Guides and practical tips
Kellerjoch near Schwaz: hiking and ski touring in the Inn Valley
Schwaz's mountain at 2,344 m with cable car, hut and ski tour routes, about 45 minutes from Niederau.
The Kellerjoch (2,344 m) is the home mountain of Schwaz in the Tux Alps, on the north side of the Inn Valley. It is a more serious mountain day than the lift-served peaks near Niederau, yet easy to combine: you drive in about 45 minutes through the Inn Valley to Schwaz and can set off from the cable car. If you want to hike the Kellerjoch, or look for a ski tour close to Niederau, this is a well-known goal.
In summer a classic circuit leads from the Loassattel over the Kuhmesser (2,246 m) to the summit, and you can rest or stay overnight at the Kellerjochhütte (2,237 m). In winter the mountain with its small ski piste and tours to the hut and summit is a favourite for experienced ski tourers.
This guide gives a first impression: location, the ride up, summer and winter routes, the hut and above all safety. It is not a route description. Always check current conditions and the avalanche bulletin, and ask in advance about the cable car and hut; we give no times or prices.
Tips
- Allow about 45 minutes from Niederau; start early, especially in summer because of thunderstorms.
- As a family, choose the calmer route to the Hecherhaus rather than the summit climb.
- Ask in advance about the cable car, the Hecherhaus and the Kellerjochhütte; seasons differ by source.
- In winter always check the Tyrol avalanche bulletin and pick your route according to the snow situation.
- Carry extra clothing, water and a warm layer; it is noticeably colder at the top.
Always check times, prices and opening dates with the provider beforehand; they can change.
About the mountain
The Kellerjoch (2,344 m) is a prominent viewpoint in the Tux Alps and the local mountain of Schwaz (about 545 m). According to sources, the summit carries a chapel instead of an ordinary cross; the cross often mentioned in accounts stands on the nearby Kuhmesser (2,246 m). Schwaz, Vomp and Pill in the Inn Valley are the shortest starting points. From Niederau it is about 45 minutes by car to the Inn Valley, depending on traffic and route. The height of 2,344 m appears in most sources.
Getting there
A common start is the Kellerjochbahn at Schwaz-Pill; the route via the mountain road over the Pillberg leads to the car park at Grafenast and the cable car that reaches the Hecherhaus (1,887 m). You can also climb from the valley without the lift, but that is a long ascent. Cable cars have their own seasons and maintenance periods; ask beforehand whether it is running, especially in winter, when according to one source the Hecherhaus can be open.
Summer: hiking
A classic summer tour is the circuit from the Loassattel via the Kuhmesser to the Kellerjoch. A tour report mentions about 2.5 hours of ascent, 8.1 km and roughly 750 metres of climbing. The final section along the ridge requires sure-footedness and is partly protected by cable. There is also a bike-and-hike route to the Kellerjoch. This is serious mountain walking, not a flat stroll: judge your fitness realistically and carry water, an extra layer and rain gear.
Kellerjochhütte
The Kellerjochhütte stands at 2,237 m and belongs to the ÖAV section Schwaz. From the top station or the Hecherhaus the approach takes about an hour. According to sources the hut is staffed from Pentecost to October, although the stated seasons are not the same everywhere (another source says June to September), so always ask in advance. The hut also has a heatable winter room. The Hecherhaus (1,887 m) is a stop for refreshments or a starting point. We give no opening times or prices.
Winter: skiing and ski touring
On the lower part of the mountain there is a small ski area served from the Kellerjochbahn. For ski tourers the Kellerjoch is a well-known goal. A frequently mentioned route starts at the car park in Grafenast, follows the piste to the Hecherhaus and continues to the Arbeser; one source gives about 2 hours and 5 km. A quieter variant begins at the Pirchneraste via the Proxenalm, in open terrain, and calls for stable conditions, especially on the descent. Which route is sensible depends on the snow situation.
Safety
For any ski tour or trip off the piste, consult the Tyrol avalanche bulletin (lawine.tirol.gv.at) and carry a transceiver, shovel and probe, plus the knowledge to use them. This guide is not a route description to follow blindly and does not replace local knowledge or a mountain guide. In summer the ridge section to the summit requires sure-footedness, and weather and thunderstorms decide whether you carry on. Set off early, tell someone your plans and turn back if conditions worsen.
Frequently asked questions
How high is the Kellerjoch and where is it?
The Kellerjoch is 2,344 m high and lies in the Tux Alps above Schwaz in the Inn Valley. From Niederau it is about 45 minutes by car.
Can you take a lift up the Kellerjoch?
The Kellerjochbahn takes you to the Hecherhaus (1,887 m); you then reach the summit on foot. Ask beforehand whether it is running.
Is the Kellerjoch suitable for ski touring?
Yes, it is a well-known ski touring destination, but only for experienced ski tourers with avalanche knowledge and equipment. Always consult the Tyrol avalanche bulletin.
Stay in Niederau Partner
Hotel Wastlhof, partner of Niederau.nl, is a family-run hotel with an indoor and an outdoor pool, wellness and its own riding stables, right in the village. For more places to stay and information you can also contact the Wildschönau tourist office. Personal recommendation, no payment involved.
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