Austria. Kitzbueler hiking huts and wellness
Published in Woman's Weekly magazine 2nd August 2011
Published in Woman's Weekly magazine 2nd August 2011
Austria. Kitzbueler hiking huts and wellness
Kitzbuehel has long been a favourite with the British traveller thanks to the introduction of the railways in the C19th. The visit of the Duke of Windsor with a certain Mrs Simpson certainly helped to booster its appeal as a “summer refreshment holiday” although for many winter sports enthusiasts, this Austrian town has long been regarded as one of the world’s premier ski resorts. Each year, more than 200,000 people descend on the town to witness one of toughest and most dangerous downhill ski races on the World Cup calendar. The competition is fierce as the
The Hahnenkammrennen is the downhill ski race that every one wants to win with skiers reaching speeds in excess of 150kmh down a course that has been likened to racing down a near vertical ice rink. On a warm spring day, with the ice and snow long melted, we attempted to tackle the lower reaches of the course on foot but such was the severity of the slope that our planned hike had to be abandoned – we could barely stand up, let alone walk. Help was needed fast or our spring hiking break to Kitzbuehel would end in tears.
With over 1000km of walking trails to explore in the Kitzbuehel region alone, it’s easy to get overwhelmed at the choice of routes. Should we choose a themed hike ranging from a farmhouse museum walk, alpine garden and nature-nurture trail or opt for a more challenging Streif and Wilder Kaiser panoramic hike?
Fortunately, we headed to the local tourist office for some advice and were immediately invited to join one of their free daily-guided hikes around some of the most scenic parts of the region. What did we have to lose? This brilliant idea was just what we needed to give us all a tastier of the active life and yet share the experience with a group of fellow hikers.
A prompt 8am start and we were ready for action. A good crowd of friendly ramblers greeted our arrival and we were soon leaving the small village of Aurach in our tracks. The five-hour walk was described as “easy” by our Austrian hosts although the opening ramble through a forest of fir trees left me gasping for breath. Things didn’t improve when a herd of inquisitive dairy cows came over to seemingly mock my feeble attempt as I gamely tried to keep up. These beautiful beasts are so much a part of the Austrian landscape that I soon forgot my tiredness as the friendly sound of cowbells lifted my spirits. In fact these good ladies helped to shape the well-tended footpaths that we were fortunate enough to be hiking on thanks to the old dairy farmers practise of taking their cows up the high areas to graze on the rich summer pastures. Luckily for us, the cows hadn’t long been up to their mountainside retreat so we were fortunate to gaze upon a wonderful vista of green meadows dotted with alpine flowers and shrubs.
We really enjoyed our time in the fresh mountain air and since the weather forecast was set fair for the forthcoming days we decided to book a guide and set out on a hiking adventure.
The plan was to complete a section of the Alpine hut circuit tour that involved hiking across a series of grassy mountain peaks followed by two nights in cosy cabins situated in fantastic locations up amongst the gods. Our super fit guide Engelbert helped to organise the itinerary and by the afternoon we were heading skywards on the Horngipfelbahn cable car to the upper reaches of the Kitzbueheler Horn. With clear blue skies, the 360-degree scene from the summit was awe-inspiring offering a perfect view of the Alpine divide and the neighbouring Kaiser mountain range. The clicking of cameras and the occasional clang from a distant cowbell where all that could be heard as we made our way to the nearby Alpine flower garden where they cultivate a wide range of plants including Edelweiss. Unfortunately for my fellow hikers, this set me off on a stirring rendition of the songs from The Sound of Music and I was soon walking on my own.
All was forgiven as we reached our overnight stop at the simple yet welcoming Hornkopflhutte where we settled down to plates of home cooked food and drinks on the wooden terrace as we watched the sun go down. I’d like to say we all had a good nights sleep after such an exciting day but no sooner had our heads touched the pillow than Engelbert was rounding us all up for a 4.30am sunrise walk.
Nothing can prepare you for this experience. It’s just pure theatre as the first rays of the sun slowly appear from behind the mountain peaks and kiss the surrounding landscape with an explosion of golden colour. Engelbert must have experienced this scene a thousand times yet he still seemed genuinely excited as if it was his first.
I think that’s the beauty of being up in the mountains. You can’t help but feel inspired by the surrounding grandeur. All the stress from everyday life seems to just disappear as a feeling of well being and achievement takes hold. Some say it’s the high altitude but I had never felt so alive and invigorated.
Our trip continued in a similar vain with pleasant walking trails, fine scenery and good weather. The hike up to the 400m summit of Karstein Peak was heavy going but the lunch stop at the Lämmerbühelalm farm complex made up for it where we were treated to local cheeses followed by the inevitable apple strudel.
Finally, we spent our last night in the mountains relaxing in a beautifully appointed family run inn situated in the village of Gasthof Oberaigen some 1165 m above sea level.
After two days of mountain highlights some of us decided to treat ourselves to an overnight stay at the luxurious Hotel Kitzhof situated near the heart of Kitzbuehel whilst I took advantage of the good value twilight rates to play a round of golf at the 5 Star Grand Tirolia Resort. For golf widows, the resort’s state of the art spa facilities offered a little slice of paradise and a cure for all those aching hiking limbs.
Fact Box
For more information about guided walks and mountain hut accommodation contact the Kitzbuehel tourist office or visit their website.
http://www.kitzbuehel.com
Tel: +43 (0) 5356 66 660
The Hotel Kitzhof
http://www.hotel-kitzhof.com
Tel: + 43 (0) 5356 632 110
Grand Tirolia
http://www.grand-tirolia.com
Tel: + 43 (0) 5356 632 110
Kitzbuehel has long been a favourite with the British traveller thanks to the introduction of the railways in the C19th. The visit of the Duke of Windsor with a certain Mrs Simpson certainly helped to booster its appeal as a “summer refreshment holiday” although for many winter sports enthusiasts, this Austrian town has long been regarded as one of the world’s premier ski resorts. Each year, more than 200,000 people descend on the town to witness one of toughest and most dangerous downhill ski races on the World Cup calendar. The competition is fierce as the
The Hahnenkammrennen is the downhill ski race that every one wants to win with skiers reaching speeds in excess of 150kmh down a course that has been likened to racing down a near vertical ice rink. On a warm spring day, with the ice and snow long melted, we attempted to tackle the lower reaches of the course on foot but such was the severity of the slope that our planned hike had to be abandoned – we could barely stand up, let alone walk. Help was needed fast or our spring hiking break to Kitzbuehel would end in tears.
With over 1000km of walking trails to explore in the Kitzbuehel region alone, it’s easy to get overwhelmed at the choice of routes. Should we choose a themed hike ranging from a farmhouse museum walk, alpine garden and nature-nurture trail or opt for a more challenging Streif and Wilder Kaiser panoramic hike?
Fortunately, we headed to the local tourist office for some advice and were immediately invited to join one of their free daily-guided hikes around some of the most scenic parts of the region. What did we have to lose? This brilliant idea was just what we needed to give us all a tastier of the active life and yet share the experience with a group of fellow hikers.
A prompt 8am start and we were ready for action. A good crowd of friendly ramblers greeted our arrival and we were soon leaving the small village of Aurach in our tracks. The five-hour walk was described as “easy” by our Austrian hosts although the opening ramble through a forest of fir trees left me gasping for breath. Things didn’t improve when a herd of inquisitive dairy cows came over to seemingly mock my feeble attempt as I gamely tried to keep up. These beautiful beasts are so much a part of the Austrian landscape that I soon forgot my tiredness as the friendly sound of cowbells lifted my spirits. In fact these good ladies helped to shape the well-tended footpaths that we were fortunate enough to be hiking on thanks to the old dairy farmers practise of taking their cows up the high areas to graze on the rich summer pastures. Luckily for us, the cows hadn’t long been up to their mountainside retreat so we were fortunate to gaze upon a wonderful vista of green meadows dotted with alpine flowers and shrubs.
We really enjoyed our time in the fresh mountain air and since the weather forecast was set fair for the forthcoming days we decided to book a guide and set out on a hiking adventure.
The plan was to complete a section of the Alpine hut circuit tour that involved hiking across a series of grassy mountain peaks followed by two nights in cosy cabins situated in fantastic locations up amongst the gods. Our super fit guide Engelbert helped to organise the itinerary and by the afternoon we were heading skywards on the Horngipfelbahn cable car to the upper reaches of the Kitzbueheler Horn. With clear blue skies, the 360-degree scene from the summit was awe-inspiring offering a perfect view of the Alpine divide and the neighbouring Kaiser mountain range. The clicking of cameras and the occasional clang from a distant cowbell where all that could be heard as we made our way to the nearby Alpine flower garden where they cultivate a wide range of plants including Edelweiss. Unfortunately for my fellow hikers, this set me off on a stirring rendition of the songs from The Sound of Music and I was soon walking on my own.
All was forgiven as we reached our overnight stop at the simple yet welcoming Hornkopflhutte where we settled down to plates of home cooked food and drinks on the wooden terrace as we watched the sun go down. I’d like to say we all had a good nights sleep after such an exciting day but no sooner had our heads touched the pillow than Engelbert was rounding us all up for a 4.30am sunrise walk.
Nothing can prepare you for this experience. It’s just pure theatre as the first rays of the sun slowly appear from behind the mountain peaks and kiss the surrounding landscape with an explosion of golden colour. Engelbert must have experienced this scene a thousand times yet he still seemed genuinely excited as if it was his first.
I think that’s the beauty of being up in the mountains. You can’t help but feel inspired by the surrounding grandeur. All the stress from everyday life seems to just disappear as a feeling of well being and achievement takes hold. Some say it’s the high altitude but I had never felt so alive and invigorated.
Our trip continued in a similar vain with pleasant walking trails, fine scenery and good weather. The hike up to the 400m summit of Karstein Peak was heavy going but the lunch stop at the Lämmerbühelalm farm complex made up for it where we were treated to local cheeses followed by the inevitable apple strudel.
Finally, we spent our last night in the mountains relaxing in a beautifully appointed family run inn situated in the village of Gasthof Oberaigen some 1165 m above sea level.
After two days of mountain highlights some of us decided to treat ourselves to an overnight stay at the luxurious Hotel Kitzhof situated near the heart of Kitzbuehel whilst I took advantage of the good value twilight rates to play a round of golf at the 5 Star Grand Tirolia Resort. For golf widows, the resort’s state of the art spa facilities offered a little slice of paradise and a cure for all those aching hiking limbs.
Fact Box
For more information about guided walks and mountain hut accommodation contact the Kitzbuehel tourist office or visit their website.
http://www.kitzbuehel.com
Tel: +43 (0) 5356 66 660
The Hotel Kitzhof
http://www.hotel-kitzhof.com
Tel: + 43 (0) 5356 632 110
Grand Tirolia
http://www.grand-tirolia.com
Tel: + 43 (0) 5356 632 110
