Axams reveals its local history through tangible landmarks: a Rococo church, several chapels and the former significance of the linen trade. The Axamer Lizum offers a focus for hiking and winter sports. You can choose between these themes according to what interests you most on your trip: historic architecture or the varied trails in the mountains.
Churches, chapels and Tyrolean linen
The parish church of St John the Baptist in Axams is a Rococo church built between 1732 and 1734. Its ceiling frescoes were painted by Franz Xaver Kirchebner in the late 18th century. The construction and decoration therefore belong to different periods in the church’s history. The Chapel of St Michael, which has Romanesque fabric, is attached to the sacristy. Its old frescoes were painted over in 1633.
The Chapel of St Wilgefortis lies beneath the Chapel of St Michael. It was consecrated in 1666 and once attracted many pilgrims. Another landmark in Axams’ history is the octagonal Linden Chapel of St Sebastian, northwest of the village. It was built in 1635 in gratitude for being spared the plague. The chapels therefore differ not only in their architectural form but also in the historical associations passed down about each one.
Wampelerreiten is also part of Axams’ cultural history: in 2016, the custom was added to Tyrol’s list of intangible cultural heritage. The region’s history of building and customs is complemented by an economic dimension. Until the 19th century, Axams was one of the main suppliers of Tyrolean linen, alongside the Ötztal; flax from Axams was considered the finest in Tyrol. Local history thus spans sacred architecture, a traditional custom and the former production of linen.
Hiking and mountain sports in the Axamer Lizum
The hiking trails of the Axamer Lizum wind through the Kalkkögel mountains. The Hochtennbodensteig connects the Hoadl-Haus with the Birgitzköpflhaus and runs against the backdrop of these mountains. For the hike to Herzlteich, the starting point is at the Hoadlbahn mid-station; this easy family hike leads from there to Herzlteich. The two routes therefore have different points of reference: one links two mountain huts, while the other has a pond as its destination.
The scenic circular hike from Birgitzköpfl to Götzner Alm is suitable for families. Along the way, there are views of the Kalkkögel, the Inn Valley and the Nordkette. An alpine circular tour starting at the Birgitzköpflhaus offers a different focus: it leads over the Nockspitze at 2,403 metres and continues to the summit cross on the Spitzmandl. The return route goes via the Pfriemeswand and Zwölferspitze back to the Birgitzköpflhaus. For another perspective on the area, the mountain hike to Nockspitze via Halsl offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Innsbruck and far across the Inn Valley.
The jagged peaks of the Kalkkögel near Axams have earned them the name “Dolomites of the North”. The Axamer Lizum also has several notable landmarks for hiking and winter sports. Built in 1963, the mountain chapel stands along the Axamer Lizum circular trail. Ski races were held in the Axamer Lizum ski area during the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympic Games. The Hoadl gondola takes winter sports enthusiasts up to the Hoadl plateau at an elevation of 2,340 metres.
Practical planning information
A free ski bus runs daily at frequent intervals from Innsbruck and the surrounding villages directly to the Axamer Lizum. Check the timetable before your trip so you can plan your journey accordingly. In Axams, pavements run along almost the entire main road; there are also many pavements on the side streets.
The Axams leisure centre has been closed since 30 September 2024. Take this into account when planning and check the latest information before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Axamer Lizum, Ranggen, Mützens, Municipality in Tyrol, Ellbögen, Rinn, Telfs, Inzing
Return to the main travel overview: Innsbruck-Land.
