The Kaiser Mountains are one of the best climbing areas in Tirol. The first sport climbing routes were created here as early as the 1970s.
The climbing area next to the Schleierwasserfall waterfall is one of the best-known climbing hotspots in Europe, with over 200 sport climbing routes on often overhanging rockfaces. Some of the climbs are even rated 8 or 9 (experts only).
On wet weather days, climbers in the region are spoilt for choice with no fewer than six indoor climbing centres in the region. There are several via ferrata climbing routes suitable for families. One of them leads up onto the Ellmauer Halt (2,344m), the highest peak in the Wilder Kaiser Mountains. The name of this mountain chain comes from the fact that, when seen from a certain angle, the peaks and ridges form the profile of Emperor Charlemagne (Kaiser is the German word for emperor).
Sport climbing routes in the Wilder Kaiser Mountains
The famous climbing area near the Schleierwasserfall is one of the finest of its kind anywhere in Europe – and probably the most difficult. Surrounded by the fine mist of the adjacent waterfalls, climbers will find routes all the way up to grade 9 (experts only). All in all there are more than 200 lines to choose from, most of which are rated at least 7. The Klettergarten Wilderer Kanzel, on the other hand, has both very challenging and relatively easy routes. The Ellmauer Kaiserklettergarten is ideal for families and beginners.
All sport climbing routes at a glance
Multi-pitch climbing routes in the Wilder Kaiser Mountains
The region has a small selection of good multi-pitch climbing routes. The Kraxengrat, for example, is excellent for intermediate climbers and offers fantastic views of the Hintersteiner See lake. The climbing on the Treffauer Westsockel is also popular. Those with strong arms and a head for heights should visit the Sonneck, where there is a towering 450m south-west-facing wall with plenty of long climbs.
All multi-pitch climbing routes at a glance
Via ferrata in the Wilder Kaiser Mountains
The via ferrata in the Wilder Kaiser Mountains are some of the most beautiful in Tirol. The Eggersteig, for example, is at 1.9km in length a great place for beginners to learn the right technique and safety measures. The nearby Jubiläumssteig offers fine views. Advanced climbers can take on the recently opened Klettersteig Klamml (C/D), which is divided into two sections connected by a rope bridge. There is also a via ferrata known as the Gamsängesteig leading up onto the Ellmauer Halt, the highest peak in the Wilder Kaiser Mountains. However, this via ferrata requires good strength and fitness levels. It climbs 1,250 vertical metres from bottom to top.
All via ferrata climbing routes at a glance
Climbing centres in the Wilder Kaiser Mountains
The region has six climbing centres. The largest (200 routes spread across 1,700m²) is in Wörgl, with 250m² reserved for bouldering and 150m² outdoors. At the Kaiserbad Ellmau swimming pool there is an 800m² climbing wall – a great way to cool off on a hot day. The Koasa Boulder centre is dedicated to bouldering and at 400m² is the largest indoor boulder centre in the Tirolean Unterland. The Kletterkitz-Kletterhalle in Kitzbühel is up to 17 metres high, while the climbing centre in Kufstein is smaller but still offers routes for all abilities.
All climbing centres at a glance
Climbing for families in the Wilder Kaiser Mountains
Families who are into climbing will find rock faces of outstanding quality in the Kaiserklettergarten climbing area near the Gaudeamushütte hut. This area has a total of 16 routes up to 15 metres in lengh, all rated between 3 and 7 on the Austrian scale. It takes around 45 minutes to reach the climbing area on foot.
