Walking the Kitzbuhel Alps Trail

Nestled in the Kitzbuhel Alps, the 650-year-old market town of Hopfgarten remains a key hub in the Brixental Valley. Its charming center has preserved much of its past and retains a traditional Tyrolean atmosphere.

Ascend through forest, meadows and alpine pastures towards Hohe Salve (1,828m), one of Tirol’s most spectacular viewpoints featuring the Wilder Kaiser mountain range stretching towards Soll. Alternatively, a gondola ride (payable locally) whisks you up to the beneath the Hohe Salve, followed by a straightforward ascent. At the summit of Hohe Salve you’ll find Austria’s highest pilgrimage church. The descent leads past the picturesque Salvensee and Filzalmsee lakes, winding along scenic trails. In Hochbrixen, you can either take the gondola (payable locally) down or continue on foot to Brixen im Thale, home to an impressive twin-steepled church.

The day’s first highlight is the ascent to the Brixenbachalm Alpine inn, following the artistically designed Way of the Cross. From there, the trail winds through open forests and alpine meadows to the picturesque Wiegalm, nestled within an anticline. A short climb leads to the Gaisberg ridge, where the unique geological composition creates a striking contrast in landscape and vegetation-chalk formations, karst terrain, and dense mountain pines. At the summit, a breathtaking 360° panoramic view awaits. The descent through a stunning mixed forest can be shortened with a scenic chairlift ride (payable locally).

Today you follow in the footsteps of the legendary Hahnenkamm ski race route, immersing you in the excitement of the Ski World Cup. Along the famous Streif ski run, informative display boards highlight iconic sections like the Hausbergkante and Mausefalle (with the option to descend by cable car, payable locally). The day concludes in the heart of the Alps’ most legendary sporting town: Kitzbuhel!

This challenging walk takes you over the renowned Kitzbuheler Horn to St. Johann in Tirol, with the option to shorten sections by cable car (payable locally). Panoramic views in every direction, a beautifully maintained Alpine flower garden, and welcoming rest stops make this hike a truly memorable experience. The descent from Kitzbuheler Horn to Harschbichl follows a spectacular and scenic route.

This scenic and varied walk traverses a secluded plateau with karst formations, alpine pastures, and panoramic views. Starting in St. Johann in Tirol, you pass through forests and meadows, climbing toward Baumooskogel via Kalkstein and Adlerspoint. The trail leads through areas of mountain pine and diverse mixed forest to its highest point (1,550m), then descends past Gerstbergalm and the rustic Winterstelleralm, an ideal spot for a Tyrolean meal. The final stretch follows alpine paths and forest roads down to St. Ulrich am Pillersee.