Kelchsau: Hiking, mountain lakes and village history

Kelchsau offers several distinct highlights for your stay: mountain hikes, the first stage of the KAT Walk Alpin, seasonal winter activities, and local nature and history. The hikes differ in route: one passes three Wildalm Lakes on the way to Schafsiedel; the KAT stage leads through forests and meadows and ends in Kelchsau. Cross-country skiing and tobogganing add winter activities to the selection.

Hiking to the Wildalm Lakes and Schafsiedel

The hike to the Wildalm Lakes and Schafsiedel passes the Lower, Middle and Upper Wildalm Lakes and then climbs Schafsiedel, at 2,447 m. It starts and ends at Gasthof Wegscheid in Kelchsau. The sequence of three lakes leading to the summit gives the tour several clearly named stops. Conditions vary depending on the time of year; check route conditions and local access and parking arrangements before setting out.

The KAT Walk Alpin offers a different kind of hiking experience. Its first stage leads through forests and meadows, past the farmsteads of Penningberg and the rustic Haag Alm, and ends in Kelchsau. Some of the most beautiful timber-built houses and farmsteads set the scene for the end of the stage. Check route conditions before setting out.

The hikes also differ in their endpoints: the Wildalm Lakes tour starts and ends at Gasthof Wegscheid, while the first KAT stage ends in Kelchsau. This difference can help you compare the two hiking options by their respective starting and ending points.

Cross-country skiing and tobogganing in winter

Cross-country skiers can enjoy a 6 km village trail in Kelchsau. It is a seasonal winter activity; snow conditions can affect its use. A natural toboggan run leads from Penningberg directly to Gasthof Haagalm in Kelchsau. Cross-country skiing and tobogganing are two different winter activities: the trail is for cross-country skiers, while the natural toboggan run leads to Gasthof Haagalm. Check local operating conditions before using the toboggan run, and take snow conditions into account on the trail.

Mining history and buildings

Kelchsau has a long mining history. Mined resources include copper, iron pyrites and fahlore; later, silica was extracted for glassmaking. Glassmaking is a specific use for this later resource. Two buildings add to the historical picture: the “Maria Hilf” chapel has stood in Oberdorf since 1720, and a church has stood in Unterdorf since 1850. Their different village districts and dates give each building its own historical and local context.

Mountain lakes and waterscapes

Wild mountain lakes are part of Kelchsau’s natural landscape. The Kelchsauer Ache and the small streams along the way are also among the area’s water features and natural attractions. This brings both mountain lakes and flowing waters into focus as distinct elements of the landscape. For travelers interested in waterscapes, the Ache and streams add further natural features alongside the Wildalm Lakes and the named hiking destinations.

Discover more destinations: Kössen, Brixen Im Thale, Westendorf, Itter, Hopfgarten Im Brixental, Kirchdorf In Tirol, Jochberg, Reith Bei Kitzbühel

Go to the main travel overview: Kitzbühel.