If you’re seeking a mountain adventure that doesn’t involve packed cable cars, polished resorts or overcrowded trails, this 3 day Wilder Kaiser hut to hut hike from Kufstein ticks all the boxes, and then some.
I hiked this route in mid June with a group of friends, and it was one of the most ruggedly beautiful and memorable trips I’ve done. It had everything: steep climbs, a bit of scrambling, an emerald lake plunge, and some extremely rewarding cold beers at the end of each day.
This one is not for kids – it was demanding, with big elevation gains and long days, but there are some great kid friendly options in the area, route guides coming soon!
The Wilder Kaiser Alps are less polished and far less crowded than the Dolomites, but they deliver just as much drama – and they’re brilliantly accessible by train from either Munich or Innsbruck. We started with an overnight in Kufstein, took a short taxi to St Johann, and then hiked for three days through towering limestone peaks, delicious smelling pine forest, and a postcard-perfect lake.
This route is also part of the Adlerweg (or Eagle’s Way), one of Austria’s most iconic long-distance trails. The Adlerweg crosses Tyrol from east to west, tracing the silhouette of an eagle in flight. Even if you’re just doing this 3 day section, you’re stepping into a storied path that offers some of the best hut hiking in the Austrian Alps.
In this post, I’ll share our exact route, what the terrain is really like, and all the tips I’d give a friend planning this same trip.
🎥 Want a sneak peek of the trip in motion? Here’s a quick video summary of the full 3 day Wilder Kaiser hut to hut hike from Kufstein.
Are you new to hut to hut hiking in Austria? Begin with my starter guide; best times to go, how huts work, what it costs, and choice of family-friendly or more demanding routes.
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Why hike the Wilder Kaiser? Less crowds, dramatic scenery and easy access
The Wilder Kaiser (which means “Wild Emperor” in English), is a rugged, limestone range which rises dramatically above the town of Kufstein in Tyrol, Austria. While it’s relatively unknown outside of German-speaking hiking circles, it holds its own against better-known spots like the Dolomites or Zillertal Alps.
This Wilder Kaiser section of the Adlerweg felt like the a perfect alternative to the Dolomites: just as spectacular, but far quieter, especially in peak season.
On our three day hiking route we passed just a handful of other hikers each day, especially once we left the more accessible lakes and hut areas behind. That meant peaceful trails, empty viewpoints, and a real sense of immersion – all without sacrificing hot meals or comfy beds at the end of the day.
It’s also logistically very easy for a long weekend. You can get to Kufstein by train from Munich or Innsbruck in under two hours, and the town itself is really charming (definitely one of those “I could live here” places); with cobbled streets, castle views and mountain backdrops. From there, it’s just a short hop by taxi or train to the start of the hike.
Day 1: St Johann in Tirol to the Gruttenhütte
We started with a short taxi ride from Kufstein to the Rummlerhof just outside St Johann in Tirol (where the Adlerweg officially starts), then followed the trail up to the Gruttenhütte, our first overnight stop. It was a hot, cloudless day, which did have me questioning my life choices 20 minutes into the first climb (which carried on for almost 8 km)! 🥵
The climb was pretty relentless with a big elevation gain (over 1,000 metres), but beautiful, with forested sections giving way to open ridges.
We had packed a picnic lunch from the breakfast buffet (ssssssh don’t tell, but Austrian breakfast buffets are perfect for snaffling a tasty sandwich or two), which we ate in the shade on the first climb, but we also enjoyed a cold drink at the Gaudeamushütte, which was well located after the first climb, but just before the second big push up to the plateau on which the Gruttenhütte sits.
After a well deserved break we headed on for the last section of the hike up to the Gruttenhütte. A few short ladder, rungs and chain sections on the second uphill section (known as the Klammlweg) added some fun and a mild sense of exposure, but nothing that required specialist gear. It felt a bit technical (and therefore exciting) in places, but still very achievable for reasonably fit hikers.
By the time we reached the Gruttenhütte we were hot, tired, and very ready for food. Luckily, the hut delivered: cold drinks, cake, and a sociable atmosphere. We had our own private dorm, which was absolutely stunning with floor to ceiling windows, which made a big difference to sleep quality.
They were very strict with making everyone microwave their sleeping bag liners and only bringing essentials into bedrooms in a plastic crate (which they provide); leaving backpacks and unneeded kit downstairs. They had clearly previously had a bed bug problem in all the huts in this area, but I can vouch that this is now in the past and these strict measures mean it will stay in the past!
Day 2: The Gruttenhütte to the Kaindlhütte
Day two was longer than day 1, although with a little less elevation, and the heat didn’t let up. We traversed around the side of the impressive Wilder Kaiser mountain range, and then descended steeply through forest trails towards the Hintersteinersee (lake). Here we had lunch, and then headed to the lake for a quick dip.
There’s a pay-to-enter bathing area with facilities, a grassy lawn for sunbathing, and a small café. We explained we were just stopping briefly and the attendant let all five of us in for €10, quite a big reduction from the standard entry price. Might not work every time, but worth asking! The lake was heaven; perfect for bringing down our core temperatures and super refreshing.
After setting off again, we climbed fairly steeply through woodland and then open trail, (getting rather overheated)! Eventually we reached the Kaindlhütte, a rustic and friendly hut at the foot of the Wilder Kaiser, where we stayed the night. The hosts were welcoming, the food hearty, and we spent a gorgeous evening eating dinner on the terrace, chatting to other hikers, and generally enjoying the summer evening.
At night, we retreated to our cosy wooden rooms with crisp white bedding – a peaceful 3-bed and a twin shared between the five of us – and it felt like stepping into a scene from Heidi. The wood panelling, red geraniums on the balcony, mountain air, and total silence made for the best sleep of the trip.
Day 3: The Kaindlhütte back to Kufstein via the Bettlersteig
Our final day followed the scenic Bettlersteig route, another trail with some exciting features, like steps, ladders, bridges and cables. Again, nothing difficult and no technical equipment needed! One of the best things about this Austrian Alps hut hike is how varied the trail was, right up to the end.
At the bottom of the Bettlersteig, we stopped for a refreshing drink at the charming Anton Karg Haus – a beautiful rustic hut set beside a crystal-clear river. We had a cold drink, and then took off our boots and soaked our hot feet in the icy water before moving on.
From there, we continued to the Veitenhof, where we had a hearty lunch (much needed at this point!), before heading into Kufstein via the impressive Kaiserbach Gorge. There’s a giant metal staircase on the other side of the gorge that requires one last scrap of energy and willpower to overcome! But we made it into Kufstein grinning and sweaty – it was still boiling.
In case you need it, there’s also a good bail-out option on day 3: if anyone’s really flagging after the previous two days, you can follow an easy (fairly flat) 3km path from the Kaindlhütte to the Kaiserlift, which whisks you back down to Kufstein.
How to plan this hike to perfection
When to go
We hiked in mid June, and it was very hot, although this was unusual at that time of year. Despite the heat, it was a beautiful time to go: the trails were open, the huts were welcoming, and the wildflowers were everywhere.
I would definitely recommend hiking this route in June or September; but even in July and August, the whole route is likely to remain pleasantly uncrowded. You will still need to book your hut accommodation in advance though!
Mid June to early September is ideal, but do keep an eye on the forecast. Earlier in June may still have snow on higher routes, and by late September, many huts begin to close.
Check the hut websites for their opening dates!
Our route on Komoot
Route & navigation
Trail signage in the Wilder Kaiser Alps is excellent – regular yellow signposts at junctions, plus red-white-red painted blazes.
Even though Komoot works brilliantly, I always keep a small paper map tucked in my backpack; just in case the phone dies or the app gets glitchy. I usually don’t need it, but it’s reassuring to have, and it’s a great way for the whole group to have a look at exactly what we’ve done at the end of the day. This is the map I used for this route:
How to book the huts
We booked direct via hut websites/email:
Gruttenhütte
- Gruttenhütte: Classic alpine hut with 90 beds; dorm or private room options and serious views.
- Book online HERE.
- Alpine Club members receive ~30% discount on overnight prices.
Booking for the summer season only opens on the 1st April. You will need to book the other hut and accommodation in Kufstein before this (as they will fill up otherwise) and then hold your nerve; and go online EARLY IN THE MORNING to book your spot on April 1st; there will be a rush on!
Kaindlhütte
- Kaindlhütte: Rustic, small (just 16 beds in total), relaxed, and very friendly.
- Book by sending an email to anfrage@kaindlhuette.com.
- No discount for Alpen Verein (Alpine Club) members – it’s a privately owned hut.
Both huts offered half board, and arriving before 5pm is good etiquette especially at Kaindlhütte which is a small, family-run operation. They need meal choices by late afternoon in order to serve dinner at their set time of 6.30 pm, so arriving on time helps everything run smoothly.
Bring cash for all payments – neither hut reliably takes cards – and a sleeping bag liner – which is required at the Gruttenhütte.
Getting to Kufstein
Kufstein is easy to reach by train from Munich or Innsbruck. We stayed overnight in town the night before the trip started, and took a short taxi to the trailhead. There’s also public transport between Kufstein and St. Johann in Tirol, but a taxi made it smoother.
Bonus tip: Kufstein is located right on the edge of Munich’s commuter transport area, which means you can often get surprisingly cheap train tickets between the two cities. You’ll need a ticket that spans zones M (metro zone) to zone 11 (M-11). Check the MVV journey planner for current options. In 2026, a single adult ticket is €25.50, a single child ticket is €2.00 (absolute bargain!) and a group day ticket (for up to 5 people) is €40.10.
Don’t go spending a fortune on Deutsche Bahn tickets – just buy tickets online on the MVV app or at a vending machine at the station.
If you’re spending extra time in the area, here’s my full post on Kufstein with kids — lots of it applies to adult travellers too!
Where to stay in Kufstein
Kufstein makes a great base, thanks to being easily accessible by train, along with having a wide range of restaurants and accommodation, from traditional guesthouses to centrally located hotels. It’s a great little town, and everything’s easy to reach on foot.
🏨 Hotel Goldener Löwe
I stayed here and would gladly book again. It’s close to the river and below the fortress, with spacious rooms, friendly staff, and an excellent breakfast. The location is ideal; close to shops, restaurants, and the fortress.
Check prices and availability for Hotel Goldener Löwe >>>
🏨 Hotel Gisela
A great choice if you’re arriving by train, this hotel is just a few steps from the station. It offers solid value and a central location, making it easy to settle in and get moving the next morning.
Check prices and availability for Hotel Gisela >>>
🏨 Hotel Kufsteinerhof
Centrally located with simple but clean and comfortable rooms, this is a good option if you’re after convenience and value. Breakfast is included.
Check prices and availability for Hotel Kufsteinerhof >>>
🏨 arte Hotel Kufstein
For something more modern, arte Hotel offers sleek, minimalist rooms and a top-tier breakfast. Some rooms include sofa beds if you’re sharing.
Check prices and availability for arte Hotel Kufstein >>>
How much does a hut to hut hike cost in the Wilder Kaiser?
Here’s what we actually spent per person on this 3 day hut to hut hike in Austria, including staying in Kufstein for the nights before and after the hike, mountain accommodation, meals, and local travel:
- Train from Munich to Kufstein (return): €20 – 40 each (based on a group fare from MVV)
- Taxi from Kufstein to Rummlerhof St Johann (shared): €20 – 30 each
- Hotel in Kufstein (2 nights incl. breakfast): €81.50 per night
- Gruttenhütte (half board): €77
- Kaindlalm (B&B): €65
- Lunches and drinks at huts (3 days): ~€25/day
- Dinner at Kaindlalm (not included in B&B): ~€25
- Swim at Hintersteinersee: €2 each (group entrance)
- Extras (drinks, showers, taxes): ~€15–20
📋 Total per person: ~€450 – 500 depending on extras
It’s great value for what you get: four night’s accommodation, wonderful alpine scenery, really excellent meals, warm showers, and comfy beds in characterful mountain huts in Austria.
A rugged, rewarding route; and a proper adventure
This 3 day hike through the Wilder Kaiser Alps had everything I want from a short alpine adventure: big views, cold beers, characterful huts, and the kind of challenge that makes the schnitzel at the end taste even better.
It’s not a beginner’s stroll; the terrain is steep and a little exposed and challenging in parts, and the heat caught us off guard, but it felt completely do-able with decent fitness and some prep.
The route’s accessibility from Kufstein (and even Munich) makes it ideal if you want to squeeze a proper mountain experience into a short trip. And unlike the better-known Dolomites or Swiss classics, there’s a wild, unpolished charm to this corner of Tyrol that made it feel a little more off the beaten path (and substantially quieter and cheaper).
Ready for more? Jump to the hub: Hut to hut hiking in Austria; everything you need, plus multiple weekend itineraries to choose from.
Further Reading
Other Kid-Free Hut to Hut Hikes
Austria
- 2 night hut to hut hike in Austria: Around the Bischofsmütze
- 3 day Grossarl valley hut to hut hike accessible from Salzburg
- Wilder Kaiser Hut to Hut Hike from Kufstein, Austria: A Challenging 3-Day Route for Adults
France
Gear & Packing for Hut to Hut Hiking
- Complete Packing List for Hut Hiking Adventures in the Alps
- 10 Best Travel Games for Lightweight Adventures
Tips for Hut to Hut Hiking
- When to Book Mountain Huts (So You’re Not Left Without a Bed on Your Hut to Hut Hike!)
- A beginner’s guide to mountain huts: Essential tips for first-timers
- What to Expect in Austrian Mountain Huts
- Komoot for beginners: Why I love it for our adventures
Interested in Family Friendly Hut Hiking?
- Hut to Hut Hiking with Kids | Real Advice & Best Routes in the Alps
- Join my free Facebook group Hut to Hut Hiking with Kids (Europe) and ask me questions, share routes, tips, and experiences, and become confident planning hut hikes with your kids.
