More vacation for your money? A closer look at the Kaiserwinkl Card
Anyone who has ever booked a vacation in the Alps is familiar with them: guest cards. Nearly every tourist region now offers its own card, attracting visitors with discounts and free services. But what’s really behind them, and are they worth it? Let’s take a closer look at the Kaiserwinkl Card from the Tyrolean region nestled between the Zahmer and Wilder Kaiser mountains.
What is the Kaiserwinkl Card and how do you get it?
It’s a discount card, not an “all-inclusive” card: this is an important piece of information. While basic services like the regional bus, parking, or the use of cross-country ski trails are completely free, the card offers discounts on many larger attractions rather than complete free admission. This is a difference from some other guest cards in Austria, which often function as “all-inclusive” packages.
First things first: You cannot buy the Kaiserwinkl Card. Only vacationers staying with participating hosts in Kössen, Walchsee, Schwendt, or Rettenschöss can receive this card.
It’s best to check when booking whether your desired accommodation is a partner of the Kaiserwinkl Card. Many hosts send the Kaiserwinkl Card via email before your arrival. You can then simply save it in the wallet app on your smartphone. This is not only environmentally friendly but also practical, as you always have the card with you and can’t lose it. And the best part is, you can start using the offers on your day of arrival. For example, those arriving by train in Kufstein can then take the bus into the region for free. Those arriving by car can park for free in several parking lots.
If this service isn’t offered, you’ll receive the card directly at check-in. At that time, you can also ask for the small booklet that lists the benefits of the Kaiserwinkl Card.
Our tip: It’s certainly not intentional, but during the check-in process, hotel staff and guests don’t always remember to issue the card. You should definitely ask for it and not go without it!
What types of cards are there?
There are different Kaiserwinkl Cards, which also include different offers.
Winter Card
In winter, the free ski bus is the most used benefit. It shuttles between the towns and the ski resorts.
The card is especially attractive for cross-country skiers: the use of the entire trail network in the region is completely free. For those who have never been on the narrow skis, a trial lesson at half price is available to see if the sport is for them. The ice skating rink in Kössen can also be used for free. Alpine skiers receive a 10% discount on multi-day ski passes.
In winter, there are also, for example, free village tours, a free horse-drawn carriage ride for children up to 12 years old, a free lantern hike, and a 50% discount on ice stock sport.
Discounts are offered by taxi companies, ski schools, and other partners in the region.
Summer Card
One of the most practical benefits of the summer card is the free parking at the nine public parking lots in the region. Also included is the use of the regional bus, which takes you not only within the Kaiserwinkl but also to Kufstein or Reit im Winkl.
For active people, there are discounts on tickets for the Hochkössen cable cars, discounts on guided hikes, and even a price reduction on the green fee at local golf courses.
Summer Card with “Schwimm Card” (Swim Card)
Not all hosts offer the “SchwimmCard.” A distinction is made between the SC and SCW cards, each granting free admission to different places.
We took a closer look at the diverse offers of the Summer Card 2025.
PLEASE NOTE! The offers can vary each year, so it’s better to check beforehand if your planned activity is still included.
Summer Benefits
Free Parking: You can park for free in several parking lots in the region. But be careful! Each of the listed parking lots can only be used for free once per day! These include the parking lots:
Ramsbach (Walchsee)
Tennishalle (Walchsee)
Fußballplatz (Walchsee)
Seepromenade (Walchsee)
Ostufer 1 (Walchsee)
Ostufer 2 (Walchsee)
Kaiseraufstieg Durchholz (Walchsee)
Kitzbichl (Walchsee) Mooslenz/Hochau (Kössen)
Parkplatz Feistenau (Rettenschöss)
Rettenschöss Dorf
How it works: Scan the barcode on your Kaiserwinkl Card at the parking meter, wait a moment, and the free parking ticket will be printed. Then place it clearly visible in your car.
Free Regional Bus Year-round free use of the regional bus within Kaiserwinkl to Reit im Winkl and Kufstein.
Discounts on Cable Cars You receive a 6% discount on the round trip (ascent and descent) at the Hochkössen cable cars for adults. Accompanying children ride for free. Paragliders receive a 5% discount on a 2-day pass.
Free and Discounted Activities The range of offers is diverse and extends from village tours, horse-drawn carriage rides, rafting, and guided day hikes to summer courses like cooking, water skiing, moor explorations, or golf. You can see which discounts are granted and whether you need to book the activity in advance in the current Kaiserwinkl Card booklet.
Bathing Fun With the integrated “SchwimmCard” (must be marked with SC or SCW on the card), you have free admission to many swimming spots and pools, like the Erlebniswaldschwimmbad Kössen.
Further Discounts There are numerous discounts at taxi companies, dairies, inns, shops, and leisure facilities. Some offers are even available supra-regionally in Tyrol and Bavaria, such as:
Chiemgau Thermen,
Bad Endorf (Bayern)
Festung, Kufstein
Swarovski Kristallwelten, Wattens
Schwazer Silberbergwerk, Schwarz
Free WiFi WiFi hotspots are distributed throughout the region, which you can use for free. The hotspots are named “kaiserwinkl4you,” and no password is required.
Minor Disadvantages of the Kaiserwinkl Card
I find it a shame that the Kaiserwinkl Card is tied to an overnight stay in the region. Day visitors do not have the option to purchase this card (or a modified version) and take advantage of the benefits.
We also noticed that this offer includes a reduction in fares for the cable car. In many other Austrian regions with similar guest cards, there is the option to use the cable car at least once for free. This possibility would certainly ease the holiday budget, especially for families.
The Conclusion: A Great, Fair Offer
We think the Kaiserwinkl Card is great! In our 3 days there, we not only enjoyed the free bus transfer. For example, we took part in a free village tour, explored a moor with an expert, and experienced a fantastic guided hike. These were offers we wouldn’t have experienced otherwise.
For us, the discount card offers great added value for our vacation.
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