This summer, we visited the region of Austria where the Wilder Kaiser mountains meet the Kitzbühel Alps. Time seems to slow down in the summer here, with the rolling green hills and Kaiser mountain views in the distance. It’s a true alpine landscape with jagged limestone peaks softened by meadows of wildflowers, mirror-like lakes, and trails that lead not just to summits but also to nearby refugios.
Just outside the village of Going, the Stanglwirt resort stands as a beloved alpine institution—family-run for over 400 years and known for its working organic farm and wellness amenities. Staying here places you right at the entry of the Wilder Kaiser and we found it the perfect base for a week of summer hiking in the region.
Hikes to Refugios
Alderhütte
A traditional alpine hut on the slopes of the Kitzbüheler Horn. From Kitzbühel, take the Hornbahn cable car partway, then hike gentle paths through flower-dotted meadows to the Alderhütte. Known for regional dishes and sweeping panoramas of the Kitzbühel valley. For those looking for more strenuous activity, opt to hike up the trail starting near the cable car and take the cable car down. You can also continue up the mountain for the second cable car stop (at the very top of the peak) for about two hours of uphill climb.
Stangalm
Nestled on the southern slopes of the Kitzbüheler Horn, the beautiful Stangalm is reachable by a moderate hike from Oberndorf or as a detour on longer hikes around the Horn. The trail passes through pine forests before opening to wide fields. Stangalm serves fresh alpine cheeses and homemade cakes including the traditional strudel. 
Hocheckhütte
Tucked below the forest near Oberndorf, Hocheckhütte offers a cozy stop after hiking forest trails that link to the Kitzbüheler Horn ridge. We endured an uphill climb to this hutte, starting at the base of Kitzbühel town. The hike took roughly two and a half hours, with a stop along the way at the lovely Seidhalm hütte for a coffee en route. Hocheckhütte has classic Tyrolean snacks—speck, dumplings, and soups, and a wonderful terrace to sit in the sun and admire the views at the top of the peak.
Seidlalm
One of the most storied huts above Kitzbühel, the Seidlalm sits directly beside the legendary Hahnenkamm ski run. The hike begins in Kitzbühel and winds up through forest paths in about 1.5 hours. The Seidlalm terrace is perfect for a slow lunch after a morning ascent—or as a golden-hour aperitif stop before descending. Seidhalm became our fast favorite in the region.
Lake swims at Schwarzsee: Cold, refreshing, and unforgettable in summer. Many nice cafes on the lake to stop in for a drink or lunch - we loved Das Steghaus am Schwarzsee.
Kitzbühel: Chic alpine boutiques and cafés just a short drive away.
Wellness: After long hikes, Tyrolean spas—whether at Stanglwirt or in the villages—offer saunas and pools to restore for the next day of hiking.
Tennis: Stanglwirt's clay tennis courts are the perfect way to start or end the day.
-Prepare for your hikes with a refillable glass water bottle. Most trails have fresh spring water points for you to refill your canisters with the freshest mountain water you can imagine.
-Make sure to visit Gasthof Stanglwirt - Stanglwirt's rustic inn pub next to the resort. It became our very favorite spot for dinner and a wiener schnitzel.