Reaching Umbrüggler Alm is an adventure in itself, a journey that blends the charm of modern engineering with the timeless beauty of the Tyrolean mountains. Our escapade began with a walk to Altstadt station of the Nordkettenbahnen. From there, a swift ride on the funicular whisked us partway up the mountain with the opportunity to admire majestic views over the city.
Our final leg was a 40-minute uphill hike along a woodland forest path from Hungerburg, occasionally interrupted by careful navigation of icy patches as we got higher.
As the trail opened up, Umbrüggler Alm emerged, proudly bearing its name and elevation — 1,123 metres — on the building façade.
This architectural gem promises a traditional mountain hut experience with a difference. To be honest, the view alone is enough but here classic Tyrolean dishes are prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
The food
The menu, written entirely in German, might have presented a challenge, but thanks to the wonders of Google Gemini, we could photograph and translate it with ease. After browsing the starters—tempting options like “Sauerfleisch with green beans, red onion, paprika and salad” or a “Colourful salad plate with two Umbrüggler Alm cheese dumplings”—we decided to skip ahead to the main courses.
We felt we’d earned a lunch with our short climb and so enjoyed some hearty dishes perfect for a bracing day in the mountains. The pan-fried Wiener Schnitzel (pork), pan-fried to golden perfection, was accompanied by a delightful potato-bird salad (that’s the literal translation, but it just means bite-sized pieces) and a side of cranberries.
The Schweinskopf Sandwich—filled with tender pork and a tangy horseradish mayonnaise — was delicious and served with a crisp, refreshing salad. We also indulged in some hearty pasta dishes and salads, all of which had clearly been prepared with love and care.
The chef
Behind the scenes of this experience were hosts, Sonja and Tomas. Tomas, the face of the front of house, greeted us with an infectious cheeriness that instantly made us feel very welcome. His warm hospitality was matched by, we presume, Sonja’s skill in the kitchen.
The ambience
It was fairly quiet during our visit, giving us the chance to fully enjoy Umbrüggler Alm’s stunning setting, starting with a drink outside. Tomas’s genial presence set the tone — his English, while limited, far surpassed our German, and he was unfailingly friendly, kind and welcoming. Inside, the dining area is a beautifully modern yet understated space bathed in lots of natural light — an architectural masterpiece with panoramic windows that perfectly frame the breathtaking mountain views.
Everything you need to plan your trip in 2024
The cost
Starters range from €10, (the bread soup with bacon and spring onions) to €20. Mains, like the schnitzel or schweinskopf sandwich, are typically around €20. The extraordinary setting alone makes the cost worthwhile, but the quality of the food more than lives up to it.
The final verdict
A trip to Umbrüggler Alm is more than just a good meal — it’s a fun day out from the moment you step onto the trail. The setting, the stunning architecture and Tomas’ warm hospitality are the icing on the cake. And our day didn’t end there – re-energised and well-fed, we retraced our steps to the funicular and continued upwards to the top of the Nordkette.
The view from there, with the city below and the mountains stretching as far as the eye could see, was a perfect finale to our mini-adventure.
Disclosure: Our trip was sponsored by Innsbruck Tourism.
Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Telegraph.
Did you enjoy this article?
Receive similar content direct to your inbox.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form