High mountains, peaceful cows, maple trees and an idyllic village at the end of a scenic easy walk in the valley. This is a paradise for nature lovers and travel enthusiasts. The landscape is beyond picturesque, it is easy to reach by car and you will take the most stunning photos of this alpine hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, Tyrol. If you’re into stunning natural beauty and a serene escape from the daily routine, Eng Alm in Ahornboden is where you need to be.

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Why visiting Eng Alm? What to expect.

Located in the natural reservation called Ahornboden (sycamore maple trees land), Eng Alm lies at the end of this expansive valley. The reservation covers 240 hectares, with more than 2,000 mountain maple trees. A serene 20-40 minutes walk (depending on your pace), will take to the end of this scenic valley where Eng Alm lies. It is mostly renown for it’s beauty, mountainscape and the vibrant pallet of the colors the maple trees offer in autumn.

The enchanting bells sounds of the happy cows will follow you along this valley. They are free to spend the the day in the fields, while they comfortably rest in barns in the night. Make sure you try some local made mountain cheese (Bergkäse) or delicious butter made at the local cheese factory (Käserei).

How to get there

By bus – the eco friendly option

The Eng mountain bus runs seven times a day from June to October at weekends and on public holidays, also twice a week from Lenggries to Eng/Tyrol. Depending where you start your journey you can find your bus here: https://www.dbregiobus-bayern.de/angebot/freizeitbusse/rvo-rva/bergsteigerbus

Passengers from Bad Tölz and Lenggries use the special return ticket for the outward and return journey. For passengers from Munich and the surrounding area, you can purchase the Karwendelticket for 34 EUR valid 5 days.

By car – the convient option

The most convenient way to reach Ahornboden and Eng Alm is definitely by car. The last part of the Risstal valley from Hinterriss to the world-famous Eng Alm opens up a unique natural jewel in the Karwendel to thousands of visitors every year. Driving this scenic route, will eventually lead you to a 15-kilometer toll road.

Single, Couples, Family, Children friendly destination

Singles can lose themselves in the natural beauty, couples can revel in romantic settings, families can enjoy picnicking, wildlife spotting, and nature walks, while children can unleash their inner adventurers. The Eng Alm’s enchanting landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable experiences, making it a destination for all ages and travel preferences.

Playground @ Eng Alm: Spielschatz

A unique mountain playground awaits the young adventurers for a fun day. A friendly slide through the hill, a 100m long racing track, a water playground and a children’s mountain lodge are some of the attractions your children will enjoy there.

Great Outdoors: Hiking, Biking, Walking

Embrace the great outdoors at Eng Alm, where a world of adventure awaits. Hiking enthusiasts can conquer rugged peaks and stroll through meadows, while mountain bikers will find thrilling trails to explore. For a more leisurely experience, take a scenic walk amidst the stunning natural beauty.

Spend the night at Rustic Lodges: Alpine Huts

There are two main options for spending the night at Eng Alm: at the Eng nature hotel or a rustic alpine huts. We chose the second option and man it was unbelievable. You literally seep on top (or next to) the cow barn where the gentle bell sound will accompany you to fall asleep.

Cozy, warm and comfortable a night spend there is indeed a must try for an authentic local experience.

TIP: If you plan to stay in Eng Alm overnight, it’s a good idea to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

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Savor Alpine Cuisine

Now, let’s talk about the food. Eng Alm knows how to do hearty Austrian dishes. Here are two Austrian alpine dishes you should definitely try.

1. Tiroler Gröstl (left image) is a traditional pan potato and vegetable mix with a sunny side egg on top. At the Rasthütte cottage, at the end of the village, they serve a vegetarian friendly version. The traditional Tiroler

Gröstl is made with cooked beef and/or bacon.

2. Kaiserschmarrn (Emperor’s Mess)– right image – is a lightly sweetened pancake that takes its name from the Austrian emperor (Kaiser) Franz Joseph I, who was fond of this fluffy shredded pancake. It is served with apple sauce and contains raisins or dried cranberries. Now don’t get fooled by the fact that this is a sweet dish. It is mostly served as a “light” lunch but also as a desert.

Seasonal Magic: Best time to visit

Eng Alm has a different charm for every season and the short answer is autumn. The best time to visit Eng Alm si mid September to late October (the villages closes after the snow fall). The changing colours of the maple leaves creates a scenic landscape with the snowy alpine background. Red, yellow, oranges are the colours in which the valley is now painted. This place will enrich all your sense.

TIP: Take a matching autumn outfit for the most memorable photos. Coloured clothing like brown, yellow, orange and even red will have the perfect contrast on the scenic snowy mountains lying in the background.

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