Wilder Kaiser is a stunning natural paradise in Austria that is famous for its winter sports and renowned for its adventure activities all year round, but with so much to see and do in this part of Austria how do you narrow it down? Here are ten of the best things to do in the Wilder Kaiser region
Located in the eastern edge of Austria in the state of Tirol, the Wilder Kaiser region consists of the Kaisergebirge mountain range, with the four picturesque villages of Ellmau, Going, Scheffau and Söll in the southern foothills of the Kitzbühel Alps. Here are ten of the best things to do in the Wilder Kaiser Region.
Go Hiking.
The Wilder Kaiser region offers almost unlimited hiking opportunities with the honour of being the first alpine area to bear the Austrian hiking seal of approval. The Kaisergebirge mountain range has countless hiking trails of varying difficulty levels leading through striking rock formations and mountain peaks, mountain woods, the gently sloping grass-covered northern Kitzbühel Alps and interesting towns and attraction loops, so there really is a trail for everyone regardless of your ability, and cable cars stretch across some of the trails too, making them even more accessible.
Go Skiing.
The Wilder Kaiser region is famous for skiing, bringing travellers from all over the world and of all abilities to its slopes every year. The SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser Brixental is the largest and most popular ski resort in Austria, having been awarded the title of the best ski resort in the entire world several times with 270 kilometres of slopes with guaranteed snow at over 1,800 metres above sea level. The entire region gets covered in a blanket of snow that makes every single view look like it should be the setting for a Hallmark Christmas movie.
Try Cross Country Skiing.
If you don’t fancy hitting the pristine slopes, then you can get an excellent cardio workout in by cross-country skiing across the gebntle hills at the foot of the Wilder Kaiser in Tirol. There is a well groomed trail that connects the four Kaiser villages of Going, Ellmau, Scheffau and Söll, and there is even a floodlit village track perfect for night time skiing!
Enjoy Some Nature.
The Wilder Kaiser region genuinely is one of the most stunning regions in Europe, consisting of the the Kaisergebirge nature reserve, the Kitzbühel Alps and the Ramsar conservation area, and it is best enjoyed in the spring and summer when the blue skies and sunshine make the landscape glow. The snow on the lower reaches of the rugged mountains starts to melt, the dense forests turn green and lush and alpine meadows are filled with new colour and new life.
Adding to the sheer unspoilt beauty are the many mountain lakes, rivers and waterfalls fed from natural mountain springs. The Hintersteiner See lake in Scheffau is consistently hailed as the most beautiful and cleanest mountain lake in Tyrol, and it truly is stunning, but there is also the Hartkaisersee, Tanzbodensee & Rübezahlsee near Ellmau, the Astbergsee near going and the Lechensee & Innerkeatsee near Söll, just to name a few, and all are worth a hike or a picnic or two!
Follow The Bergdoktor Trail.
Ellmau is nicknamed the film set village because of its picturesque beauty and the fact it is where the famous Austrian soap ‘Der Bergdoktor’ is filmed. There are plenty of walking tours and coach tours that will take fans of the show to various sets and locations featured in the programme, and there are numerous events held every year.
Go Canyoning And Rafting.
In the summer months of June to September, the Wildr Kaiser mountains open up to reveal a world of deep gorges, rushing waterfalls and epic gullies, and what better way to explore it all than with a canyoning adventure? There are routes suitable for all ages and abilities, and for those a little more adventurous white water rafting in the Tiroler Ache stream in Kössen, also known as the German-Austrian Grand Canyon, is the best way to experience the beauty and splendour of the gorge. For those so inclined you can even follow the river all the way to Schleching in Germany.
Enjoy A Spa Experience.
Spa and wellness culture is huge in the Wilder Kaiser region, and there is a huge emphasis put on active wellness, but there are also plenty of spa hotels that will give you the entire spa package, with gyms, pools, saunas, massages and more available. Perfect for unwinding after an active adventure, or just pampering yourself!
Enjoy Traditional Tirolean Cuisine.
The Wilder Kaiser region is famous for its gastronomic delights, with innovative restaurant owners in Ellmau, Going, Scheffau and Söll putting their own unique spin on more traditional Austrian dishes like Kaspressknödel cheese dumplings, Wiener Schnitzel, Kaiserschmarrn, and Apfelstrudel. There are also plenty of events too, especially the culinary weeks from September to October where the Wilder Kaiser Gourmet festival kicks off in Scheffau! Chefs at the four culinary inns the Jagerwirt, Weberbauere, Zum Wilden Kaiser and the Leitenhof show off with culinary delights and Tirolean wines not normally on the menu.
Go Mountain Biking.
The Kaiser villages are part of the biggest E-Bike region in the world, with a huge array of bike rental options and an extensive route network boasting over 350 km of cycling and mountain bike trails for all ages and abilities. The Kaiser circular cycling route is one of the most popular biking activities, an easy tour that can be done without a guide, starting and stopping at any one of the kaiser villages along the route with many interesting sights to see and stop at such as Walchsee lake, Kössen and Going bathing lake. For those more adventurous there are various routes of increasing difficulty across the mountain range.
Go Climbing.
Wilder Kaiser is known for its excellent climbing opportunities, with a range of routes suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers. With the famous Kaiser mountain range full of peaks, formations and steep rock faces there really is something for everyone, from steep hikes to the via ferrata. There are also multiple options for indoor climbing halls and bouldering in and around Ellmau.
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