Mountain camping permitted - Mountain camping permits include legal permission for controlled hunting
Nestled in the heart of Austria, the Kitzbühel Alps stand as a breathtaking testament to nature's grandeur, with their rugged peaks reaching for the sky. This summer, the picturesque landscape will play host to an extraordinary event - the Global Highlander Series, set to take place in August 2025.
The Highlander Event, known for its emphasis on deceleration over performance, will follow the southern ridge of the Kitzbühel Alps, offering participants four different formats tailored to their fitness and experience levels. Beyond the Highlander Event, the Kitzbühel Alps offer a wealth of hiking trails and unique alpine experiences, making it a versatile destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
One such trail is the 4 Lakes Hike, a medium-difficulty panoramic high-altitude hike of approximately 14.6 km. The route passes by four crystal-clear mountain lakes - Ehrenbachhöhesee, Brunnsee, Pengelsteinsee, and Usterkarsee - and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Accessible via the Hahnenkammbahn or Fleckalmbahn cable cars, the hike boasts a height difference of 550 m and takes approximately 4 hours to complete. Resting spots along the way include the viewing platform at the Resterkogel reservoir, offering scenic views of the Hohe Tauern mountain range.
For families and those seeking a more interactive experience, the Hahnenkamm Summer Experience is a must-visit. After the snowmelt, the Hahnenkamm ridge transforms into a natural paradise for hikers, families, and mountain bikers. The themed trail, the Summer Experience Streif, brings the famous ski racecourse sections to life with climbing elements, balance challenges, and panoramic platforms. Ideal for families, the area offers numerous hiking routes, passing through rustic mountain huts and lush alpine meadows while offering spectacular views of the Kitzbüheler Horn, Kaiser Mountains, and Hohe Tauern.
The region's diverse trails cater to hikers of all levels, with many routes linked to cable car access points for convenience. The KAT Walk, a long-distance trail with spectacular views, is particularly popular in Kitzbühel. Ambitious hikers can attempt the "Gams Roas", a 9-peak experience tour, while food enthusiasts can indulge in the culinary heights tour - the 3-Gang Tour in Kitzbühel.
Nature lovers can also enjoy the hike to the Sintersbacher Waterfall in Jochberg, a picturesque journey through the heart of the Alps. Kitzbühel's neighboring villages, Aurach and Jochberg, are part of "Austria's Hiking Villages", further emphasising the region's commitment to hiking tourism.
Guided hikes of varying difficulty levels are offered several times a week in Kitzbühel, making it easy for visitors to explore the region's trails under the guidance of experienced guides. Kitzbühel was awarded the European Walking Quality Seal in 2019 and re-certified in 2024, a testament to the region's commitment to providing high-quality hiking experiences.
During the Highlander Event in August 2025, camping will be allowed in four selected, remote camps in Kitzbühel, usually forbidden in Tyrol. This special event will showcase the Kitzbühel area as a diverse hiking destination, attracting participants from around the world.
With over 1,000 kilometers of hiking trails, the Kitzbühel Alps offer an unparalleled hiking experience for all, making it more than just a venue for the Global Highlander Series. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a family looking for a fun outdoor adventure, the Kitzbühel Alps promise an unforgettable alpine experience.
In alignment with the Global Highlander Series, visitors can engage in a variety of hiking experiences across the Kitzbühel Alps. For instance, the 4 Lakes Hike offers a panoramic high-altitude trek, passing by crystal-clear mountain lakes and taking hikers up to the Resterkogel reservoir's viewing platform.
Families and nature enthusiasts can embark on the Hahnenkamm Summer Experience, a themed hiking trail that brings the famous ski racecourse to life with interactive elements and scenic vistas.
Additionally, the diverse trail network in Kitzbühel, including the KAT Walk and the "Gams Roas" experience tour, caters to hikers of all levels, making it a remarkable destination for alpine living, home-and-garden experiences, and outdoor-living while embracing a European information society lifestyle enhanced by travel and sports.
