Kellerjochkapelle – How to Hike to Tirol’s Most Beautiful Chapel

The Kellerjochkapelle stands at 2,344 metres above Schwaz in the Tuxer Alps, reached by chairlift and a short hike from the Kellerjochbahn. It is a tiny wooden chapel with one of the best views in Tirol, taking in the Karwendel, the Zillertal Alps and the Hohe Tauern on a clear day.

We did this hike after hearing the Kellerjochkapelle had come second in 9 Plätze 9 Schätze in 2025. This ORF show searches for Austria’s most beautiful place every year. The chapel won the Tirol round easily and only lost the national final to the Mariazellerbahn. That was enough to make us curious, so we packed our boots and drove to Schwaz.

Kellerjochkapelle Hike at a Glance

3 Good Reasons to Hike to Kellerjochkapelle

1. One of the best views in Tirol. The chapel sits right on the summit ridge. On a clear day you can see the Karwendel, the Zillertal Alps, the Hohe Tauern and even the Zugspitze. Locals rate it as one of the finest panoramas in the region, and the ORF vote agrees with them.
2. A proper mountain chapel, not just a cross. Most Tirol summits have a simple cross or a small iron marker. Kellerjoch has an actual wooden chapel, built by the Schwazer Schützenkompanie and cared for by them ever since. It gives the summit a different feel, quieter and more thoughtful than a typical peak.
3. The Kellerjochhütte along the way. You pass a proper mountain hut on the route up, run by the Alpine Club in Schwaz. It is a natural place to rest before the final climb, and a good option for food or a drink on the way down.

A Short History of the Kellerjochkapelle

The first chapel on this summit went up in the 16th century, built by Schwaz miners who worked the silver and copper seams below. They saw it as a shrine of protection and are said to have walked up here with their families to pray for safety underground.

It has been rebuilt several times since, after storms, a lightning strike and a fire in 1928. The current chapel was reconsecrated in 1931 and dedicated to St Anthony of Padua. The 1. Schwazer Schützenkompanie has looked after it ever since. They still hold a summit mass here every year in late July.

Trail Description from the Kellerjochbahn Mountain Station

From the Hecherhaus mountain station, a wide gravel path crosses open alpine meadow towards a broad ridge. This is where you get your first proper look at the Kellerjochhütte, sitting below the summit.

From there, a series of switchbacks climbs steadily to the hut at 2,237 metres. It takes about an hour from the mountain station, and the gradient is steady rather than steep.

After a short rest, the final stretch to the chapel takes 20 to 30 minutes. The path narrows onto a rocky ridge secured with cable in the exposed sections. It is not technical, but you do need a head for heights and proper boots.

The chapel appears suddenly once you reach the top, small and simple against the rock.

Coming down, we retraced the same route. It felt easier without the extra effort of the final ridge, though the switchbacks are still hard on the knees.

Kellerjochbahn: Practical Information

Before you set off, here is what you need to know about the Kellerjochbahn, the chairlift that takes you up to the trailhead. It´s old style, where you have to jump on and off a moving chairlift! But don´t worry, there are assistants who slow it down for you.

Right next to the top station, the Hecherhaus makes a good stop before or after your hike. It serves Tirolean classics alongside Nepalese specialities from its new hosts. The sun terrace has sweeping views over the Inn Valley.

There is also the option to stay in one of the Hecherhaus´ simple rooms if you fancy sunrise or sunset from 1,887m. It is open daily except Mondays, roughly 9am to 10pm (kitchen until 8pm), from late May to mid-October.

How to Get to the Kellerjochbahn

By car, take the A12 motorway to the Schwaz exit, then follow the signs towards Pillberg and Hochpillberg. The road climbs steadily to Grafenast, where you will find the valley station and a car park.

By public transport, take the train to Schwaz, then a bus from the bus station up to Grafenast. It is a slower option, but it works well if you do not want to drive on narrow mountain roads.

The Kellerjochbahn usually runs from early July to late September, closed on Mondays. Check the current times before you go, since they can change with the weather.

Tips for the Hike

• Wear proper hiking boots, not trainers. The final ridge needs sure footing.
• Check the chairlift’s operating days and midday break before you set off.
• Pack water, sun protection and a light rain jacket. Weather turns quickly at this altitude.
• Start early if you can. It gets busier later in the day, especially at weekends.
• The Kellerjochhütte is not always staffed early in the season, so do not count on a hot meal.
• If you are not comfortable with exposed terrain, stop at the hut. The view is still excellent from there.
• Download the PeakVisor app before you go. From the chapel you can pick out a huge range of peaks, including the Großglockner (Austria’s highest mountain), the Großvenediger and the Zugspitze (Germany’s highest mountain).

If you enjoyed this hike, you might also like our guide to the Zirbenweg in Innsbruck, another rewarding high-alpine trail.

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