Kitzbüheler Horn: hiking and skiing above Kitzbühel

About the mountain

The Kitzbüheler Horn lies in the Kitzbühel Alps, east of the centre of Kitzbühel. The summit is at about 2,000 m; sources differ by a few metres (1,987, 1,992 and 1,996 m), so think of it as a peak of roughly 2,000 m. A transmitter mast stands on the top. The Kitzbühel area is known for ski sport, but the Horn is also a popular summer target for hikers. From Niederau it is about 1 hour by car, depending on traffic and route.

Getting there

The Hornbahn I and the Horngipfelbahn take you up from Kitzbühel to close to the summit. A second option is the Harschbichlbahn from St. Johann in Tirol, with its top station at Harschbichl, a good alternative if you approach from that side. You park and board in the valley; ask about the summer and winter timetable beforehand, as cable cars have maintenance periods and changing seasons. We therefore give no times.

Summer: hiking

The best-known route is the Horn-Gipfel-Höhenweg. It runs via the Ludwig-Scheiber-Steig, which is secured with a steel cable at its narrowest point; the tour is described as moderately difficult and requires sure-footedness. Another walk leads to the Hornköpflsee. These are mountain walks, not valley strolls: allow for height gain, steep sections and changing weather, and choose a route that matches your experience and the children's ages.

Alpine flower garden

Between the Gipfelhaus and the Alpenhaus lies the Alpenblumengarten, recommended in several sources. According to Bergwelten it holds more than 400 species of alpine flowers from around the world. It is a calm, short stretch of walking that suits children and less experienced hikers, especially if you use the lift. Flowering depends on season and weather; those who come for the flowers usually pick late spring or summer.

Summer: via ferrata

For experienced mountain sports enthusiasts there is a via ferrata on the Kitzbüheler Horn. A route description lists it as a separate tour; we have no confirmed information on its difficulty here, so do not assume it is easy. You need a climbing set (helmet, harness, via ferrata set), experience and good weather. Without experience, hire a mountain guide. For families the walking routes and the flower garden are the more sensible choice.

Winter: skiing

The Kitzbüheler Horn ski area lies on the east side of Kitzbühel and is described by the Kitzbühel tourist board as particularly suitable for families and groups. According to a ski area profile it has about 17 km of pistes, around ten lifts and a vertical range of roughly 770 to 2,000 m; the winter season runs roughly from mid-December to early April. The Hahnenkamm with the Streif on the west side is more for advanced skiers. Check the current piste map.

Winter: ski touring

Ski tours to the summit are possible but certainly not a beginner route. A tour description lists a rarely done route of about 1,350 metres of ascent and roughly four hours uphill, with a spectacular crux: the traverse of the Hofer-Schneid. This is alpine terrain for experienced ski tourers with avalanche knowledge and equipment only. There are milder options nearby, such as the Wiedersbergerhorn, but even there the snow conditions decide whether it is sensible.

Safety

For ski touring or any trip off the pistes, always consult the Tyrol avalanche bulletin (lawine.tirol.gv.at) and carry a transceiver, shovel and probe. This guide is not a route description to follow blindly and does not replace local knowledge or a mountain guide. In summer the weather in the mountains is changeable, with afternoon thunderstorms; on the Höhenweg and the via ferrata sure-footedness and an early start matter. Turn back if the weather worsens.

Frequently asked questions