Kelchsau can be explored through a range of very different themes: a mountain hike to three Wildalm Lakes and a summit, seasonal winter activities, and village history shaped by mining and two ecclesiastical buildings. When choosing where to stay, it’s worth considering your travel dates and main interests first. The hike to the Wildalm Lakes and Schafsiedel is a specific mountain hike; the village cross-country ski trail and natural toboggan run are seasonal winter alternatives.
Hikes to lakes, a summit and farmhouses
The hike to the Wildalm Lakes and Schafsiedel starts and ends at Gasthof Wegscheid in Kelchsau. Along the way, it passes the Lower, Middle and Upper Wildalm Lakes, then continues to Schafsiedel, whose summit is 2,447 m high. This named mountain hike therefore focuses on three individually named lakes as well as a specifically identified summit. Conditions can vary depending on the season; when planning, you should also take local access and parking arrangements into account.
The first stage of the KAT Walk Alpin offers a different hiking experience. It leads through forests and meadows, past the farmhouses of Penningberg and the rustic Haag Alm, and ends in Kelchsau. There, some of the most beautiful wooden houses and farmsteads mark the end of the stage. Unlike the tour to the lakes and Schafsiedel, this stage describes a route through varied landscapes that leads to the village. When choosing a hike, you can therefore choose between the specifically named lake and summit destinations and a stage route through forests, meadows and farmsteads.
Choose winter activities by type
In winter, other activities take centre stage. Kelchsau offers cross-country skiers a 6 km village trail. Another option is a natural toboggan run from Penningberg directly to Gasthof Haagalm in Kelchsau. The two activities differ clearly: cross-country skiing on the village trail or tobogganing on the route with the stated start and finish points. The trail is seasonal, and snow conditions can affect its use. The natural toboggan run is also a seasonal activity; check its operating conditions locally.
Water and nature in Kelchsau
Wild mountain lakes are part of Kelchsau’s natural landscape. The Kelchsauer Ache and small streams along the way add to it. These are different water features: the hike to the Wildalm Lakes passes specific lakes along the described route, while the Ache and smaller streams shape the wider waterscape of the area. If you organise your interests by nature themes, you can distinguish between a hike to named lake destinations and a broader look at flowing waters as part of the landscape.
Mining history and two districts
Kelchsau’s long mining history includes copper, pyrite and fahlore; later, silica was extracted for glassmaking. Two ecclesiastical buildings mark different districts and dates: the “Maria Hilf” chapel has stood in Oberdorf since 1720, and a church has stood in Unterdorf since 1850. The village’s history can therefore be viewed both through the materials once extracted and through the distinct historical landmarks in Oberdorf and Unterdorf.
For travel planning, these themes offer a clear choice: a mountain hike or a stage route, a seasonal winter activity or a look at mining and local history. Check the relevant conditions before setting out; for mountain hikes, the cross-country ski trail and the natural toboggan run in particular, the season, snow conditions and local operating status should all be part of your plans.
Discover more destinations: Itter, Sankt Johann in Tirol, Reith Bei KitzbĂĽhel, Kirchberg In Tirol, Hochfilzen, Sankt Jakob In Haus, Schwendt, Westendorf.
Back to the main travel overview: KitzbĂĽhel.
