The Kaiserwinkl in Tyrol, nestled between the Wilder Kaiser and Chiemgau Alps, is a true paradise for active vacationers and connoisseurs. Are you wondering which Kaiserwinkl activities you absolutely shouldn’t miss? Whether you are traveling as a family, a couple, or an adventurer – the region around Kössen, Walchsee, Schwendt, and Rettenschöss offers incredible diversity.
We have compiled the best tips for you to make your vacation unforgettable.
1. Hiking on the Smuggler’s Trail to Klobenstein
The Smuggler’s Trail is an eventful themed hiking path. It leads from Kössen through the ruggedly romantic Klobenstein gorge to the pilgrimage church of Klobenstein. From there, it is possible to follow the path further into Germany.
As the name suggests, this trail was once used by smugglers who used to smuggle coveted goods across the border between the two countries.
Hikers on the trail can listen to the exciting stories of smugglers and border guards at audio drama stations, solve puzzles, and, of course, enjoy the unparalleled nature.
The Smuggler’s Trail in Kaiserwinkl is relatively easy to hike, making it an ideal activity for the whole family.
2. Summit Bliss and Panoramas at the Unterberghorn
You can comfortably reach the Unterberghorn with the Hochkössen mountain lift. Once at the top, a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding mountain world awaits, from the Wilder Kaiser to the Chiemgau Alps.
The Unterberghorn is the starting point for numerous hiking activities, from leisurely alpine walks to challenging summit tours.
3. Paragliding over the Kaiser Mountains
Kössen is considered a mecca for paragliders. The thermals at the Unterberghorn offer ideal conditions for breathtaking flights over the picturesque landscape of Kaiserwinkl.
Those who don’t dare to take to the skies themselves can watch the colorful spectacle from the ground or book a tandem flight with an experienced pilot – an unforgettable experience during your Kaiserwinkl vacation.
4. Swimming Fun and Water Sports on Lake Walchsee
Lake Walchsee, one of Tyrol’s warmest bathing lakes, is the perfect place for a refreshing dip in summer. With its excellent water quality, it invites you to enjoy water sports, swimming, splashing, and relaxing.
Numerous lidos with sunbathing lawns, playgrounds, and restaurants offer the perfect spot for a day of swimming. Access to Lake Walchsee generally requires a fee. However, access is free with the Kaiserwinkl Card (SC).
The boat rental in Walchsee offers a change of pace. Here you can rent electric boats for a tour or go water skiing (or learn how).
5. Action for Adrenaline Junkies
For all those seeking a special thrill, the rivers and gorges in Kaiserwinkl offer ideal conditions for paddling, canyoning, and rafting. Under the guidance of experienced guides, you can abseil into narrow gorges, jump into crystal-clear rock pools, and experience pristine nature from a completely new perspective. These guided tours are among the most adventurous activities in Kaiserwinkl.
6. Hike to a Rustic Alpine Hut
What would a vacation in the Tyrolean mountains be without a visit to a traditional alpine hut? Numerous serviced alpine pastures and snack stations in Kaiserwinkl invite you for a cozy rest. There, hungry hikers are usually greeted with homemade specialties like Germknödel (yeast dumpling with plum jam), Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake), or a hearty Brettljause (platter of cold cuts and cheese).
Our tip: A guided hike organized by the Kaiserwinkl tourist information office. For example, we participated in a hike to the Stubenalm. It’s an easy-to-hike route with the highlight of visiting the Stubenalm cheese dairy.
7. Mountain Biking and Cycling for Every Level
For vacationers who prefer to travel by bike, Kaiserwinkl offers a well-developed network of cycle paths and mountain bike trails. From leisurely tours along Lake Walchsee to challenging mountain tours to the surrounding alpine pastures, there is a suitable route for every cycling fan. E-bikes can be rented locally to master the climbs effortlessly.
8. Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride Around Lake Walchsee
One of the most relaxing activities in Kaiserwinkl is a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride. At the Dagnhof, horse lovers will find everything their heart desires. Children can ride ponies here. It is possible to book riding lessons tailored to individual skill levels. Everything is offered, from the first “horse experiences” to trail rides into the beautiful landscape.
However, for those who prefer to avoid riding, a horse-drawn carriage ride around Lake Walchsee is available. We took this ride, and it was simply wonderfully relaxing.
The tours take place year-round by appointment and start directly at the farm. Shortly after our arrival, the carriage was already pulling up. Depending on the number of participants, the right size carriage is selected in advance, which is then pulled by two large draft horses. On our ride, 10 people sat under the carriage roof. A child and his father also sat on the driver’s box. It was surely an unforgettable ride for the child. He was later allowed to take the reins and drove us entirely on his own on quiet road sections.
From the farm, however, we first went along the main road in Walchsee. Certainly much to the “annoyance” of some drivers who had to follow the carriage at a walking pace. Even though the horses switched from a walk to a trot in some places, the line of cars behind us grew longer and longer.
Shortly after the village center, we turned right onto a very narrow road. The ride became a bit quieter, and we could enjoy the scenery. We passed holiday homes, farms, campsites, and of course, the lake. Time and again, the incomparable view over the lake with the mountains in the background opened up. A view that always thrilled me.
After a good hour, the ride is unfortunately already over. The lake has been circled, and the farm is reached. We loved it!
Tip: Book the tour in advance; it is very popular in every season.
9. Playing Miniature Golf in Walchsee
Fancy a round of mini-golf? In Walchsee, there is a miniature golf course suitable for the whole family. The courses have different difficulty levels, and there are also mini-golf clubs for children.
10. Golfing with a View of the Kaiser
Those who prefer to swing a golf club will find a true paradise in the Kaiserwinkl region. Several first-class golf courses, including two 18-hole courses, blend harmoniously into the landscape and offer impressive views of the Kaiser Mountains during play.
11. Into the Schwemm – A Guided Moor Tour
A fascinating nature activity is exploring the “Schwemm,” Tyrol’s largest moor landscape. A guided moor exploration takes place every Sunday during the summer months. From an expert, we first learned a lot about the flora and fauna of the Schwemm and, of course, about its formation.
We then proceeded barefoot on a beaten path into the nature reserve. It’s an unusual feeling to sink slightly into the mossy ground. It was particularly exciting to discover the previously discussed plants for ourselves, like the small red carnivorous plant.
Zurück auf festem Boden durfte man in einem Tümpel mit dem Kescher nach Fröschen, Back on solid ground, we were allowed to fish for frogs, tadpoles, leeches, etc., in a pond with a net and take a closer look at them. Afterwards, they were released back into the wild.
12. Family Fun at the “Zahmer Kaiser” Amusement Park
In Walchsee, the “Zahmer Kaiser” amusement park awaits adventurers of all ages. With a summer toboggan run, a play and sports area, and a gnome forest, entertainment for the whole family is guaranteed here.
13. Kössen Motor Skills Park
A huge adventure playground where children and adults can train their dexterity, balance, and coordination at 22 stations. Admission is free, and the park is a great free activity in Kaiserwinkl.
14. Informative Village Tours
With the Kaiserwinkl Card, it is possible to participate in free guided village tours in Walchsee and Kössen.
We took the tour in Kössen. The very informative tour led not only to some of the most beautiful houses in the town but also into the church. There we learned what the traditional clothing for church festivals looks like and how it is made.
In the Tyrolean region of Kaiserwinkl, men wear a traditional belt known as a Ranzen for church services and other festive occasions. We learned about a Federkielranzen, which is distinguished by its embroidery with the quills of peacock feathers.
The making of a Federkielranzen is an extremely time-consuming process that involves several steps:
- Preparing the Leather: A wide strap of robust cowhide serves as the base. The width can vary but is typically much wider than a normal belt.
- Harvesting the Quills: The centerpiece of the decoration are the quills from the peacock’s tail feathers. These are not collected for their colorful tips, but for the white, sturdy quill shaft. The quills are split in an elaborate process to obtain thin, flexible threads. These “quill strips” are the embroidery material.
- Designing the Pattern: Before embroidering, the desired motif is pre-drawn on the leather with white ink or a pen. Traditional motifs include floral ornaments, eagles, deer, as well as the wearer’s initials and the year of manufacture.
- The Embroidery: An awl, a special piercing tool, is used to pre-punch holes in the leather. Then, the prepared quill threads are pulled through the leather by hand. This is done stitch by stitch and requires utmost precision and a steady hand to create a uniform pattern. No needle in the conventional sense is used.
- Finishing: After the embroidery is complete, the back of the belt is often covered with a thinner leather, such as nappa, to hide the ends of the quills and increase comfort. Finally, the buckles and fittings are mounted.
The production of a single Federkielranzen can take between 100 and 200 working hours, depending on the complexity of the pattern.
But there is more to discover. The tour also took us to a shop where Heumilchkäse (hay-milk cheese) is sold. This special cheese is made from the milk of animals that have eaten only fresh grass or hay, not silage. This gives the milk and thus the cheese a very distinct flavor.
15. Cultural Kaiserwinkl Activities
Throughout the year, cultural events enrich the calendar of Kaiserwinkl activities. These include concerts, village festivals, and markets that provide insight into Tyrolean culture and tradition. We experienced an open-air band concert in Walchsee, which takes place regularly in good weather. A mild summer evening can be wonderfully concluded with hearty brass band music.
16. Culinary Activities: Our Insider Tips
Besides the classic Tyrolean inns like the Postgasthof Fischerwirt, there are two very special culinary discoveries in Kaiserwinkl that you shouldn’t miss.
Loder Bräu: Organic Beer Specialties
For beer connoisseurs looking for something special, the strong beers from Loder Bräu in Walchsee are a real insider tip. In recent years, the multi-award-winning small and home brewery has specialized in producing first-class organic beer vinegar and now brews its beers only in very small, exclusive quantities. The beers often serve as a high-quality base for vinegar production but are sometimes also available directly from the brewery and embody the highest art of brewing in organic quality.
At the Seerose inn, a small shop opens its doors every Tuesday and Friday afternoon (4-6 PM). Strong beer specialties are sold here.
Kaiserwinkl Starkbier
The flagship among Loder Bräu’s strong beers is the Kaiserwinkler Bio Heller Bock. This beer is no ordinary bock beer, but a carefully composed specialty. The Heller Bock from Loder Bräu is characterized by a masterful balance of hops and malt. In the glass, it shimmers amber with reddish reflections. The strong, full-bodied malt body gives the beer a solid structure and a subtle sweetness that never seems overpowering.
Kaiserwinkl Bio Eisbock
The Kaiserwinkler Bio Eisbock is the pinnacle of the strong beer tradition at Loder Bräu and a rarity for lovers of highly concentrated beers. In the production of an Eisbock, water is removed from a strong beer (usually a Doppelbock) by freezing. The result is an essence of the original beer with an intense flavor and high alcohol content.
It was named the best Eisbock of the competition at the Austrian national championships in 2023 (vice-champion in the parent category “bottom-fermented bock beers”).
It is a limited specialty, and we were lucky that a few bottles were still available. The alcohol content and original gravity vary with each batch. Our bottling had an alcohol content of 9.3% ABV and an original gravity of 22.0 Plato.
We were met with an extremely full-bodied and complex taste. A syrupy, malty sweetness meets concentrated fruit flavors. The high alcohol content creates a warming sensation.
The Bio Eisbock is a classic fireside beer or “digestif beer.” It should be enjoyed slowly at a temperature of about 11−14°C from a snifter or a sommelier glass.
Tirolikum – High-Proof Spirits from Walchsee
Behind the protected name Tirolikum lies a world-champion award-winning distillery workshop. The centerpiece is the gin, which has won multiple gold medals at the “World Spirits Awards,” including the Tirolikum Gin Overproof (57% vol.) and the classic London Dry Gin (48% vol.).
- Tirolikum Gin Overproof (57% vol.): This powerhouse has been named the world’s best gin multiple times (“Spirit of the Year,” double gold). It is not only strong but also complex in taste.
- Tirolikum London Dry Gin (48% vol.): The classic gin of the house, which has also been awarded gold. It impresses with an elegant freshness of citrus and herbs.
We discovered the distillery in the basement of a hotel during an evening walk. A sign indicated that the products could be purchased in the shop above.
Honestly, I was very surprised when we visited the shop. To me, it looked more like a souvenir shop. Only in the back area did we find numerous products of the Tirolikum brand.
Standing there undecided – it’s hard to judge if you’ll like a product just from the bottle – we were about to leave. But there is an opportunity for a tasting on site! Although it was almost closing time, we were able to try some of the products and also received some information about the distillery.
In addition to the famous gins, Tirolikum produces a range of other high-quality distillates and liqueurs that all share the same philosophy of quality and craftsmanship:
- Tirolikum Elixier: A noble herbal liqueur for which 46 different herbs and roots are processed in a complex procedure of maceration and distillation.
- Tirolikum Gin Liqueur: A sweeter and spicier version for lovers of gin flavors in liqueur form.
- INGRONI® Noble Spice: An innovative, non-alcoholic alternative that proves enjoyment doesn’t require alcohol.
- ALPARI® Noble Bitter: An emerald-green bitter liqueur, ideal for Spritz variations.
- Tirolikum Rum
And yes, when you know how something tastes, and it tasted really good, you naturally take some home with you!
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