Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
www.festung.kufstein.at
;
Oberer Stadtplatz 6; adult/child €11/6.50; 9am-6pm)
For an insight into Kuf-
stein's turbulent past, head up to cliff-top Festung Kufstein. The castle dates from 1205
(when Kufstein was part of Bavaria) and was a pivotal point of defence for both Bavaria
and Tyrol during the struggles. The round
Kaiserturm
(Emperor's Tower) was added in
1522.
The lift to the top affords sweeping views over Kufstein and the surrounding peaks. In-
side is the small but imaginatively presented
Heimatmuseum
(Heritage Museum), showcas-
ing everything from Bronze Age urns to folk costumes and - drum roll please - Andreas
Hofer's shoe. Below the Kaiserturm is the
Heldenorgel
(Heroes Organ) with 4307 pipes, 46
organ stops and a 100m gap between the keyboard and the tip of the pipes; the delay in
the sounding of the notes makes playing it a tricky business. Catch recitals at noon and,
in July and August, 6pm.
When the fortress is closed in the evening you can walk up the path in under 15
minutes and roam the ramparts and grounds free of charge.
Römerhofgasse
A classic saunter leads along gingerbready Römerhofgasse, a reconstructed medieval
lane that looks fresh-minted for a Disney film set with its overhanging arches, lanterns
and frescoed facades. Even the crowds and souvenir kitsch - marmot ointment,
Dirndls
,
strapping Lederhosen, you name it - detract little from its appeal.
HISTORIC STREET
Activities
Kaisergebirge
The Kaisergebirge range is a sheer wall of limestone to the east of Kufstein, rising to
2300m and stretching as far as St Johann in Tirol. It attracts walkers, mountaineers and
skiers alike. The Kaisergebirge is actually two ranges, split by the east-west Kaisertal
valley. The northern range is the
Zahmer Kaiser
(Tame Emperor) and the southern is the
Wilder Kaiser
(Wild Emperor) - no medals for guessing which has the smoother slopes!
Pick up a free
Wanderkarte
(walking map) from the tourist office.
HIKING, SKIING
Hechtsee & Stimmersee
(adult/child €4/1.60)
The tree-fringed lakes around Kufstein are best explored on foot or by
bike; the closest are in the wooded area west of the Inn River, where there's a network of
SWIMMING
