Kufstein – the Pearl of Tyrol
Kufstein on the Inn is a town with character: high above, the mighty fortress, below an old town with narrow lanes, inns and a lovely promenade along the Inn. A day trip is worthwhile in any season – and especially on days when the weather in the mountains is not cooperating.
Getting there from Brixen im Thale
By car you reach Kufstein in about 40 minutes. By train you travel via Wörgl: the route from Brixen to Wörgl is free with the Brixental guest card; for the last stretch from Wörgl to Kufstein you need a separate ticket.
Kufstein Fortress
The fortress was first mentioned in 1205 and towers above the town. Today it is a museum and event venue. A glass lift takes you up comfortably. With the guest card you get a 10 % discount at Kufstein Fortress.
The Heroes’ Organ – a midday experience
In the Bürgerturm of the fortress is the Heldenorgel (Heroes’ Organ), the world’s largest outdoor organ with 4,948 pipes and 46 stops. It plays daily at 12 noon, in July and August also at 6 pm – each time for about 20 minutes and audible for kilometres. It sounds best from the covered forecourt in front of the fortress.
Römerhofgasse & Auracher Löchl
The Römerhofgasse is a narrow cobbled lane with painted façades and inn signs. Here you will find the Auracher Löchl, a traditional inn more than 600 years old, known for its cheese spätzle. Below it is the gin bar “Stollen 1930” with more than 850 kinds of gin. Nearby, a monument commemorates Karl Ganzer, the composer of the famous Kufstein song.
More of Kufstein
- Riedel Glass House: watch mouth-blown glasses being made.
- Kaiserlift: a nostalgic single chairlift takes you up to the Brentenjoch in about 25 minutes – with a view of the Inn valley and the Hechtsee. At the top, the Brentenjochalm tempts you with a bacon platter.
- Kaisertal: a protected hiking valley on the edge of town, ideal for a half-day hike.
Our day plan for Kufstein
1. Arrive in the morning, stroll through the old town
2. Listen to the Heroes’ Organ at 12 noon
3. Visit the fortress
4. Stop for food in the Römerhofgasse
5. Kaiserlift or a walk along the Inn in the afternoon
