City whispers, climbing history, natural spectacles - all surrounded by the breathtaking peaks of the Zahmer and Wilder Kaiser. Kufsteinerland promises climbing fun in a class of its own!
Diversityis a top priority in Kufsteinerland: On the one hand, there is the town of Kufstein with the fortress of the same name, including a distinctive art and cultural program, shopping opportunities and cosy cafés. On the other hand, there are the two striking and world-famous massifs of the Zahmer and Wilder Kaiser, which are just a stone's throw away and can be reached from the town for magnificent alpine climbing tours. Climbing history has been written in the "Kaiser", alpine climbing has been taken to a new level and Kaiser classics have been established. The who's who of old climbing masters regularly met here and opened routes in sometimes daring undertakings. But climbing history has also continued to be written in more recent times: in 1988, Gerhard Hörhager climbed Austria's first 8c in the "Geisterschmiedwand" sport climbing garden with "Wagnis Orange".
In Kufsteinerland, climbing enthusiasts in particular will find a wide range of alpine delicacies, interesting multi-pitch tours - for example in the Sparchen climbing area - as well as hard sport climbing routes in the Geisterschmiedwand climbing garden. The rock spectacle is crowned by a variety of extremely rewarding via ferrata tours. On climbing days, the idyllic Kaisertal valley is perfect for hiking or biking - by the way, it was voted the most beautiful place in Austria in 2016 ... There is also plenty to discover, not only when climbing, but also in the evening, when you can either immerse yourself in the lively town life of Kufstein or dive into Hechtsee or Thiersee. And those who prefer 100 percent mountain flair can rent a room in the Stripsenjochhaus or Hans-Berger-Haus for their vacation and simply stay up there. The region offers the perfect setup for every taste: from sporty to relaxed, from city flair with culture to nature and tranquillity.
Geisterschmiedwand: welcome to the ledge paradise
Looking for challenging climbing with a short approach? Welcome to the Geisterschmiedwand in Kufstein, on the edge of the Kaiserbachtal valley. Ambitious climbers in particular will get their money's worth here: a steep, in places well over 50-metre-high limestone bar, partly overhanging, bulbous - a real ledge paradise. With 60 routes, there is plenty on offer: The developers of the 1980s and 1990s, above all Franz Kröll and Stefan Fürst, have done a great job. The list of developers also includes regional (and national) greats such as Markus Bendler, Helmut Kotter and Roland Hemetzberger. The wall made a name for itself with Austria's first 8c route, "Wagnis Orange", by Zillertal master Gerhard Hörhager. Looking at the topo is almost monotonous - with the large selection of routes between 6c+/7a and 8c. The wall is currently being renovated and upgraded to Climbers Paradise standard, so pack a few extra slings. The "Geister", as it is affectionately called by the local climbing scene, is not a wall for a day trip. You'll want to come back here! Especially once the rock is dry, which can sometimes take a while. The best climbing days are in spring and then again in fall.
Project planning in the Geisterschmiedwand, photos: Michael Meisl
Via ferrata routes in Kufsteinerland: wire rope acts in a class of their own
Is sport climbing your thing, but lack the technique and experience for the alpine classics in the "Kaiser"? No problem, then you can experience the mountains in all their glory via the Kaiserschützensteig, for example. The via ferrata is famous and notorious for its length. Stamina, fitness and alpine hiking experience for orientation and assessing dangers are absolutely essential here. If you have these prerequisites, you have the opportunity for a brilliant mountain experience including an overnight stay in the Anton-Karg-Haus (book in advance).
Also extremely rewarding: the via ferrata on the Stripsenkopf. The climb starts in the immediate vicinity of the Stripsenjochhaus and is quite challenging with a difficulty rating of C/D, but is nowhere near as demanding in terms of stamina and fitness as the Kaiserschützensteig. The route is south-facing, so make the most of the cool mornings in midsummer and take plenty of sun protection and fluids with you. Then you can keep a cool head even on hot days and enjoy the breathtaking view of the steep north faces of the surrounding peaks to the full.
Great views of the Stripsenkopf via ferrata, photo: Thomas Laukat
As always, you can find an overview of all sport climbing gardens and alpine routes, via ferratas and climbing gyms on Climbers Paradise - Kufsteinerland.
After-climb and culinary delights
After climbing is before drinking coffee or eating dumplings ... The climbing scene likes to meet up after alpine activities in the Stripsenjochhaus or on the terrace of the Hans-Berger-Haus. Those who have been out and about in the valley can jump into one of the many lakes such as Thiersee, Hechtsee, Stimmersee or Bananensee Schwoich. For those who want to celebrate Austrian coffee house culture, we recommend
"Die Liebelei" in the center of Kufstein is recommended. Here, home-made coffee is served at the foot of the fortress. Other cafés and restaurants can also be found on the banks of the Inn in Kufstein's pedestrian zone - ending a day of climbing in the sun here is a dream. In any case, there are plenty ofculinary options.
Stop off at the Hans-Berger-Haus, photo: Lolin
The beautiful Hechtsee lake, photo: TVB Kufsteinerland
Everything except climbing
A hike in the Kaisertal is at the top of the to-do list. Those who prefer biking will be delighted by the many designated bike routes in the region. There are also around 300 kilometers of running and trail running routes. Swimmers will love the six crystal-clear natural lakes in the region. Culture enthusiasts will appreciate Kufstein's top-class event program.
Wellness fans can book a day at the spa in one of the region's wellness hotels.
Stay overnight
