Schwendberg was first mentioned in an official document in 1318. Houses and farms are scattered across the western plateau, some standing alone and others in groups. In addition to this settlement landscape, hiking and cycling trails, high-altitude spots and chapels offer different focal points for a stay in Hippach-Schwendberg.
Local Character and Orientation
The scattered arrangement of houses and farms is a defining feature of Schwendberg. The named points in the surrounding area also offer different kinds of orientation: Scharmoos is a high point southwest of Hippach. Melchboden is at the highest point of the Zillertal High Alpine Road, at 2,020 m. One name identifies a high point above Hippach, while the other marks a point on the alpine road and gives its exact elevation.
Hiking and Cycling
Rastkogel can be reached from Schwendberg; conditions on the mountain vary by season. The Adlerweg is a 20 km circular hiking trail. The two destinations therefore raise different planning considerations: for the Adlerweg, its circular route and total length matter, while for Rastkogel, the route from Schwendberg to the mountain destination is the key point of reference. When planning a hike, take seasonal conditions on the mountain into account.
Cycling route 421 starts at the Möslbahn on Schwendberg. It follows the Zillertal High Alpine Road to the turn-off for Brindlingalm, then continues through the forest on a paved road via Hochschwendberg. The route points trace a specific course: from the Möslbahn to the alpine road, on to the turn-off and then via Hochschwendberg. This road route differs from the Adlerweg’s circular route.
Penken and the Zillertal High Alpine Road
The Penken ski area can be reached via the Möslbahn on Hochschwendberg. Lift access and timetables may change seasonally, so check the Möslbahn timetable before planning your trip. There are other named destinations along the Zillertal High Alpine Road: Melchboden is at 2,020 m, at the highest point of the road. The Grünalm snack station is at 1,800 m, directly on the alpine road, and is accessible only in summer. Bear this seasonal restriction in mind when planning a visit to Grünalm.
Another option on Hochschwendberg is the wine hike. It combines a gentle climb through forests with an elevation of over 1,300 m and tastings of wines from Austria and the surrounding area. The experience thus combines exercise and wine tasting. Tour details may change, so check the latest itinerary in advance.
Chapels and History
The Chapel of Our Lady of Victory stands in the hamlet of Perler. Raggl endowed the chapel in Perler using his private funds. The Chapel of Mary of Victory, also known as the Hochschwendberg Chapel, is a listed monument in Hippach-Schwendberg under an ordinance. The monument-list entry is dated 28 May 2024; its legal status may be updated. Together with Schwendberg’s first documented mention in 1318, the chapels provide specific points of reference for the area’s history.
When looking for a holiday apartment, your planned travel dates can be a useful first filter: Grünalm is accessible only in summer, and the Möslbahn timetable may change seasonally. If you plan to take the wine hike, you should also check the latest details of the experience.
Discover more destinations: Distelberg, Hochpillberg, Rohrberg, Finkenberg, Terfens, Gerlos, FĂĽgen, Zellberg
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