Tillfußalm

The Tillfußalm at 1,420 m is one of the most popular refreshment stops in the entire Gaistal. Surrounded by wide alpine meadows, grazing cattle and the distinctive Wetterstein panorama, it sits at exactly the right spot: far enough into the valley to truly feel the Gaistal, yet still easily reachable for hikers of all age groups. Dogs bark, children laugh, alm bells ring – the Tillfußalm is Tyrol exactly as most people imagine it.

History and Cultural Heritage

Directly above the alm stood the legendary hunting lodge “Hubertus” of the Bavarian writer Ludwig Ganghofer. Ganghofer spent over 20 summers in the Gaistal and drew inspiration from the wild valley landscape for some of his most famous works – including the novel Das Schweigen im Walde (Silence in the Forest), which is set right here in the Gaistal. The Ganghoferweg, which runs through the entire valley, is named after him.

Visiting the Tillfußalm therefore means walking in literary footsteps. Information boards along the route tell more about Ganghofer’s time in the Gaistal – a pleasant side effect of the hike, particularly for culturally interested guests.

Location and Atmosphere

The alm sits on a gentle step in the terrain amid expansive meadowland. Cattle, sheep and goats graze in the pastures; alm flowers bloom in full splendour from June to September. The sun terrace offers an open view of the rock faces of the Wettersteingebirge – a perfect spot for a leisurely lunch break.

The atmosphere is family-run and authentic. No tourist hustle, no crowds – the Tillfußalm is a working alm where livestock is kept from June to October. For children it is a special experience to observe the animals up close.

Food

The kitchen at the Tillfußalm is wholesome and regional: Brettljause with homemade bacon, Tyrolean cheese and farmhouse bread, hot daily specials, goulash soup and freshly baked cakes. Cold drinks, Tyrolean schnapps and non-alcoholic alternatives complete the menu. If you are lucky, you will get Topfenstrudel straight from the oven – one of the absolute highlights.

Particularly recommended: the Brettljause outdoors on the sun terrace with a view of the Wettersteinwände. This is alm enjoyment in its purest form.

Overnight Stays

From early June to end of August the Tillfußalm offers a dormitory with 9 places. In September and October overnight stays are not available. Important: only cash payment is accepted – bring enough small change accordingly. Advance booking is recommended as places fill up quickly, especially in peak season.

Those who set off early and spend the night at the alm have the mountain world entirely to themselves the next morning – an unforgettable experience.

Season and Opening Hours

Season	Early June – end of October
Opening hours	Daily 9:00–17:00
Phone	+43 676 610 47 70
Dogs	Welcome (on lead)
Children	Very suitable
Overnight stays	Dormitory (Jun–Aug only, cash payment only)

Getting There

The classic approach to the Tillfußalm leads from the Salzbach car park (P1) along the flat Ganghoferweg into the valley. After about 45 minutes on foot you first pass the Gaistalalm and shortly afterwards reach the Tillfußalm. The path is wide, well marked and also manageable with a pushchair for experienced walkers – a gentle incline is present but perfectly manageable.

Alternatively start from the Stupfer car park (P2), which lies somewhat further into the valley, and walk to the alm in approx. 30 minutes. Those arriving by e-bike can park at the alm and continue on foot from there.

Combination Options

The Tillfußalm is an ideal intermediate stop on the Ganghoferweg loop (10 km, ~190 m altitude gain) and combines well with:

• Gaistalalm (1,350 m) – 15 minutes downhill, first refreshment stop in the valley
• Hämmermoosalm (1,417 m) – 30 minutes on the northern side of the valley
• Wangalm (1,750 m) – a further 1.5 hrs uphill, rewarding panoramic view
• Steinernes Hüttl – from here the Mitterjöchl at 2,051 m, one of the most impressive high-altitude tours in the Gaistal

Tips for Your Visit

• Children: The flat path, the pasture animals and the warm atmosphere make the Tillfußalm an ideal family destination
• Dogs: Welcome, but keep on a lead because of livestock
• Cash payment: Only cash accepted – no card terminal available
• Ganghofer heritage: The information boards along the route tell the story of the Gaistal
• Best time: June to August, when the alpine meadows are in full bloom

The Tillfußalm is more than a refreshment stop – it is a piece of living Tyrolean alm culture, embedded in literary history and unspoilt mountain landscape.