Kaisergebirge

This fine if relatively small limestone massif, part of the Northern Limestone Alps, lies near the border with Germany, south-west of Salzburg. It is formed round two main ridges, joined by high ground in their middles.

The range has classic limestone features: spires, crazily weathered ridges and unreasonable cliffs and scree above forest and meadow, and is a climbers’ (and klettersteigers’) mecca. It is also laced with fine trails and supports some high huts.

It has numerous walking bases, including Kufstein and St Johann in Tirol.

Great walks here include:

The Kaisertal between the two key ridges. Superb scenery all around. Reasonably gentle walking.

The nearly 900m climb from Kufstein to the outstanding views at the Vorderkaiserfelden Hut and on, traversing the high Zahmer Kaiser, to the dramatic Pyramidenspitze peak– or on along a high route on the upper flanks of the Zahmer Kaiser to the Stripensjochhaus(a long day’s walk), and on (on extensive and exceptionally dramatic klettersteig/via ferrata) to the Grutten Hut.

The Hintersteiner See is an easy and charming walk with lovely views.

The Wilder-Kaiser-Steig follows the high southern slopes of the Wilder Kaiser. This looks a fantastic 35km, 2 day walk, although you can also walk its finest central stretches in one day.

The climb up the Kaiserbachtal to Griesener Almand on to the high, marvellously sited Stripsenjochhaus, or on round a superb if exposed ridge walk to the path via the Stripsenkopfand Feldberg. Walkopedia covets this walk. 

Its mountain huts are one of Austria’s glories, and there are plenty of them in this area, usually in superb or at the least very pretty and charming locations. Note, though, that you do need to book ahead. The contact details of huts in a number of the best areas are in the Cicerone books or can be found locally.

This can be demanding walking in remote mountains with uncertain weather. Come fully prepared.

Have a look at TripAdvisor– you should good, current views on the area. 

Walking in Austria – Kev Reynolds for Cicerone: more than 100 walks in the Austrian Alps, including in this area. As usual, an inspiring book (indeed Walkopedia was alerted to some of these routes by the Cicerone), packed with valuable information, including good detail on the routes. As Austrian maps are good, it has less on each walk that some other Cicerones, but that is fine. Recommended. Find relevant books on Amazon.

This page is at an early stage of development. Please help us by recommending your best walks/making suggestions and sending photos! Thank you!