Long-distance hike Kaiserblüte - Alpine Meadow Stage (Astberg-Hartkaiser)

This scenic stage through alpine pastures offers an immersive nature experience – with gentle high trails, lush meadows, rustic huts, and spectacular views of the Wilder Kaiser.

Description

The hike begins at the Astberg chairlift car park, where you take a comfortable ride up to the Astberg. Start with a relaxing loop around the Astbergsee lake, where the Wilder Kaiser reveals itself in all its splendour. The route then continues opposite the Blattlalm and to the left of the Ponyalm stable, following trail no. 9 in the direction of the Rauher Kopf. Pass under the Sonnenlift and into the forest, where root-strewn trails lead you onward. At the next trail junction, continue straight on trail no. 9 until you reach Kathen and join a paved road. Here, a lovely view of the Kitzbüheler Horn opens up.
Follow the road past the houses on the right, continuing onto a gravel track until it rejoins a tarmac road. At a sharp left-hand bend, follow the road for a short stretch. At the second turn-off, take the left-hand forest road on trail no. 11 towards the Hartkaiser.
At the next fork in the forest, keep right until you reach open alpine pastures. Continue gently uphill, passing the Blinzalm on your right, until you reach the Höhenangeralm. The huts along the Elfer Trail are not serviced. After the Höhenangeralm, the route briefly re-enters the forest. At the edge of the woods, keep left and continue gently uphill. In a left-hand bend, turn right onto a narrow path and follow the Elfer Trail westwards. At the next trail junction, keep right and continue towards the Hartkaiser. Pass the Auer-Hochalm to reach another fork – here, turn right and follow the wooden walkways and a forest trail of roots to the Botenalm. Go through the gate at the Botenalm and continue along the forest road to the Schwendteralm. Just above the Schwendteralm, follow trail no. 11 again until you reach the forest road near the Muldenlift. Throughout the Elfer Trail, you’ll enjoy ever-changing and fascinating views of the Wilder Kaiser, framed by striking natural and alpine landscapes.
At the next gate, a bench invites you to pause and enjoy the view before continuing right along the forest road towards the Hartkaiser. Pass the Eibergalm to reach a junction. From here, you can take a short detour of about ten minutes to the Kummereralm for a well-earned refreshment. Otherwise, continue on and at the next signpost but one, turn right onto a narrow gravel path. When you rejoin the forest road, turn right past the barrier and head towards the Tanzbodensee. Follow the trail along the lake southwards towards the Hartkaiser. The panoramic trail continues with fantastic views of the Wilder Kaiser. A sun terrace here offers a welcome stop for refreshments and a cool drink. From the Hartkaiser, you can take the gondola comfortably back down into the valley.
If you’re still feeling energetic, you can also hike down on trail no. 3 past the Jägerhütte and Rübezahlalm to the Hartkaiserbahn valley station. This adds approximately two hours to your walk.

Alternatives for particularly motivated hikers:
Instead of taking the Astberg lift and Hartkaiser gondola, you can also hike these sections:
Going village centre – Hollenauer Kreuz – Astberg: approx. 1 hr 45 min
Hartkaiser – Jägerhütte – Rübezahlalm – Hartkaiser valley station: approx. 2 hrs