The best hikes from bus stations around Absam

History of the founding of St. Martin in Gnadenwald As early as the 11th century, a hunting lodge with a chapel in honor of St. Martin is said to have stood on the site of the present-day monastery. The first documented mention dates back to 1337 in a will of the Tyrolean court master Heinrich von Rottenburg. A second mention occurred in 1382. Around the same time or not long after, a hermitage was also founded here, inhabited by two forest brothers. The daughter Magdalena Getzner of the wealthy Hall citizen Jörg Perl entered the monastery of St. Magdalena in Halltal together with her daughter in 1486. This was possible because her father annually donated a considerable sum to the monastery of St. Magdalena. The daughter of Magdalena Getzner, also named Magdalena, had health problems, probably a mental disability, which is why the bishop allowed her to leave the monastery of St. Magdalena and settle in a healthy location in monastic habit. Magdalena Getzner and her daughter now chose St. Martin in Gnadenwald as their new place of residence. This is evidenced by a document from 1497 from the parish archive of Baumkirchen. In addition, some sisters went with them to St. Martin, so that a monastery was established there, of which Magdalena Getzner the Elder became the abbess. On October 7, 1520, the Augustinian monastery in St. Martin in Gnadenwald burned down. The 30 nuns found refuge in the St. Salvator chaplaincy in Hall and remained there until 1566. The era of the Peasants' Wars and the Reformation was not the age for rebuilding burnt-down monasteries. Thus In 1826, the entire chapel was renovated, and in 1836 it received a new high altar with an altarpiece, presumably by Arnold Schöpf. The frescoes by Milldorfer remained. During the Nazarene period, the small monastery received its Christmas nativity scene with figures over 80 cm tall. In 1935, the Tertiary Sisters from Hall moved into the long-vacant cells and operated a guesthouse here from 1939 onwards. This was a valuable place of rest for pilgrims during their journey. Unfortunately, the rental was discontinued in 2019, and the Tertiary Sisters no longer live in the monastery. Text / Source: Hall-Wattens Tourism, Unterer Stadtplatz 19, Hall in Tirol https://www.hall-wattens.at/de/st-martin-in-gnadenwald.html

Kloster St. Martin in Gnadenwald That St. Martin in Gnadenwald was chosen as one of our places of power is actually self-evident. When you arrive there, you already feel the special aura of this place. Primarily, St. Martin is a place of recreation - both physical and mental. In our fast-paced times, "finding peace" is extremely important. The Cretan or classical stone labyrinth positioned to the left below the monastery symbolizes the human life path. Labyrinths have been found in many cultures for over 5000 years and are shaped by the need for inner peace and home. Text / Source: Hall-Wattens Tourismus, Unterer Stadtplatz 19, Hall in Tirol https://www.hall-wattens.at/de/st-martin-in-gnadenwald.html

Besinnungsweg Absam – Hike to St. Martin in Gnadenwald This peaceful hike connects Absam with the special place of power, St. Martin in Gnadenwald. The Besinnungsweg (meditation trail) leads along quiet forest paths through gentle terrain, accompanied by spiritual stations and expansive views of the Karwendel and Tux Alps. This hike is part of the Hall, Wattens & Watten- und Voldertal hiking region, which is considered one of the most diverse hiking areas in the Inn Valley with its tranquil alpine pastures, scenic high-altitude trails, and varied circular routes. On the Besinnungsweg to St. Martin Monastery From the information portal at the entrance to the car park, follow the road for about 160 meters in a northerly direction into the Halltal valley. At the signpost "Besinnungsweg Absam – Gnadenwald", turn right, cross a wooden bridge, and follow the wide hiking trail in a northeasterly direction. The path continues through forest terrain in a gentle up-and-down fashion towards Gnadenwald. After crossing a small valley, a short ascent follows. Afterwards, you reach an unmarked fork that leads a few meters downhill to the right to the Walderkapelle chapel. This short detour is worthwhile. Back on the main path, continue following the nine stations of the Besinnungsweg, cross two debris flows, and hike towards Gnadenwald. After reaching the access road to the Hinterhornalm, keep left briefly, then immediately turn right again to follow the Besinnungsweg, along above the monastery. Then, turn right via a narrow path down to a chapel and continue right to the monastery of St. Martin with its monastery church. Text / Source: Almenrausch.at https://www.almenrausch.at/touren/detail/besinnungsweg-absam-gnadenwald/

beautiful hiking trails, lots of benches, varied terrain, simply great

Very worth seeing, you have to see it

Very worth seeing, you have to see it

Very worth seeing, you have to see it

The hiking car park at this point is free. There is also a bus stop, a children's playground and a pub here. If you want to go further up into the Halltal, you have to either walk, cycle or take a taxi. In the summer from May to October, a shuttle runs every hour on Saturdays and Sundays (if it is not raining) for €5 per adult and €2.50 for children. Current information and more information here: https://www.hall-wattens.at/de/halltal-taxi-shuttle-service.html