The Nordkette cable car rises from Innsbruck city centre to the Hafelekar summit at 2,334 metres in a system of three stages — Congress, Hungerburg, Seegrube, Hafelekar. The ride takes about 20 minutes from the city centre and delivers you into an entirely different landscape: alpine meadows in summer, snow-covered slopes in winter, with views across the Inn valley and south toward the Stubaier Alps.
In summer the Nordkette offers hiking and mountain biking. The trail down from Seegrube to the city is a popular walk. In winter, Innsbruck's most challenging terrain begins here — the runs from Hafelekar are steep and suit experienced skiers. The cable car operates year-round, and even in bad weather the journey is worthwhile for the drama of emerging from cloud into clear air above the city.