On the fourth day, we finally climb the Kitzbüheler Horn, which has been greeting us from afar at many points along this tour.
A challenging Day Hike with a varied mix of terrain, including gravel roads, forest trails, root-covered forest paths, and a rocky, partly exposed Moderately Difficult Trail up to the Kitzbüheler Horn, the highest point of the Day Hike. Along the way, the Alpine flower garden—featuring over 400 varieties of Alpine flowers—and the kids’ climbing trail offer variety, though they require agility and a head for heights. For the descent, there are two contrasting options: the rope-secured Ludwig-Scheiber Trail with its rock arch, or the longer, more leisurely Hoferschneid Trail—both offering stunning panoramic views and alpine charm. Those with energy to spare can extend their day with the Hornpark climbing forest, mountain carts, or the Hilscherpark forest playground; for breaks and refreshments, the Stanglalm and the Alpengasthof Müllneralm, among others, are located along the way.
A physically demanding stage over the famous Kitzbüheler Horn to St. Johann in Tirol, though you can shorten the route by taking several Uphill Facilities. Views in every direction, a well-maintained alpine flower garden, and several places to stop for refreshments make this stage a special experience! A spectacular trail on the descent from the Horn to the Harschbichl. In addition, mountain carts are available at the Harschbichlbahn’s Middle station, which you can use to zoom down into the valley if you’d like. If you have time, it’s also worth visiting the Hornpark climbing forest near this Middle station.
Note: By using the Kitzbühel Hornbahn and the Harschbichl cable car, you can shorten this stage to various distances. Please note the opening and operating hours of the Uphill Facilities!
Hornbahn Section 1 to the Adlerhütte
(1,270 m, time difference 1 h 15 min)
Hornbahn Section 2 to the Alpenhaus
(1,670 m, time difference 2 h 15 min)
Horn Summit Cable Car
(1,960 m, travel time 3 h 30 min)
For the descent, you can also
use
the
Harschbichl Cable Car to St. Johann in Tirol
(1,600 m – 650 m, travel time approx. 2 h).
In addition, mountain carts are available at the Middle station, which you can use to race down into the valley if you’d like. If you have time, it’s also worth visiting the Hornpark climbing forest near the Middle station of the Harschbichlbahn.
From the Starting Point at the HornbahnValley Station , walk along the access road toward Hagstein. At the Grünberg farm, turn onto a steep forest trail leading toward Gasthof Hagstein, Adlerhütte, and Alpengasthaus.
The route winds upward through the forest in several switchbacks. Further up, you’ll reach the Adlerhütte (2 hours from Kitzbühel) and the nearby HornbahnMiddle station via alpine meadows .
Beyond the Adlerhütte , continue on a trail that soon turns into a forest path. From here on, follow the signs for the Kitzbüheler Horn.
The trail soon crosses the pastureland, and from there, the Hiking Trail continues with only a slight incline below the Wilder Hag, leading over to the rolling alpine pastures of the Trattalmen. Now you’ll have the summit directly ahead of you as you hike along the access road, first to the Alpenhaus ( 1 hr 15 min from the Adlerhütte; Hornbahn Top station, Section 2).
Then continue along the access road to the Kitzbüheler Horn until you reach the entrance to the Alpine Flower Garden. Pass through it and continue along the trail at the top to the Horngipfelhaus (50 min from the Alpenhaus) and the transmitter at the summit of the Horn.
On the descent , hike to the turnoff toward St. Johann in Tirol, past a striking viewpoint cross at approximately 1,900 meters above sea level, and return along the same path. Here, a trail well-secured with ropes branches off through steep terrain (as an alternative to the Ludwig-Scheiber Trail, you can take the signpostedHorn Summit High Trail ). A spectacular section of the trail on the northwest face of the Kitzbüheler Horn!
From there, follow the signposting to the Bassgeiger Alpine Pasture and continue on to the Gasthof Hirschberg and Hochfeldalm.Following the signposting toward Buchwies, the stage leads through the forest to St. Johann in Tirol and the Hilscherpark at the Valley station of the Harschbichlbahn.
https://www.kitzbuehel.com/service/kitz-a-z/infrastruktur/p5-parkplatz-hornbahn-kitzbuehel/StationKitzbühel Train Station – right at the Starting Point
Schedules: www.vvt.at
Kitzbühel Alps Guest Card = free ticket for public transportation! For more information, please visit here.
From the west on the B170 to Kitzbühel
From the north on the B161 to Kitzbühel
Paid Hornbahn parking lot - right at the Starting Point
