Kaiserkrone - Multi-Day Hike
A five-day circuit of the Wilder Kaiser
The Kaiserkrone leads mountain hikers on a circuit around the impressive Wilder Kaiser massif, taking in some of the most spectacular vantage points – with breathtaking views stretching from Lake Chiemsee to the Großglockner. Covering roughly 58 kilometres and around 4,000 metres of ascent and descent, this tour offers a unique journey through a mountain landscape rich in stories and unforgettable experiences.
Depending on snow conditions, the Kaiserkrone is accessible from June to mid-October and is designed for classic mountain hikers, with daily stages ranging from 8 to 16.5 kilometres and walking times of roughly five to seven hours (based on average group pace, without breaks and adjusted for experience). Multiple access points, easier and more challenging alternative routes, and a range of overnight accommodation options along the way make for highly flexible and individual route planning.
All details at a glance
- 5 stages
- 57.7 kilometres
- 4,000 metres in altitude gain
- once around the mountain massif of the Wilder Kaiser
- Overnight stays in huts on the mountain and once in the valley
- Various approaches and alternative routes possible
The Kaiserkrone: A five-day circuit of the Wilder Kaiser
Planning & important information
Here you’ll find detailed information to help you plan your adventure on the Kaiserkrone trail – whether you’re following the classic route or mapping out an alternative.
Please note that, due to the nature of the terrain, luggage transport is not available along the Kaiserkrone.
Accommodation along the Kaiserkrone
Overnight destinations of the individual stages
Here you’ll find full contact details for all accommodation options along the Kaiserkrone. Be sure to book your overnight stays in advance – either directly online via the huts’ reservation systems, or by email or phone. The Wilder Kaiser Tourist Office is also happy to help arrange accommodation in the valley for the night before you set off or after you return from the Kaiserkrone. We recommend starting the Kaiserkrone on a Sunday or Monday, as the mountain huts tend to be very busy at weekends and availability can be limited.
Tip
Want fewer stages?
The Kaiserkrone is also available as a challenging short variant from hut to hut. The 3-day hut tour runs along the south side of the
of the Wilder Kaiser with a summit victory on the Hintere Goinger Halt.
Good to know!
The Kaiserkrone has been marked along its route with its own symbol on the signposts. The exact routes and maps can be found in the individual stages - you can also download the GPX tracks here.
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
Stage 4
Stage 5
The detailed Wilder Kaiser hiking map, on which the Kaiserkrone is marked, is available locally at the four tourist information centres in Ellmau, Going, Scheffau and Söll or you can order it online.
The Kaiserkrone is a moderately difficult tour throughout and is classified as a red mountain trail, with stage lengths ranging from 8 to 16 kilometres. Waymarking follows the standard system: yellow signs with a red dot indicate the level of difficulty. Photos of the route, including key sections, are available for each individual stage.
Definition of moderately difficult ("red") mountain trails
Red mountain trails are often narrow and steep and can be exposed in places. They may include short, secured walking passages or short sections for which the supportive use of the hands is advantageous. These paths should only be attempted by sure-footed and enduring mountain hikers with appropriate mountain equipment and alpine experience.
Requirements for the Kaiserkrone
- Sure-footedness and a head for heights
- Appropriate mountain equipment and alpine experience as well as fitness for up to eight hours of walking. (The exact altitude metres and kilometres per day can be found in the individual stages).
The key section "Klammlweg" can be bypassed. See alternative routes.
You can book individually guided tours directly with Tyrolean mountain guides or state-certified guides from the region. As well as ensuring your safety on the trail, they’ll share valuable insights and tips about the Kaiser Mountains along the way.
If you’re following the standard stages of the Kaiserkrone, a mountain hiking guide can accompany you along the route. However, if you plan to take more challenging alternative routes, tackle summit ascents or venture onto via ferratas beyond the red-marked hiking trails, you’ll need to be accompanied by a state-certified mountain guide.
Here you will find recommendations for your equipment for the 3-day hut tour. Breathable outdoor clothing that is suitable for all weather conditions is important. We recommend lightweight, quick-drying clothing made of merino wool that remains odourless even after several days. Please make sure you have enough food for the multi-day hike: muesli bars, nuts and dried fruit are a good snack for in between. You should also take enough to drink, whereby a refillable water bottle is particularly recommended.
Standard equipment:
- Weather-appropriate outdoor clothing, including a change of clothes
- Sturdy hiking boots with grippy tread soles
- Hiking poles (height-adjustable)
- Helmet
- Climbing harness and via ferrata set if required
- Sun protection (sunglasses, sun cream, lip balm, headgear)
- Cold protection (hat, gloves)
- Food and sufficient water/snacks
- Mobile phone with fully charged battery
- ID, insurance card, and cash
- First aid kit including rescue blanket and bivouac sack
- Hiking map, tour description, and other relevant information
- Hiking map, tour description and information material
- Weather-appropriate outdoor clothing, including a change of clothes
Additional equipment:
- Overnight gear (comfortable shoes, sleeping bag, change of clothes, underwear, toiletries, towel, etc.)
- Extra cash (most huts do not accept debit or credit cards)
- Headlamp or small torch, plus spare/rechargeable batteries and phone charging cable
- Camera, binoculars, pocket knife
- Personal medication (e.g. painkillers, blister plasters, magnesium tablets, earplugs)
- Identity documents, insurance cards (e.g. Alpine Club card)
- Plastic bags for waste or dirty laundry
- Hiking diary, playing cards, etc.
Rescue missions in the mountains are not free of charge! If you take out mountain cost insurance in good time (e.g. travel insurance from Europäische Reiserversicherung or as a sponsor of the Tyrolean Mountain Rescue Service, as a member of the Alpine Club, via ÖAMTC/ADAC or credit card and private accident insurance), your mountain costs can be covered by the insurance up to the defined amount.
Attention! Health insurance companies do not pay for rescue from alpine emergencies!
