The Kitzbühel Alpine Trail
- Hike the best of the Kitzbühel Alpine Trail (the KAT-Walk) through Austrian Tyrol
- Summit Kitzbühler Horn at 1,996m for panoramic mountain views
- Stay in 4* hotels with small ‘wellness’ areas; ideal for after-walk relaxation
- Explore the baroque town of St. Johann and the chic streets of Kitzbühel
- Dine on hearty regional specialities like Tiroler Gröstl and Kaiserschmarrn
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in HopfgartenHopfgarten im Brixental is easily accessible by plane and train. The best place to fly into is Innsbruck, from where you can catch the train, with one change, to Hopfgarten (approx. 1 hour)
Hopfgarten is a small market town located at 662m above sea level. Well known to skiers, it’s also a vibrant summer destination without being over-crowded. If you have time, the renowned church with its ornate ceiling is worth seeing. Otherwise, wander the historic streets of the town and prepare for the start of your hike tomorrow.

The Hohe Salve is a newly built hotel which benefits from a convenient location right next to the Hopfgarten cable car. There is also a large ‘Move and Relax’ area which includes two swimming pools, 2 saunas and a steam bath.
The Kitzbühel Alpine Trail continues on a pleasant path to Brixenbachalm. Follow the trail through shaded forest and open pastures to reach the beautifully located Wiegalm at 1,507m; a large traditional alpine hut where you can stop for refreshment (opening is weather-dependent). Why not indulge in some Kaiserschmarrn? (Fluffy, warm pancake pieces, served with icing sugar and home-made jam).
After a break, ascend to Gaisberglift where you can shorten the descent to Kirchberg by jumping on the gondola. If you would like to walk the entire way, follow the leisurely gravel path down to the valley.
Ascent 963m / Descent 954m

Das traditionelle Berghotel Reitlwirt in einem farbenfrohen Gebäude aus dem 15. Jahrhundert verbindet modernen Komfort mit dem traditionellen Stil der Berghäuser.

The modern, family-run 4-star hotel in Alpine style is located in the Brixental near Kitzbühel, just 150 meters from the Hochbrixen gondola lift.
Today the trail covers terrain used for the famous Kitzbüheler Hahnenkamm, or ‘the Streif’, considered the world’s most challenging downhill ski race. Start by ascending on country roads and tracks to reach the highest point of today’s hike, the Ehrenbadchhöhe at 1,800m.
Begin to descend through the famous ski area and along the ‘Streif’ race track, where information boards explain the key points and features of the race. Arrive to the hustle and bustle of stylish Kitzbühel. Explore the streets and shops before taking a train to St. Johann (approx. 7 minutes, payable locally).
Ascent 1323m / Descent 460m

A warm welcome awaits from the team at Hotel Alexander. The hotel is decorated in typical alpine style and the on-site restaurant offers international and Austrian cuisine. The wellness area includes saunas, a steam bath and a relaxation room.

Dieses rustikale Chalet-Hotel inmitten der Kitzbüheler Alpen befindet sich zentral in ruhiger Lage in Kirchberg in Tirol.

Zentral und ruhig gelegen bietet das Hotel Metzgerwirt mit seinem gepflegten Ambiente Ruhe, Entspannung nach einem erlebnisreichen Tag
Start by taking the train back to Kitzbühel and embark on the longest stage of the KAT-Walk (the stage can be shortened at various points).
Climb through sparse mountain forest to reach the Alderhütte, another traditional hut where refreshments can be picked up. Continue to the summit of Kitzbüheler Horn, at a lofty 1,996m it is the highest point of your tour. Enjoy the views before starting one of the finest sections of the trail to the quaint Harschbichalm. From here you have the choice to take the mountain railway to St. Johann, or you can continue on foot.
Walk 1: 15.8km, 5.5 Hours Ascent 980m / Descent 1020m
Walk 2: 11.7km, 4 Hours Ascent 1323m / Descent 460m

Stay in a boutique hotel, built-in 1720 with distinctive wooden balconies is located in the heart of Sankt Johann in Tyrol. The individually designed rooms reflect the fun-loving character of the historical house.

Das Hotel in den Kitzbüheler Alpen ist ein trendiges Design-Budget Hotel und überzeugt mit modernem Design und einer lockeren und entspannten Atmosphäre am Ortsrand von St. Johann.

UPGRADE
This hotel is situated in the pedestrianised centre of St. Johann. Recently renovated to a modern, alpine style, this traditional building has bright, comfortable rooms and a lovely wellness area which includes a sauna, steam bath, relaxation and fitness room.
Follow the KAT-Walk to Baumooskogel, St. Johann’s popular local mountain. Hike the trail around the summit and take in the views of the St. Johann basin and the Wilder Kaiser mountain range.
Leaving the KAT-walk behind, hike to Leitneralm and through idyllic alpine pastures to Aigslau. Follow the Niederhoferbach river along an easy-going trail back to St. Johann.
Ascent 802m / Descent 805m

Dieses exklusive Boutique Hotel in einem charmanten Gebäude von circa 1720 mit markanten, hölzernen Balkonen befindet sich im Herzen von Sankt Johann in Tirol. Die individuell gestalteten Zimmer spiegeln den lebenslustigen Charakter des historisch gewachsenen Hauses wider.

Das Hotel in den Kitzbüheler Alpen ist ein trendiges Design-Budget Hotel und überzeugt mit modernem Design und einer lockeren und entspannten Atmosphäre am Ortsrand von St. Johann.

UPGRADE
This hotel is situated in the pedestrianised centre of St. Johann. Recently renovated to a modern, alpine style, this traditional building has bright, comfortable rooms and a lovely wellness area which includes a sauna, steam bath, relaxation and fitness room.
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and start your onward journey. You can, of course, add extra nights in St. Johann if you would like more time to explore the area.

Dieses exklusive Boutique Hotel in einem charmanten Gebäude von circa 1720 mit markanten, hölzernen Balkonen befindet sich im Herzen von Sankt Johann in Tirol. Die individuell gestalteten Zimmer spiegeln den lebenslustigen Charakter des historisch gewachsenen Hauses wider.

Das Hotel in den Kitzbüheler Alpen ist ein trendiges Design-Budget Hotel und überzeugt mit modernem Design und einer lockeren und entspannten Atmosphäre am Ortsrand von St. Johann.

UPGRADE
This hotel is situated in the pedestrianised centre of St. Johann. Recently renovated to a modern, alpine style, this traditional building has bright, comfortable rooms and a lovely wellness area which includes a sauna, steam bath, relaxation and fitness room.
Von St. Johann können Sie bestens mit dem Zug in Richtung München oder Innsbruck abreisen oder, falls Sie Ihren Wagen in Hopfgarten geparkt haben, nach Hopfgarten zurückfahren.
Falls Sie noch länger in der Region bleiben möchten, sprechen Sie uns wegen Verlängerungsnächten gerne an.
Other Information
Is it for me?If you enjoy alpine hiking on well-maintained and waymarked paths, with the added comfort of bag transfer and comfortable 4* hotels with wellness areas, then this tour is ideal. Delicious local delicacies really sweeten the deal, with hearty food a deserved reward after a day on the trails. With its ‘moderate’ difficulty rating, it’s a perfect tour for first-time Alpine walkers. Follow a mix of narrow mountain paths and wide walking trails with a daily average of 800m of ascent and descent.
Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&B’s, inns, and guesthouses.
Solo Travellers
As a guide, we would suggest that the minimum age of traveler this tour would be suitable for is: 12 Years
We have graded this trip moderate. The trails range from narrow mountain trails to wide hiking paths. You will be walking on alpine terrain so you should be sure-footed with a head for heights since some sections can be steep and narrow. You should be in good shape to get the most from this tour.
You should be in good shape to get the most from this tour as there steep ascents and descents. You should also have a head for heights and a sure foot as you will be walking on Alpine terrain including narrow rocky paths.
Stay 6 nights in comfortable 4* hotels. All the hotels we use have been chosen for their Tyrolean hospitality, cosy atmosphere and high standards. They also have a small ‘Wellness’ area which usually includes a sauna, steam bath and sometimes a pool. Please be aware that twin & double rooms in Austria (Doppelzimmer in German) are typically 2 single mattresses side by side in one double bed frame with two separate duvet covers and pillows.
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
This trip is available to solo walkers and a solo walker supplement is payable. If you are undertaking this trip solo, you should be an experienced walker. Single rooms are also available on request, and again a supplement is payable.
Meals
6 continental breakfasts are included. This is usually in buffet form and there are many filling breakfast items available which are perfect for hikers; e.g. boiled eggs, ham, cheese, fresh bread and muesli. Lunch is not included and can be picked up at local supermarkets or ‘Backerei’ along the way. Most accommodations will also be able to provide you with a packed lunch for the day, ask upon arrival (payable locally). There are also various lunch options along the way in typical alpine chalets and huts. Tyrolean specialities include ‘Tiroler Gröstl’, a bacon, onion and potato fry-up topped with a fried egg, or ‘Kiachl’ a fried yeast dough pastry that can be served sweet or savoury. Kaiserschmarrn (translates as Emperor’s mess, named after Franz Joesph the first) is another ubiquitous Tyrolean dish, and is chopped, fluffy, warm pancakes served with icing sugar and homemade jam or compote– absolutely delicious! If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know at the time of booking.
The trails are well way-marked, and together with detailed route notes, maps and the Macs Adventure Smartphone App enabling you to follow the route using your phone's GPS, you will have no problems finding the way.
- 6 nights in 4* hotels
- 6 Breakfasts
- Baggage transfers
- Route notes, maps, GPX tracks, access to our GPS app & info pack
- 24/7 Emergency telephone support from our German and UK offices
- Travel insurance (required)
- Travel to Hopfgarten and from St. Johann
- Lunches & Dinners
- Public transport/cable cars
- Drinks and snacks
- Personal equipment
- Additional nights during the holiday
This walk is available to start on any day of the week from the middle of June to the end of September.
The Alps generally have warm and sunny summers and cold and snowy winters. However, the weather in the Alps can change very quickly, particularly at altitude. You should be prepared for all weather eventualities as even snow can fall in the summer in the mountains, regardless of the time of year. Very hot days are often followed by rain and thunderstorms, and landslides are not uncommon. Check the weather report each day locally before setting off for your hike.
Fly into Innsbruck, Salzburg or Vienna airport and then take a train to Hopfgarten im Brixtal with one change in Wörgl ( 1, 2 or 4 hours).
From St. Johann you can travel by train to any other Austrian destination or back to Innsbruck, Salzburg or Vienna airports, again with a change in Wörgl (1.5, 2 or 4.5 hours). Information on the trains in Austria can be found in English at the Austrian National Rail Service website: https://www.oebb.at/en.
Bag transfer of one bag per person (up to 20kg) is included as standard. Your bags will be moved from Hopfgarten to St. Johann, giving you the freedom to walk each day with just a day pack.
The distances and ascents/descents are approximations of the recommended routes.
In your information pack, you will find a detailed packing list which includes walking boots, walking poles and waterproof clothes amongst other things.
You can use public transport or a local taxi to continue to your next overnight stop. Your accommodations will be able to help with arrangements, or we are able to assist you from our German and UK offices.
Your detailed information pack will be sent to you after you book. This has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes, and a day pack.
Bag transfer of one bag per person (up to 20kg) is included as standard. Your bags will be moved from Hopfgarten to Brixen im Thale, from Brixen to Kirchberg and from Kircheberg to St. Johann, giving you the freedom to walk each day with just a day pack.
We have graded this trip moderate. The trails range from narrow mountain trails to wide hiking paths. You will be walking on alpine terrain so you should be sure-footed with a head for heights since some sections can be steep and narrow. You should be in good shape to get the most from this tour.
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalized so that we can secure the best accommodation options for you
Why Macs
The biggest choice
Around since 2003
18,000+ customer reviews
Positive impact
-
HikingHow to avoid blisters on a walking tripRead More3 Min Read02 May 2019
-
HikingHolidays in Times of the Coronavirus – Anja’s Trip to Bavaria & Tyrol!Read More3 Min Read08 July 2020
-
What is it like to stay in an Alpine hut?Read More3 Min Read11 November 2020
-
HikingAdventure of the Week: E5 Alpine CrossingRead More3 Min Read11 November 2020
-
Adventure of the Week: Across the Tyrolean AlpsRead More3 Min Read11 November 2020
-
Top 5 Hut to Hut HikesRead More3 Min Read11 November 2020
-
HikingWhich Walking Holiday in the Alps is for you?Read More3 Min Read17 December 2020
-
Meeting the people behind the scenery - Minna & Classic RoutesRead More2 Min Read01 February 2023