The Kaiser Mountains

Nature reserve in the east of Tyrol

Wilder Kaiser? Zahmer Kaiser? Or the Kaiser Mountains? With this flood of imperial terms, it's easy to get confused. But it's actually quite simple: the "Wilder Kaiser" mountain range, to which the region around the four Kaiser towns of Ellmau, Going, Scheffau and Söll also owes its name, forms the "Kaiser Mountains" together with the "Zahmer Kaiser" in the north and the "Niederkaiser" in 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 Kaiser Mountains nature reserve, which includes all the peaks of the Wilder and Zahmer Kaiser ranges, spans an area of 92.6 square kilometres. There is just one man-made lift – the Kaiserlift Kufstein, which ascends to the Brentenjoch in the idyllic Kaisertal valley. No other lift projects have been developed, thanks to strict nature conservation measures. And there’s no need: just across from the Wilder Kaiser, on the gentle grassy slopes of the Kitzbühel Alps, the fully developed SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser – Brixental offers ski enthusiasts a perfect network of pistes. All the while, you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the untouched natural beauty of the Wilder Kaiser opposite.

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Did you know that...

...the Wilder Kaiser region has received several awards for its hiking trail network?

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Activities

in the Kaiser Mountains

The Kaiser Mountains are popular with hikers, climbers, nature lovers and summer holidaymakers alike - because nature sets the tone here and man has always been a guest. This might be different if the Kaiser Mountains had not been a designated nature reserve since the 1960s.

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Climbing

Kletterer in gelber Jacke am felsigen Bergmassiv des Wilden Kaisers, blauer Himmel im Hintergrund. Spektakuläre Berglandschaft in Tirol.

The Kaiser Mountains with their numerous peaks and diverse rock formations of towers, chimneys, ridges or smooth, steep rock faces offer countless opportunities to experience rock climbing up close. Whether first attempts at climbing, sport or alpine climbing - the Wilder Kaiser leaves nothing to be desired.

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

Themed hiking trails and 3-day hut hikes, summit hikes, family hikes to the mountain adventure worlds Hexenwasser, Ellmi's Zauberwelt and the Kaiserwelt Scheffau, moorland tours 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 stunning landscape of the Wilder Kaiser on foot – with a wide variety of trails to suit every level. From gentle forest paths and smooth, flowing routes to more technical single trails and rocky alpine tracks, there’s something here for everyone. Even more variety awaits just across the valley in the Kitzbühel Alps, where trail runners of all abilities can explore new terrain at their own pace.

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Hike through the Kaisertal

One of Austria's most beautiful places - the Kaisertal - can be reached on foot via 282 steps or more comfortably with the Kaiserlift. Once in the valley, an unspoilt natural landscape, culinary experiences, rustic alpine huts and traditional mountain inns await you. You can find more hikes in the Kaisertal at kaisertal.at.

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Fauna and flora

View of the Wilder Kaiser mountains partially covered in clouds with green hills and a farmhouse in the foreground in Tirol.

Nature at the Wilder Kaiser

Between rugged rocky peaks, lush alpine pastures and crystal-clear mountain lakes, nature at the Wilder Kaiser is at its most breathtaking. A landscape full of tranquillity, wide-open spaces and unforgettable moments – perfect for pausing, breathing deeply and simply enjoying.

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 through the region

Take the 360° panoramic tour on a virtual tour of the region and discover the four Kaiser villages, excursion destinations, huts and peaks.

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