Emperor Max Grotto – View of the Martinswand loop from Kematen in Tirol

01:46

3.25km

240m

Mountaineering

Hard mountaineering route. Great for any fitness level. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

Last updated: August 7, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment that is highly dangerous

A part of this route comprises highly technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience is required.

After 194 m for 195 m

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450 m

Emperor Max Grotto

Highlight • Cave

It was in 1484 when the Emperor Maximillian, who is still very popular in Tyrol today, got off his feet while hunting in the Martinswand and could neither go back nor forward. His refuge was a grotto from which he was rescued after 2 days by a young farm boy. The boy disappeared after the emperor was rescued and so it did not take long until it was said that Maximillian had been found by an angel and brought back to the valley in good health. In addition, it is said that Maximillian is said to have pleaded "if only kematen" in fearful expectation of help, which is supposed to be the reason why the neighboring town of Zirl is named Kematen today. These legends are still told today. In any case, as a thank you for the happy end of his hunting trip, the emperor had a cross erected in the cave known since then as the Maximilliansgrotte.
tirol-infos.at/innsbruck/kaiser-max-grotte.html

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2.68 km

View of the Martinswand

Highlight • Viewpoint

Imposing, natural and proud, the Martinswand near Zirl seems to be watching over the village. No wonder that the Martinswand and the Ehnbachklamm is home to one of the most interesting climbing regions in Tyrol!

At the foot of this climbing paradise, at 622 meters above sea level, Zirl: Only ten kilometers from the capital of the Alps, you can feel the heartbeat of nature and the pulse of the city here as well.

If you want to have a change even without climbing skills: About 200 meters above the Inntalsohle lies in the middle of the Martinswand the Maximilians grotto, a 26 meter wide and 19 meter high natural cave. According to legend, Emperor Maximilian once took refuge in the grotto after he had chased himself in the chamois hunt. The Grottensteig in the Martinswand has been redesigned and has been safely accessible since the beginning of April 2015. Bridges, fences and handrails provide a child-safe way to the magnificent viewpoint on Zirl and the upper Inn Valley.

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