Ramsberg: Hiking Route, Toboggan Run and Alpine Pastures

Ramsberg offers historical and scenic points of interest, as well as hiking trails and alpine pasture attractions. The places to visit offer a variety of highlights: a winding route and old farmhouses, a toboggan run and ski slope, or mountain views and seasonal cheese production. For planning, it helps to sort the individual highlights according to the activity you have in mind.

Ramsberg and its history

Documents from the 13th century distinguish the valley settlement of Ramsau from the mountain settlement of Ramsberg. Until November 11, 1978, the municipality was called Ramsberg. The two dates refer to different things: the first concerns the medieval distinction between the valley and mountain settlements, while the second is the former name of the municipality. Together, they place the history of the area between the 13th and 20th centuries.

Hiking route with two return options

The Ramsau–Sonnalm-Schlittenstadl hiking route, Route 2, winds uphill past meadows and old farmhouses to Ramsberg. The term “switchback” describes the shape of the trail: the ascent gains elevation through successive bends rather than following a straight line. Meadows and old farmhouses shape the scenery along the way.

You can return along the same route or take the bus via Gerlosstein. The bus option changes your return plans; check the current timetable. Trail and transport conditions may also be a factor. If you retrace the same route, the return journey remains part of the hike; by bus, you can plan your return via Gerlosstein.

Toboggan run and ski slope at the Schlittenstadl-Sonnalm

The Schlittenstadl-Sonnalm is a ski and toboggan hut halfway along the seven-kilometer toboggan run. It is also located right next to the ski slope in the small Gerlosstein ski area on Hainzenberg. This means two distinct winter attractions meet at the hut: the toboggan run and the ski slope. Seven kilometers is the total length of the toboggan run, while the hut is halfway along it. The hut is therefore a landmark for two different winter activities. As seasonal conditions can vary, it is advisable to check current conditions before your visit.

Alpine pastures with mountain views and cheese production

The Alte Kotahornalm is in Ramsberg at an elevation of 1,630 meters. Its sun-weathered wooden facade and traditional charm make it a popular destination for hikers, families and mountain bikers. From the alpine pasture, you can enjoy views of the surrounding glacier peaks of the Zillertal Alps. The focus here is on the landscape and the character of the building.

The Karlalm offers a different highlight: cows and calves are kept at an elevation of 1,750 meters from late May to September. During the alpine summer, the Karlalm produces Tilsiter and mountain cheese in its own cheese dairy. The period for keeping the animals is given as late May to September, while cheese production takes place during the alpine summer. This gives alpine farming and cheese production a specific seasonal context.

The two alpine pastures can also be compared by elevation: the Karlalm is 120 meters higher than the Alte Kotahornalm. Their highlights also differ considerably: the Alte Kotahornalm focuses on views and its wooden facade, while the Karlalm focuses on seasonal livestock farming and cheese production.

Discover more destinations: Schwendau, Emberg, Gerlos, Hainzenberg, Ginzling, Tux, Zellberg, Zell Am Ziller.

For the full travel overview: Schwaz District.