KAT Walk Folder 2016 EN

www.kat-walk.uk

KAT Walk 2016

The long-distance hiking trail through the KitzbĂźheler Alpen

All you nifty hikers out there – look sharp!

Welcome to the KAT Walk. The 106 km and 76 km walkway over hills and valleys provides your fill of fresh air and frees your mind. Short & sweet – where What is the KAT Walk ?

Tyrol reveals its sunny side.

Those who think you can only ski in the Kitzbüheler Alpen are in for a blue, green and sunny surprise on the KAT Walk.

Whether it be the humble view from the peaks, smelling the alpine roses or just taking a deep breath and enjoying the route – everyone will encounter some magical moments along these individual stages.

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A view of the breathtaking Wilder Kaiser

Enough said – we will leave our mountains, lush alpine meadows, wildlife and fresh, clean air to convince you. So look sharp all you venerable hikers – let’s get going!

A long-distance hiking trail through the Kitzbüheler Alpen which combines tradition, culture, culinary pleasure and the glamorous style of Kitzbühel.

How long & high is it?

Alpine variant: 106 km in length, 6,350 m altitude uphill, 6,100 m altitude downhill.

Compact variant: 76 km in length, 4,950 m altitude uphill, 5,200 m downhill.

How is it structured?

In themed stages.

Who can do it?

Any experienced hiker who is accustomed to varied terrain.

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Swap deadlines for alpine pastures

This is Sepp

Ask the farmers on the Alpine pastures about the status of their projects, their deadlines or their ‘work-life balance’.

Don’t worry if you’re met with some raised eyebrows – there are no deadlines on Alpine pastures.

Even at the start of the first stage, time seems to stand still with century-old farmsteads dominating the views of the landscape and the villages.

Built in the traditional Lower Inn Valley style, farms are still lived on, maintained and tended by farming families.

gladly provide hungry and thirsty hikers a glass of milk and a sandwich.

When he puts his thoughts down on paper, he denounces greed for profit, ignorance and superficiality in his critical and humorous stories written in the local dialect.

Grand masters of taking it easy

Stop, switch off, recharge

One example of this special kind of Alpine romance is Sepp Kahn, a writer who uses local dialect.

The tranquillity, ease and peacefulness of Alpine life are the source of his work. And if Sepp has the time and is willing, he will

Everyday worries are soon forgotten along the trail. The email to your boss, your to-do list – it all flies away as the magical mountain scenery approaches. The majestic peaks of the Wilder Kaiser, the Großglockner, the Zillertal Alps and the 5

Stage 5 · View of the Hahnenkamm Bahn

Hohe Tauern all silently watch over the KAT Walk. So many wonderful sights line the route – nature, wildlife and people in harmony.

Traditional culinary delights are also compulsory elements of the schedule, of course. Home-made produce from the region is highly prized here. Sustainability is the prime focus for future alpine pasture and mountain agriculture in the heart of the Kitzbüheler Alpen.

The Hahnenkamm race is one of the biggest annual sporting events in the region – standing on the podium in Kitzbühel is the greatest honour an Alpine skier can achieve, next to winning Olympic and World Championship medals.

In summer, you can marvel and shake your head in astonishment at the steep sections of pistes that the international race skiing elite sweep down in the winter.

Really steep – the Streif

Coming on to the Horn

The legendary Streif is the symbol of the razzmatazz and glamour of the KAT Walk.

The long-distance hiking trail also proceeds up to the Kitzbüheler Horn, one

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of the loveliest viewing points in the Kitzbüheler Alpen.

So: out with the mundane, put on your hiking boots & let’s get going!

After smelling the flowers in the Alpine flower garden, you head on up to the peak which has distinctive transmitter masts. Once you are up at the top, you get to enjoy the view of the valley and the surrounding mountains.

On your mark, get set … … go! It’s now up to you to really get to know the KAT Walk and nature in the Kitzbüheler Alpen. Everyone can hike, feast and relax to their heart’s content here.

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KAT Walk Alpine Stage 1: Combining tradition Along the farms back to the origins

Stage 2: Listening to stories Following an Alpine author’s footsteps

Stage 3: Total freedom

Out and about in a sea of Alpine roses

Stage 4: Pure skiing world cup feeling From the Hahnenkamm to the legendary Streif

Stage 5: Scaling peaks

Magnificent natural adventures on the Kitzbüheler Horn

Stage 6: Alpine kingdom On cows, cheese and culture

The stages

KAT Walk Compact Stage 1: To the Hohe Salve

A summit adventure providing plenty of views

Even the most grumpy hikers will be inspired, since the individual stages of the KAT Walk reward your conquests – each one in its own way.

Alpine variant · 106 km · 6 stages The impressive Alpine route runs in six stages, from Hopfgarten via the Brixental Valley towns of Kelchsau, Westendorf-Windau and KirchbergAschau to Kitzbühel. It then continues to the Kitzbüheler Horn to St. Johann in Tirol and St. Ulrich in the Pillersee Valley.

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Compact variant · 76 km · 5 stages The compact route runs from Hopfgarten to the Hohe Salve, the mountain in Tyrol with the loveliest views, continuing via Filzalm to Brixen. Kirchberg is on the agenda for the next stage. The compact route leads back to the Alpine route between Kirchberg and Kitzbühel.

Stage 2: Primeval drama

From gentle grass mountains to special geological features

Stage 3: Pure skiing world cup feeling From the Hahnenkamm to the legendary Streif

» Stage 3 Compact leads into stage 4 Alpine and concludes with stages 5 & 6 of the Alpine route

—> Exact descriptions of the individual stages, altitude profiles and general maps can be found on the map on the last page of this brochure.

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Getting here & travel tips Getting to the Kitzbüheler Alpen is as easy as ABC. The area is easily accessible by car, train or bus.

Those who prefer things to be a bit more leisurely can leave their car in the garage, since the beginning and end points, as well as a few other starting points at individual stages, are within easy reach by public transport (train, bus, taxi).

Before you travel, look for accommodation in or close by a stage point. Should you be travelling in your own car, then you can leave it parked until the end of your holiday.

If you drive to the stage starting points, please remember that you

Stage 4 · Lake Seidlalm

will have to collect your car from that point again. You might be better off taking public transport to the starting points for the individual stages!

This means you can easily plan your own route along the Kitzbüheler Alpen long distance trail. Whether you want to take on two, three, four, five or all stages in one go.

Detailed information about getting to and from individual sections can be found in the general plan and in the descriptions provided for each stage.

Stage 1 · Old farmhouse on the

Penningberg mountain

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St. Johann in Tirol

St. Ulrich im Pillerseetal

10´ 8´

KAT Walk Compact

Hohe Salve

1

1

Westendorf

4´

10´ Taxi

4´

Brixen

2

7´

Kirchberg

23´

3

Aschau

Kelchsau Windau

2

5

Fieberbrunn

Kitzbühel Hahnenkamm

Hopfgarten 10´

7´

4

Kitzbühel

KAT Walk Alpine

Kitzbüheler Alpen

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Those who dwell get to enjoy the region’s delicious foods Regional cuisine sweetens every KAT walker’s well-deserved rest.

Whether it be fresh buttermilk, homecured bacon, exquisite Almkäse cheese or fine pastries – everyone will find their own Epicurean delight here. With so many traditional products and Austrian wines you can really enjoy the sunny panoramic mountain views.

If you feel parched and happen to be a fan of beer, we highly recommend a trip to Huber Bräu in St. Johann in Tirol, where beer has been brewed since 1727. The local beer is best enjoyed in the beer tower, which provides magnificent views. Also, people are serious about sausages in St. Johann: the long and spicy St. Johan-

ner sausage has its roots here – Mauthner landlord Alfred Brunner still makes it according to a secret recipe.

For keen foodies, KochArt businesses place emphasis upon seasonal produce from local producers.

And those who enjoy indulging in higher percentages are heartily recommended to give the Tyrolean schnapps route a go – Gidi Treffer, an official fine spirits sommelier, can give anyone interested a peek behind the liquor bar in his Tip: Wise long-distance distillery. hikers should keep a lookout for Cheers!

KochArt businesses Enjoy your meal!

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Prices for summer 2016 Luggage transport ‘all-round carefree package’

Because multi-day stages should be about more than just carrying a rucksack around, we offer our guests integrated luggage transport.

We take care of your belongings – after all, you want to be hiking, not hauling.

Our ‘All-round carefree package’

KAT Walk Compact 5 days, start in Hopfgarten

… 6 nights stay in various, high-quality guesthouses & hotels located directly on the route (several establishments have the Hiking Quality Seal) … including half board … incl. luggage transport

per person in a double room ........................................................... € 469.per person in a single room ............................................................. € 519.-

Zzzzzzz

KAT-Walk Alpine XXL-Tour 6 days, Start in Hopfgarten

Since even the keenest of hikers need a break now and again, our KAT Walk offers an ‘all-round carefree package’.

Even if you hike for 5 or 6 days straight across half of Tyrol, you still have to get some shuteye every now and again.

Especially since the day stages offer all kinds of traditional, poetic, culinary, sporting and legendary highlights.

Hiking Quality Seal. At the end of each day of hiking, you can choose from cosy guesthouses and exclusive four-star hotels with local culinary delights (half board is included everywhere).

All KAT Walk accommodation providers are official partners and guarantee the best service. A few of the establishments have been awarded the Austrian

More information about accommodation can be found at: www.kat-walk.uk

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… 7 nights stay … including half board … incl. luggage transport

per person in a double room ......... € 499.per person in a single room ............ € 559.-

Beginner’s Tour

Connoisseur tour

p. p. double room ......... € 259.p. p. single room .......... € 289.-

p. p. double room ......... € 299.p. p. single room .......... € 329.-

3 days, Start in Hopfgarten … 4 nights stay … including half board … incl. luggage transport

3 days, Start in Aschau … 4 nights stay … including half board … incl. luggage transport

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Frequently asked questions The following answers to tricky questions should help you tackle the KAT Walk without any problems.

Booking

Luggage transport

You can book the KAT Walk (all overnight stays incl. luggage transport) directly via our travel office. This means there is just one place to go.

Luggage transport can be booked per person. Items of luggage up to a maximum of 20 kg are permitted for each person.

Please ensure that your luggage is ready for the taxi service by 10:00 a.m.

Getting here by train The starting town of Hopfgarten is easy to get to by train. The train station is close to the centre of Hopfgarten.

Hiking trail composition

Car parking

The KAT Walk is designated throughout as a ‘red’ hiking trail (moderate difficulty level). None of the climbing sections have secure roped areas.

Your car can either be parked in Hopfgarten in the underground garage at the cable car for € 5 per day. Alternatively, you can park your car in a free public car parking area (Wasserfeld car park).

Your accommodation provider can provide a packed lunch on request. This is paid for on site.

Packed lunch

Dogs

Stop-off options

All stages have at least one accommodation provider where pets are permitted.

The route is also suitable for dogs.

Any extra costs for dogs are to be paid directly to the accommodation.

Alpine inns and guesthouses are available on several stages. Please check the Internet or enquire at your accommodation provider about the respective inns (opening times).

Hiking map

Cable car short-cuts

A hiking map has been specifically prepared for the KAT Walk. You will receive one when you make a booking upon payment.

On some stages the local cable car can be used as a support aid. Cable-car information can be found on our hiking map and our homepage. Please note the opening and operating hours.

Please note: Additional costs are incurred for using cable cars!

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Responsible for content: Kitzbüheler Alpen Marketing GmbH | Subject to errors and typos | Concept, text & design: butterbrot.com Photos: Kitzbüheler Alpen Marketing, Peter Vonier, Kurt Tropper, Skiwelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental, TVB Kitzbühel/Medialounge, Martin-Lugger, Fotowerk Nusser-Aichner, Stefan Eisend, Mirja Geh, rol.art-images | Printing: Hutter Druck, St. Johann i. T.

www.kat-walk.uk Phone: +43 57507 8500 info@kat-walk.at

Kitzbüheler Alpen Marketing GmbH Hauptstr. 8 · 6365 Kirchberg in Tirol · Austria info@kitzalps.com · info@kat-walk.at www.kitzalps.com