Route section 14 - Brenner/Gries to Matrei:
Coming from Brenner, we walk along the main road westwards past Lake Brenner in the direction of Gries. This stage leads northwards from Gries to Matrei, downhill towards Innsbruck. As we follow neither the railway line nor the main road or motorway, our path runs on both sides of the valley, which is always associated with ascents - we have a demanding stage ahead of us. The good news: the path along the valley flanks offers enjoyable views of the Alpine world - a very rewarding and impressive section of the route.
Alternative route 1 (Brenner-Padaun-St. Jodok):
From Brenner railway station, head north to the former Brennersee railway station, where you change to the other side of the railway line via a tunnel. Then take trail 83 (ascending) to the wooden chapel "Zum Blinden Herrgott" (To the Blind Lord) on the Padaun plateau and continue on the level road to the Steckholzer mountain inn (refreshments and overnight accommodation available at www.gasthof-steckholzer.at) in about 15 minutes. Descend via forest trail no. 84/82 to St. Jodok (refreshments and overnight accommodation available at the mountaineering hotel Das Lamm (www.das-lamm.at).
Alternative route 2 (Brenner-Sattelbergalm - Gries):
On the Brenner from the south, in the centre near the church on the left side of the valley on trail no. 1 to the Sattelbergalm (refreshments and overnight accommodation available at www.sattelbergalm.at ). Descent to Gries on trail no. 80 or to Vinaders on forest trail no. 81.
Section 15 - Matrei to Innsbruck:
The theme of this stage is comparable to the last stage, it goes downhill, but we still have ascents again and again. However, the second part is right again today: the views reward us for the effort. Especially the last descent down to Innsbruck in view of the Olympic ski jump rewards us once again for the alpine exertions. When we reach the Inn, we know that the descent has come to an end, and from there we will be heading west again, gently uphill along the Inn.
Source: www.jakobsweg-tirol.net