The path into the Venter-Tal crosses the Ache, and follows a stony
slope on the left bank of the Venter Ache to (2 hrs.) Heilig-Kreuz (5375 ft.)
and to (2 hrs. more) Vent (6250 ft.; Zum Curat; Tappeiner), an Alpine
hamlet at the foot of the Talleitspitze. (11,175 ft.), which divides the valley
into two branches. The route viâ the Hochjoch (9465 ft.) to (8 hrs.) Unser-
Frau leads through the Rofen-Tal or W. arm; that viâ the Niederjoch
(9990 ft.) to (7 hrs.) Unser Frau, through the Nieder-Tal or E. arm. From
Unser Frau ( 1910 ft.; Adler) a bridle-path descends the pretty Schnalser-Tal
to (1 ¼ hr.) Karthaus and (1 hr.) Neu-Ratteis (3085 ft.; Flora), whence a road
leads through a picturesque rocky gorge to (6 M.) Naturns, on the Vintsch-
gau post-road (p. 156; diligence twice daily in 1 ½ hr. to Meran).
From Vent to Mitlelberg viâ the Taufkar-Joch, see p. 142. — The route
into the GURGLER-TAL, crossing the Gurgler Ache at Zwieselstein, ascends
abruptly on the left bank, but (1 hr.) above the mouth of the Timmlbach
(p. 153) returns to the right bank. We again cross the stream twice, pass
the chalets of Pillberg and Königsrain, and reach (2 hrs.) Ober-Gurgl (6265 ft.;
Scheiber's Inn), the loftiest village in Tyrol, situated in the midst of imposing
scenery. For excursions and ascents, see Baedeker's Eastern Alps.
Beyond Oetztal Station the valley of the Inn expands. On a hill
to the right, beyond (110 M.) Haiming, is the château of Petersberg.
— 113 ½ M. Silz (2130 ft.; Railway Inn); 114 ½ M. Mötz; 118 ½ M.
Stams. In the village, 1 M. to the S., is an extensive Cistercian
convent, founded in 1271 by Elizabeth, mother of Conradin, the last
of the Hohenstaufen. To the N. are the massive limestone crags of
the Mieminger Mts. and the Hohe Munde (8730 ft.).
117 ½ M. Rietz. — 120 ½ M. Telfs (2045 ft.; Seiser, at the station
Post; Löwe; Traube; Schöpfer's), a village of 2700 inhab., ¾ M. to
the N. of the station. From Telfs a picturesque road leads viâ Ober-
Mieming (Post) and Obsteig to Nassereit (p. 141).
124 M. Zirl (Zur Martinswand, at the station). The village
(2035 ft.; Löwe; Post) is picturesquely situated on the left bank of
the Inn, 1 M. to the N., overlooked by the ruined castle of Fragen-
stein. The Calvarienberg commands a beautiful view; to the S. rise
the jagged peaks of the Sellrain, to the E. the Solstein (8330 ft.).
Below Zirl the Martinswand (3650 ft.), the legendary scene of a perilous
adventure of Emp. Maximilian I. while hunting, in 1493, rises perpendic-
ularly from the valley. The spot where the emperor was in danger is
marked by a cross in a small cavern, now accessible to steady walkers
by a safe and easy path (1 ¼ hr. from the station).
From Zirl to Mittenwald, 17 M., diligence daily in 4 ½ hrs., viâ
Seefeld (3850 ft.; Post) and Scharnitz (Adler). See Baedeker's Eastern Alps.
The line now skirts the Inn and crosses the Melach to (130 M.)
Kematen, at the entrance to the Sellrain-Tal. In a picturesque
gorge, 1 ½ M. to the S.E., are the Kaiser Ferdinand Waterfalls.
132 ½ M. Völs, situated among orchards; 135 ½ M. Wilten (p. 131).
136 ½ M. Innsbruck, see p. 128.
16. From Innsbruck to Botzen by the Brenner.
Comp. Maps, pp. 134, 142, 162.
83 M. Railway in 3 ½-6 ½ hrs. (fares 11 K. 80, 8 K. 80, 5 K. 80 h.; ex-
press 15 K. 30, 11 K. 50, 7 K. 50 h.). Best views to the right as far as the
Eisak bridge below Sterzing; beyond it, generally to the left.