Travel guide Kössen
Welcome to the Kaiserwinkl holiday region
Directly behind the border to Austria in the state of Tyrol, Kössen, together with the towns of
Walchsee, Schwendt, and Rettenschöss, forms the Kaiserwinkl ski region. The region is flanked by the
Kaisergebirge in the south and the Chiemgau Alps in the north. You can easily reach your private vacation apartment in Kössen via the train station in
Kufstein (the domestic tariff of the Deutsche Bahn applies). From there, the Kaiserwinkl Shuttle or the Regio Bus 4030 will take you to your accommodations in Kössen. Book a vacation apartment, a flat, or a house with a balcony and WLAN full of comfort for you and your family for an unforgettable vacation in the Kaisergebirge. Enjoy your personal time-out and relax in the mountains, for example, while skiing during your stay.
Perfect ski and hiking weather
How about a
ski vacation in Kössen? The Kaiserwinkl is considered the most snow-sure region in
Tyrol. Although the town is "only" at 600 meters above sea level, there is the most snow in the Austrian Alps. In the winter months, average temperatures are below freezing. Frequent snowfall in winter often leads to snow depths of up to 1.5 meters. In July and August, the average values are just under 16°C. At the same time, July has the most days of rain. Whether summer or winter vacation - here you can enjoy swimming, cross-country skiing, or skiing while always having a view of the mountain panorama.
Tyrolean traditions – Krapfen, dumplings, Jause and Ripperlessen
Keep an eye out for a green sign with three leaves at your next stop. The seal refers to the certified Tyrolean inns, which have committed themselves to the preservation of local customs, regional products and recipes, as well as the original atmosphere. Here you eat typically Tyrolean, for example, Gröstl - a kind of fried potatoes with leftovers from Sunday roast. Or try real Tyrolean dumplings with bacon served in clear beef soup. The variety filled with Graukäse is popular. Ask about the maturity of the cheese, because well-ripened Graukäse can become intense and sharp. Other specialties are Schlutz- or Schlipfkrapfen, a kind of Tyrolean ravioli filled with potatoes. Brettljausen with freshly baked farmer's bread, local cheese and sausage specialties, as well as bacon, egg, and cucumber provide energy during or after a hike or mountain bike tour. The classic Ripperlessen, consisting of pork ribs served with spicy Kren (horseradish) and mustard, also comes on a wooden board. By the way, the region has excellent breweries, as wine-growing areas are rare. Good guesthouses and restaurants, however, have a selection of Austrian and South Tyrolean wines. In summer, Grüner Veltliner is the hit. In winter, try a red Zweigelt or a Lagrein from Alto Adige in front of the fireplace.
Active vacation in Kössen and the surrounding area
Your cozy vacation home in Kössen is located in the largest of the 4 towns in Kaiserwinkl. The region scores with 200 kilometers of marked hiking trails and 180 kilometers of bike paths - perfect for a
vacation with a dog in Kössen. There is plenty of activity for both two and four-legged friends. Golfers will find one of the largest golf regions in the country in Kaiserwinkl, and during the winter, there are 250 kilometers of groomed cross-country skiing trails. The ski resorts Hochkössen and Zahmer Kaiser offer over 35 kilometers of well-prepared downhill runs. The hiking and cross-country skiing area around Kössen extends to the
Salzburger Land in the east. And one tip for the bathing season: the nearby Walchsee is one of the largest and warmest lakes here. You can not only swim but also sail, surf, water ski, stand-up paddle, and fish. Nothing stands in the way of a relaxing stay in the ski region in the Kaisergebirge.
Churches, chapels, and dragons – So close to heaven
Some sights between the mountains can be reached by foot or bike from your accommodation in Kössen. The pilgrimage church Maria Klobenstein lies on the border with Bavaria. It gets its name from the split rocks (geklobene Steine) right next to the church. The church dates back to the early 18th century. The small Annakapelle in Kössen is also from the same period. A profane architectural monument is the 1587-built Gasthof Erzherzog Rainer, designed in the Gothic style. A real highlight of the region is the opportunity for hang gliding and paragliding. The unique thermals at the foot of the Zahmer Kaiser in the Kaiserwinkl are unparalleled. During a tandem jump, experience the breathtaking landscape from a bird's-eye view. Book an apartment, a vacation flat, or a cozy house with WLAN and a balcony with a mountain view full of comfort for you and your family, and enjoy a relaxed vacation at the foot of the Zahmer Kaiser.
