Inschriften, Schwaz, Tirol, Austria

## Overview High in the mountains above Schwaz in Tirol, Austria, lies a remarkable spring surrounded by ancient rock inscriptions believed to date back roughly 3,000 years. Known locally as the "Inschriften" (inscriptions) site, this remote alpine spring has reportedly been used as a water source for millennia, making it one of the oldest known spring sites in the Tyrolean Alps. The petroglyphs carved into the rock near the spring hint at the sacred or ritual significance this water source held for Bronze Age inhabitants of the Inn Valley. The spring is referenced in Austrian cultural archives as one of Tirol's "Heilige Quellen" (holy springs), suggesting a long tradition of reverence for its waters. Reaching the spring requires a committed mountain hike of approximately 2.5 hours (one way), but the reward is an extraordinary combination of pristine alpine scenery and a tangible connection to prehistory. The water has historically been used as a drinking source by hikers and locals, though — as with any wild spring — conditions can change and visitors should assess the water for themselves. ## Directions The trailhead begins at a parking area near the Gufferthütte hiking route above Schwaz. The total hike from the parking spot to the spring takes approximately 150 minutes (2.5 hours). 1. **Drive to the parking area.** Use this link for the approximate parking location: [Google Maps – Parking Spot](http://goo.gl/maps/1oF5A). The GPS coordinates for the spring itself are **47.553563°N, 11.741767°E**. 2. **From the parking lot**, follow the signs for **Gufferthütte**. 3. **After approximately 6 km** of hiking (roughly one hour), take a **left turn** at the junction. 4. **Continue straight** on the hiking trail (not the mountain bike trail). Stay on the footpath. 5. **Follow the signs for "Inschriften"** (inscriptions) as they appear along the route. 6. **From the waypoint N47.57711°, E11.79404°**, head straight uphill, continuing to follow the signs for the "Inschriften" (the ancient petroglyphs/hieroglyphs carved into the rock near the spring). 7. The spring is located at the inscription site near the summit area. *Note: The trail is a proper mountain hike — wear sturdy hiking boots, bring sufficient water and food, and check weather conditions before setting out. Allow at least 5 hours round trip.* ## What to Expect This is not a casual roadside spring — it is a genuine alpine adventure. The hike follows well-marked trails through Tyrolean mountain terrain, passing through forests and open alpine meadows with sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and the Inn Valley below. At the spring site, you'll find the ancient rock inscriptions that give this location its name. These carvings, estimated to be around 3,000 years old, are etched into the stone surrounding the spring and are thought to be of Bronze Age origin. The combination of flowing spring water and prehistoric rock art in a remote mountain setting creates an atmosphere that feels almost sacred — which, historically, it likely was. The spring itself is a natural alpine water source. It has been historically regarded as a "holy spring" (Heilige Quelle) in Tyrolean tradition, and visitors over the centuries have reported the water to be clean and refreshing. However, water quality can vary with season and weather, so exercise your own judgment. The trail is best attempted in the warmer months (June through September) when alpine paths are clear of snow. The route is moderately strenuous and suitable for experienced hikers. There is no infrastructure at the spring itself — bring everything you need and pack out all waste. For further reading on Tirol's holy springs, the Austrian Forum maintains a collection on the topic: [Heilige Quellen – Tirol](http://austria-forum.org/af/Wissenssammlungen/Bibliothek/Heilige_Quellen/Tirol).