The Kaiser Mountains

Nature reserve in eastern Tyrol

Wilder Kaiser? Zahmer Kaiser? Or perhaps the Kaiser Mountains? With this flood of imperial terms, it’s easy to get confused. But really, it’s quite simple: the “Wilder Kaiser” mountain range, which also encompasses the region around the four “Kaiser” towns: Ellmau, Going, Scheffau and Söll, to which it owes its name, forms the “Kaisergebirge” together with the “Zahmer Kaiser” to the north and the “Niederkaiser” to the east.

A golden-hued view of the Wilder Kaiser mountains with rocky peaks and gentle grassy slopes under the warm light of sunset, creating a picturesque alpine scene.

Rocky mountain peaks bathed in warm sunlight rise above lush green slopes, with a single yellow flower in the foreground adding a splash of color.

Rugged mountain peaks bathed in sunset light, surrounded by lush green forests and purple wildflowers in the foreground. A serene, natural landscape.

Aerial view of the Wilder Kaiser mountains with rugged peaks in soft sunlight, casting shadows. The clear sky enhances the dramatic alpine scene.

The Kaisergebirge Nature Reserve, which encompasses all the peaks of the Wilder Kaiser and Zahmer Kaiser, covers an area of 92.6 square kilometres. There is a single, man-made lift – the Kaiserlift Kufstein, which leads up to the Brentenjoch in the beautiful Kaisertal. Further lift projects were not realised due to nature conservation concerns. Nor is this necessary at all: with the fully developed SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser - Brixental, which is situated virtually ‘opposite’ the Wilder Kaiser, on the gentle grassy slopes of the Kitzbühel Alps, ski enthusiasts will find a perfect range of slopes. All the whilst, you’ll always have a view of the unspoilt natural landscape of the Wilder Kaiser on the other side.

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Did you know that...

...the Wilder Kaiser region has received several awards for its network of walking trails?

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Activities

in the Kaiser Mountains

The Kaiser Mountains are popular with hikers, climbers, nature lovers and summer holidaymakers alike – because here, nature sets the tone; humans have always been merely guests. This might well be different were it not for the fact that the Kaiser Mountains have been a designated nature reserve since the 1960s.

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Climbing

A climber in a yellow jacket navigates a steep rock face in the Wilder Kaiser region, with jagged mountain peaks visible in the background.

The Kaiser Mountains, with their numerous peaks and diverse rock formations – including towers, chimneys, ridges and smooth, steep rock faces – offer countless opportunities to experience the thrill of rock climbing at first hand. Whether it’s your first attempts at climbing, sport climbing or alpine climbing – the Wilder Kaiser has something for everyone.

Zwei Wanderer spazieren auf einer grünen Wiese vor einem imposanten Bergmassiv in den Alpen. Der Himmel ist bewölkt, mit blauen Flecken sichtbar.

Themed walking trails and 3-day hut-to-hut hikes, summit hikes, family hikes to the Hexenwasser, Ellmi’s Magic World and Scheffau’s Kaiserwelt mountain adventure parks, guided moorland walks and many other guided hikes.

Two people cycling on a green meadow with the Wilder Kaiser mountains in the background, framed by yellow flowers under a clear blue sky.

Experience the impressive mountain world of the Wilder Kaiser on two wheels. Here you will find all the mountain bike routes on the Wilder Kaiser.

Zwei Läufer auf einem Bergweg, umgeben von grünen Wiesen und Bergen im Hintergrund. Der Himmel ist bewölkt und es liegt Nebel in den Tälern.

Experience the unique landscape of the Wilder Kaiser as you run along forest paths over hill and dale. But it’s not just the Wilder Kaiser that offers trail runners the perfect terrain – the Kitzbühel Alps opposite are also home to a wide variety of trails.

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Walk through the Kaisertal valley

One of Austria’s most beautiful spots – the Kaisertal – can be reached either on foot via 282 steps or, for a more leisurely option, by the Kaiserlift. Once you arrive in the valley, you’ll be greeted by unspoilt natural scenery, culinary delights, rustic alpine huts and traditional mountain inns. You can find more walks in the Kaisertal at kaisertal.at.

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Fauna and flora

Ein malerisches Bergpanorama mit saftig grünen Wiesen im Vordergrund und imposanten, von Wolken umgebenen Bergen im Hintergrund unter blauem Himmel.

Nature in the Wilder Kaiser region

Amidst rugged rocky peaks, green alpine pastures and crystal-clear mountain lakes, nature in the Wilder Kaiser region reveals its most impressive side. A landscape full of tranquillity, vast open spaces and unforgettable moments – ideal for taking a deep breath and simply enjoying the moment.

Colorful wildflowers bloom in the foreground with a majestic snow-capped mountain range under a clear blue sky in the background.

A single mushroom stands in the soft, mossy forest floor with a blurred backdrop of lush green trees, capturing the tranquility of the Wilder Kaiser region.

An ibex stands on a rocky slope of the Wilder Kaiser, with towering jagged peaks in the background under a clear blue sky, highlighting alpine beauty.

Cows relaxing on a meadow with the majestic Wilder Kaiser mountains in the background during autumn, showcasing a blend of rocky peaks and colorful foliage.

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360° panoramic tour of the region

Take a virtual tour of the region with the 360° panoramic tour and discover the four ‘Kaiser’ villages, places to visit, mountain huts and peaks.

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Imperial tales from the Imperial Region

Kaiserkrone Laufen Trailrunning abend Sonnenuntergang

Katalina Scheibenreif

Trailrunning für Anfänger*innen

Simpel, naturverbunden, (fast) überall möglich und vielfältig. Die Region Wilder Kaiser bietet ein hervorragendes Trailrunning Gebiet. Waldwege, Schotterstraßen, Wurzelwege, felsige Kletterpassagen – das alles kommt dir beim Trailrunning unter die (Lauf)Schuhe. Ideal für Anfänger*innen zum Weiterentwickeln.

Maria Sevignani

12.05.2026

Sicher durch den Bergsommer

Wilder Kaiser Infos

07.07.2026

7 Tipps für heiße Tage am Wilden Kaiser

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