Talkaser Niederalm
| Start | Westendorf (Talkaser: 1766m) |
| Distance | 8km |
| Height loss | 972m |
| Grade | 2–3 |
| Time | 2½–3hrs |
| Location | Southeast of Westendorf |
Another walk using the Alpenrosenbahn gondola lift onto Nachsöllberg, practically every step of the way is downhill, for the route descends into a peaceful valley that flows north into the Brixental. Although the actual walking time and distance covered is modest, it feels like a much longer and more enterprising outing. Since the Brixenbachgraben valley is undeveloped, with only an alm farm or two, it would be worth taking a picnic lunch and plenty of liquid refreshment with you.
Out of the gondola top station (Talkaser) take the broad track to the Höhningerscharte saddle and veer left on the contouring path which skirts the north and northeast flank of the Fleiding mountain to bring you to the 1700m Einködlscharte about 20mins from Talkaser. At the trail junction turn sharp left, cross a fence and take a narrow path along the right-hand side of a stream to enter the Brixenbachgraben valley, with the wall of the Wilder Kaiser mountains apparently blocking the northern horizon.
The path briefly improves and takes a zigzag course down towards the upper valley basin. It then fades, but a line of red-and-white waymarks directs the way, taking you to the left-hand side of the stream and down to the alm buildings of Talkaser Niederalm (1462m). From here you have a choice of routes. The easier of the two takes the farm track which angles off to the right and winds its way down the east side of the valley. But the recommended way remains on the west flank. Here the continuing waymarked path steadily loses height, slips into a gully, crosses a stream and then descends near a small wooden chalet to join a track which you follow northwards in the bed of the valley.
Talkaser Niederalm
This is a charming valley in which there’s a sense of isolation – despite the fact that it’s popular with walkers. (Several other trails show possibilities for more days of exploration – see below.) There should be no route-finding difficulties as the track remains on the left of the Brixenbach until it discharges from the valley just short of Winkl. It now crosses to the right bank and becomes a metalled road, along which you pass at least two refreshment opportunities about 5mins before reaching Brixen Bahnhof, where you can take the train to Westendorf, if needed. However, should you prefer to walk, follow directions given for Route 41 – in which case allow another hour.
A range of possibilities exists in the Brixenbachgraben, including easy walks from Brixen to Brixenbachalm (1hr) or to the Wiegenalm (2hrs).