This Alpine market town in Tyrol sits along the historic Brenner railway line at 1,048 meters. Winter skiing and summer hiking trails draw visitors to its mountain slopes.
Steinach am Brenner is a market town in Austria's Tyrol region, located where the Gschnitztal and Wipptal valleys meet at 1,050 meters above sea level. You'll recognize the town center by its baroque parish church with distinctive twin spires and the historic hunting lodge of Emperor Maximilian. From the Bergeralm ski resort's illuminated slopes to the Alpine rose-covered trails of Mount Blaser, this mountain town connects you to both the Tuxer and Stubai Alps.
Historical Background
The area, originally known as "Muron," emerged around St. Ursula's Church in 985. The name Steinach first appeared in 1220, coming from "Steina" - a reference to the rocks in local streams. The town received its market status in 1936. During World War II, the town endured several bombing raids because of its strategic railway position.
Getting to Steinach am Brenner
You can reach the town from Innsbruck, 20 kilometers north, via the Brennereisenbahn railway or the A13 motorway. The railway station, Steinach in Tirol, is a main stop on the Brenner line, while the motorway runs along the western valley above the town.
Religious Architecture
The main parish church began as a chapel in 1337, dedicated to Saints Erasmus, Quirino, and Christopher. Architect Franz de Paula Penz transformed it into its current Baroque style in the early 16th century during Emperor Maximilian's reign. You can visit the Church of St. Ursula in Mauern, which has kept its original Roman structure from 985, and St. Ulrich's Church in Tienzens, renovated in baroque style in 1732.
Winter Sports at Bergeralm
You can ski across 29 kilometers of slopes at Bergeralm, including a children's area. An 8-kilometer high-altitude cross-country track winds through the resort, and a floodlit toboggan run operates three evenings weekly. Night skiing is available on 9 kilometers of slopes that meet Alpine World Cup standards.
Summer Activities
The cable cars run year-round, taking hikers and mountain bikers up to 2,200 meters. Children can play at the Bärenbachl water adventure park during summer months. You'll find over 600 kilometers of marked hiking trails in the surrounding valleys, from easy walks to challenging routes up the Olperer peak (3,476 meters). In summer, Mount Blaser's slopes fill with Alpine roses, gentians, and edelweiss.
