The Kaiserkrone - Multi-day hike

Around the Wilder Kaiser in 5 days

The Kaiserkrone long-distance hike takes hikers along a route of 58 kilometres, featuring ascents and descents with a difference in altitude of approximately 4.000 metres as they circle around the imposing Wilder Kaiser massif, visiting the most beautiful spots and taking in the most majestic views from the Chiemsee to the Großglockner. The route takes you on an incomparable journey through a spectacular mountainscape replete with stories and experiences.

Depending on snow conditions, the Kaiserkrone is accessible from June to mid-October. It is suitable for classic hiking in the mountains in stages of 8 to 16,5 kilometres and five to seven hours per day (average duration for a small group without breaks, calculated on the basis of actual experience). Different Trailheads, easier and harder alternative routes and plenty of accommodation along the way allow you to plan your hike flexibly and individually.

All details at a glance

5 stages
once around the mountain massif of the Wilder Kaiser
57,7 Kilometres
Overnight stays in huts on the mountain and once in the valley
4.000 metres in altitude
Various approaches and alternative routes possible

Planning & important information

This page contains helpful details for planning a long-distance hike along the Kaiserkrone trail including alternative routes. Luggage transport: due to the rural setting of the Kaiserkrone trail, no luggage service is available.

Accommodation along the Kaiserkrone

Getting here and parking

Alternative routes

Good to know

The entire route of the Kaiserkrone long-distance hike is marked with a dedicated symbol on signposts. For the precise routes and maps, see the sections for the individual stages, which also offer GPX tracks for download.

You can pick up the detailed Wilder Kaiser hiking map, which includes the Kaiserkrone, from the tourist information offices in Ellmau, Going, Scheffau and Söll or order it online.

The Kaiserkrone long-distance hike is of medium difficulty throughout, making it a red mountain route with stages of 8–16 kilometres. Relevant signposts are yellow with a red dot indicating the difficulty. For photos of the route and the key spots, consult the sections for the individual stages.

Definition
Medium-difficulty (“red”) hiking trails

Red hiking trails are often narrow and steep.

They feature some exposed places and may include short secured sections or short sections where you may wish to use your hands to support your balance. Only attempt red trails if you are sure-footed and have good stamina, suitable equipment and alpine experience.

Requirements for mastering the Kaiserkrone

Surefootedness and a good head for heights
Suitable mountain equipment, alpine experience and sufficient stamina for up to eight hours of hiking. (For the precise altitude and kilometres per day, consult the sections for the individual stages.)
Experienced children can manage the Kaiserkrone route if they meet the requirements. Dogs can be taken along.
You can avoid the two key spots of Klamml and Stripsenkopf (see: alternative routes).

You can book individually guided tours with a Tirolean hiking guide or state-certified mountain guide from the region. Your guide will keep you safe and give you interesting tips about the Kaiser mountains.

If you choose to hike the regular stages of the Kaiserkrone trail, a hiking guide can accompany you. If you wish to attempt a more difficult alternative route, a hike to the summit or a fixed-rope route outside of the red mountain trails, you will need a state-certified mountain guide instead.

This section provides a list of recommended equipment for your hike along the Kaiserkrone long-distance trail. Breathable outdoor clothing for any weather is essential. We recommend lightweight, easy-dry clothing from merino wool (e.g. by ORTOVOX), which keeps odours at bay for days. Please ensure that you have plenty of food for the hike, which takes several days: cereal bars, nuts and dried fruit are perfect hiking snacks. You should also take plenty of water or another suitable drink. A refillable drinking bottle is ideal.

Packing for Multi-Day Treks in the Alps

Checklist for Mulit-Day Hikes

Standard equipment

Underwear
T-shirts and long-sleeved shirts made of Merino Cool (for hot days) or Competition/Rock’n’Wool (for cooler days)
Waistcoats or jackets made of Merino Fleece
Merino hiking trousers
Merino socks
Waterproof/insulated jackets made with Swiss wool
Sturdy hiking boots with a non-slip outsole
Hiking poles (telescopic poles are recommended)
Sun protection (sunglasses, sun cream, lip protection, hat)
Rain protection (poncho, pocket umbrella, backpack protector)
Cold protection (hat, gloves)
Bivouac sack
First-aid gear including a space blanket
Mobile phone a with fully charged battery and a portable charger
Hiking map and information material (GPS optional)

Additional equipment

Overnight equipment (lightweight sleeping bag, toiletries, comfortable shoes and clothes, towel etc.)
Sufficient cash (most mountain huts do not have the facilities to accept card payments)
Personal medication (earplugs, painkillers, blister plasters, magnesium tablets etc.)
ID, insurance cards (e.g. your Austrian Alpine Club membership card for emergencies)
Head torch or small handheld torch, spare battery pack / batteries, portable charger
Camera, binoculars, pocket knife,
Journal, playing cards etc.
Bags for rubbish and/or dirty laundry

Equipment checklist for multi-day hikes

Equipment checklist for long-distance hikes

Alpine rescue missions are not free! Take out rescue insurance (e.g. European travel insurance, membership of the Austrian Alpine Club, ÖAMTC/ADAC) in good time to ensure that any potential rescue costs are covered.

Note: your health insurance fund will not cover mountain rescue costs!