Route: Fischleintal → Zsigmondyhütte → Elferscharte → Sentinellapass → Rotwandwiesen.
- Highlights: Pure fascination on the narrow, natural rock ledges (Salame) high above the Fischleintal with views of the Elferspitze.
5. Family Via Ferrata
& Haunold Climbing Garden
Ideal for beginners, families with children, and for warming up for the big Dolomites adventures.
- Profile: 2.5 hrs. total duration | 250 vertical meters | Via Ferrata Difficulty: A/B (easy)
- Route: Riesenwelt Haunold (chairlift from Innichen) → Haunoldköpfe Climbing Garden → Practice via ferrata.
- Highlights: Short approach, perfect belay points, and the opportunity to safely practice walking on the steel cable and clipping/unclipping carabiners.
6. Strudelkopf Via Ferrata
(Plätzwiese)
A scenically beautiful, easy panoramic via ferrata on the high plateau of Plätzwiese.
- Profile: 3.5 hrs. total duration | 350 vertical meters | Via Ferrata Difficulty: A/B (easy to moderate)
- Route: Plätzwiese (Gasthof Brückele / Dürrensteinhütte) → Heimkehrerkreuz Strudelkopf (2,307 m).
- Highlights: Very relaxed approach and a gigantic view from the mighty Heimkehrerkreuz of the Hohe Gaisl and the Drei Zinnen.
Category B: 6 Alpine Mountain & Summit Tours
Those who want to experience the Dolomites in their purest form choose the classic mountain and summit tours. Here, endurance, sure-footedness, and reaching the summit under one's own power are paramount. From Innichen, you can conquer peaks that lead you for hours through untouched nature, shady coniferous forests, and barren scree fields. Once at the top, every effort melts away in the cool mountain wind.
In the Footsteps of Pioneers: Alpine Fascination
The alpine scenery around the Zwiglhof captivates with its impressive, changing character. Gentle alpine meadows in the lower area flow seamlessly into steep scree fields and finally culminate in the bold, striking rock formations of the High Dolomites:
- On historical paths: Walk in the footsteps of famous first ascenders and mountain guide legends like Sepp Innerkofler, who wrote alpine history here.
- Constant landscape change: From lush green mountain meadows to fragrant Swiss pine forests and the barren, moon-like high plateaus of the Dolomites.
- Sublime summit happiness: Wide panoramic views from iconic vantage points such as the Dürrenstein, the Helm, or the local mountain Haunold.
- Tangible altitude: Designated routes for ambitious mountain hikers, rewarding good fitness, sure-footedness, and a head for heights with unforgettable distant views.
Authentic nature experience away from the crowds
Many of the summit tours around the Haunold group and the quieter side valleys of the Puster Valley still offer genuine, untouched tranquility. Here, far from the hustle and bustle, you are often accompanied only by the whistling of marmots and the gaze of chamois:
- Solitary paths in the Haunold group: Hidden ascents through the wild Innerfeldtal or the Kohlenbrennergraben, where absolute silence sets the tone.
- Magical summit silence: Unforgettable moments of contemplation on quiet mountain ridges, where you calmly absorb the seemingly endless expanse of nature.
- Rich alpine flora & fauna: Discover colorful mountain flowers like gentian, edelweiss, and alpine rose along the way and, with a bit of luck, observe chamois in the rocks.
- True alpinism: Choose summit destinations that offer an authentic nature experience and make the fascination of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage tangible, free from hectic pace.
1. The Local Mountain: Haunold (2,905 m)
The imposing local mountain of Innichen is the landmark of the village. The ascent of the main summit is a demanding, high-alpine undertaking for experienced mountaineers.
- Profile: 7 to 8 hours total duration | 1,450 m ascent | Difficulty: Hard (sure-footedness, head for heights & climbing section I. degree required)
- Route: Zwiglhof/Innichen → Innerfeldtal → Dreischusterhütte → Haunoldköpfe → Main Summit (2,905 m).
- Highlights: The proud view from Innichen's local mountain directly down to the farm and over the entire Puster Valley.
2. Dürrenstein (2,839 m)
One of the most famous and beautiful panoramic mountains in the Puster Valley, which can be reached from the Plätzwiese on a well-maintained path.
- Profile: 5 hours total duration | 850 m ascent | Difficulty: Medium (good fitness & sure-footedness)
- Route: Plätzwiese (Dürrensteinhütte) → Pre-summit → exposed final ridge → Dürrenstein Summit (2,839 m).
- Highlights: A breathtaking deep view of Lake Dürrensee and a distant view that, on clear days, extends to the Marmolada and the Großglockner.
3. Birkenkofel (2,922 m)
A wild, solitary Dolomite peak in the Haunold group for alpinists seeking peace and solitude.
- Profile: 7.5 hours total duration | 1,380 m ascent | Difficulty: Hard (alpine experience, sense of orientation & sure-footedness in scree)
- Route: Innerfeldtal → Kohlenbrenntal → Birkenkofelscharte → Summit structure Birkenkofel.
- Highlights: True alpine solitude in the wild rock world of the Haunold group off the beaten path.
4. Helm & Carnic Main Ridge (2,433 m)
A moderately difficult, extremely scenic mountain hike to the border mountain between South Tyrol and East Tyrol.
- Profile: 4.5 hrs. total duration | 720 vertical meters (or shortened with the Helmjet gondola from Vierschach) | Difficulty: Medium
- Route: Zwiglhof/Vierschach → Helm Slope → Helmhaus / Summit Cross (2,433 m) → Hahnspielhütte.
- Highlights: Historic Helmhaus at the summit and the best view of the entire Sesto Sundial range.
5. Circumnavigation of the Dreischusterspitze
A magnificent traverse through the heart of the Sesto Dolomites Nature Park via the romantic Innerfeld Valley.
- Profile: 6 hrs. total duration | 820 vertical meters | Difficulty: Medium (long, scenically outstanding circular tour)
- Route: Innerfeld Valley (Antoniusstein parking lot) → Dreischusterhütte → Ianischarten → Gwengalpen → Return to the valley.
- Highlights: Experience the mighty walls of the Dreischusterspitze (3,145 m) up close and enjoy a cozy stop at the Dreischusterhütte.
6. Toblach Knot & Schusterplatte (2,957 m)
An impressive high-mountain tour at the transition from the Höhlenstein Valley to the Three Peaks area.
- Profile: 7 hrs. total duration | 1,250 vertical meters | Difficulty: Hard (Long tour in high alpine terrain)
- Route: Innerfeld Valley → Wildgraben → Schusterplatte → Return via the Gwengalpen Valley.
- Highlights: Rich contrast of blooming alpine meadows to moon-like scree landscapes of the High Dolomites.
This is what your mountaineering day at Zwiglhof looks like
The Morning: Early Start & Alpinist's Breakfast
The alarm rings early, but the anticipation grows: At our hearty farm breakfast, you'll fortify yourselves with fresh wood-fired bread, farm-fresh eggs, and hay milk. Check equipment, pack your backpack, check the tour weather – and off you go!
The Afternoon: Stop for Refreshments & Return to Basecamp
After descending from the summit, a well-deserved stop at the mountain hut awaits. Back at Zwiglhof, you'll hang your equipment in the heated drying room.
The Day: Rock Contact & Summit Bliss
You immerse yourselves in the vertical world of the Sesto Dolomites. Whether secured by the steel cable of the Paternkofel or step by step on the ascent to the Haunold – you'll enjoy the incomparable magic of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.
The Evening: Sauna & Well-being in the Suite
You change from hiking boots into a bathrobe: In our sauna & relaxation oasis, you'll relax your tired muscles with a view of the day's peaks. Afterwards, enjoy the evening with a traditional South Tyrolean 'Marende' (snack) at the farm and happily retreat to your spacious suite.
Your Summit Summer at Zwiglhof – We look forward to seeing you!
& Whether you dare your first secured steps with your children on the Haunold or fulfill your dream of the steep rock faces of the Dolomites on the Paternkofel: With us at Zwiglhof, you are not just guests, but right in the middle of the mountains. As your hosts, we know the Sesto Dolomites from an early age and are happy to share our enthusiasm for the vertical with you.
Are you still looking for the perfect tour tip off the beaten path, do you need a quick weather check in the morning, or a recommendation for a reliable South Tyrolean mountain guide? Just talk to us directly at breakfast – we are always there to help you with advice, action, and genuine local tips!
Your retreat after conquering the summit: To the Suites for Alpinists & Families
Strength for the mountains: Discover our regional Farm Breakfast & Dinner
Craving even more Dolomite summer? Back to overview
When a place becomes a feeling.
Zwiglhof in South Tyrol
