Disclaimer

All trails are subject to change based on permits of the local municipalities and various alpine associations and the decisions of the Organizer. The final route will be published a week before the event.

Route descriptions

HighlanderHercules

You will hike a round course in the Südberge mountain chain, part of Kitzbühel’s surrounding landscape and get the opportunity to summit achievable yet rewarding peaks. Each ascent reveals breathtaking panoramas of the Lofer Steinberge, the Hohe Tauern National Park, and the Wilder Kaiser, inviting you to reflect, and find balance within yourself surrounded by nature.

Each night you will share the same camps, meals, and side activities with the other HIGHLANDER participants.

  • Your journey begins in the colorful town of Kitzbühel, crossing the Kitzbüheler Ache and ascending to the Hornköpfl reservoir, with sweeping views over the valley. The trail continues across alpine meadows to the Stuckkogel and over a panoramic ridge to the Großer Gebra, the first 2,000er of the trip. You’ll arrive at Camp 1 near the Hochwildalm – a peaceful spot beside a stream, perfect for unwinding by the fire.
  • From Camp 1, the route climbs to the Henlabjoch, where a wide ridge opens up toward the Staffkogel and Saalkogel. After a forest descent and a rest at Kelchalm, the trail leads to a trio of summits – Schützkogel, Kleiner Schütz, and Gamshang – before reaching Camp 2 at the serene Torsee, ideal for stargazing and a refreshing cold plunge in crystal-clear mountain water.
  • Day 3 is the most demanding, taking you over the Mittagskogel and up to the Geißstein (2,363 m), the highest point of the journey. The summit offers a breathtaking 360° view over the Hohe Tauern National Park and surrounding ranges. Along the way down, you may encounter grazing Haflinger horses and catch glimpses of curious marmots in the high meadows. The descent passes the thundering Sintersbacher Waterfall, before a final forest climb to Camp 3 at Resterhöhe, complete with panoramic views and a revitalizing Kneipp basin.
  • The next day the route continues gently over the Hartkaserhöhe, with views of the Rettenstein peaks, and down to the Trattenbachalm. After a peaceful break, you ascend past alpine lakes to the Pengelstein area, where Camp 4 awaits – surrounded by open sky and 360° views.
  • On the final day, you follow the Hahnenkamm ridge, past ski race landmarks like the Mausefalle, and descend to the tranquil Schwarzsee for one last refreshing moment. Along the way, soak in the spectacular view of the Wilder Kaiser rising proudly to the north. Returning to Kitzbühel, your journey ends with a well-earned celebration featuring local food, music, and drinks. This closing day is a time to reflect on a memorable adventure, rich in natural beauty and deep connection.

HighlanderPegasus

  • Your journey begins in the colorful town of Kitzbühel, where a short shuttle takes you to the charming mountain village of Jochberg. From here, the trail climbs gently through quiet forests and alpine pastures to the Wildalm at 1,420 m. You’ll then join the Sintersbacher Trail, descending briefly to reach the powerful Sintersbacher Waterfall – a first highlight and refreshing stop. From here, you merge with the HIGHLANDER Hercules route and continue your ascent through peaceful woods to Camp 3 at Resterhöhe, complete with panoramic views and a revitalizing Kneipp basin.
  • The route continues gently over the Hartkaserhöhe, with views of the Rettenstein peaks, and down to the Trattenbachalm. After a peaceful break, you ascend past alpine lakes to the Pengelstein area, where Camp 4 awaits – surrounded by open sky and 360° views.
  • On the final day, you follow the Hahnenkamm ridge, passing iconic ski race landmarks like the Mausefalle, and descend to the tranquil Schwarzsee for one last refreshing moment. Along the way, soak in the spectacular view of the Wilder Kaiser rising proudly to the north. Returning to Kitzbühel, your adventure ends with a well-earned celebration featuring local food, music, and drinks. A final day to reflect on a memorable journey, rich in natural beauty and deep connection.

HighlanderOrion

  • Your journey begins high above the valley at Camp 3 on Resterhöhe, reached by shuttle and gondola from Kitzbühel. Surrounded by alpine air and panoramic views, you’ll step straight into nature at altitude – the perfect start to your Orion adventure. The trail leads gently across the Hartkaserhöhe, offering wide views of the Rettenstein peaks, before descending to the peaceful Trattenbachalm – an ideal spot to rest and refuel. From there, you ascend along alpine paths past crystal-clear mountain lakes to the Pengelstein area, where Camp 4 awaits. Tucked into the highlands with 360° views, it’s the perfect place to slow down, connect, and take in the stillness of the mountains.
  • On the final day, you follow the iconic Hahnenkamm ridge, passing legendary ski race sections like the Mausefalle, and descend toward the serene Schwarzsee – the perfect place for a last cold plunge and moment of reflection. Along the way, enjoy the spectacular view of the Wilder Kaiser towering to the north. As you return to Kitzbühel, the journey ends with a celebration of nature, movement, and community – shared memories that stay with you long after the trail ends.

HighlanderLyra

  • Your day begins in the heart of Kitzbühel, where the iconic Hahnenkammbahn lifts you high above the valley to the starting point of your Lyra adventure. From the mountain station, the trail leads you past the Sonnenbühel Alm and continues in the direction of Sonnenrast, with wide alpine views opening up around you. It’s here, near Sonnenrast, that you meet the participants of the multi-day routes - from this point on, you share the final stage together. As you follow the ridge toward Ehrenbachhöhe, the path passes a shimmering reservoir and rewards you with breathtaking panoramas of the Wilder Kaiser rising in the distance. The descent takes you along parts of the world-famous Hahnenkamm downhill ski racecourse, including legendary sections like the Mausefalle, Karussell, and Steilhang – a thrilling experience on foot. Your journey ends at the tranquil Schwarzsee, an alpine lake that invites a final moment of refreshment and reflection. Back in Kitzbühel, you'll celebrate the close of a day that proves even a single step in these mountains can leave a lasting impression.
Hikers exercising

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