Things To Do
in Kufstein
Kufstein is a compact alpine town on the Inn River near the German border, known for its hilltop Kufstein Fortress and charming old town. It blends Tyrolean tradition with easy access to surrounding mountains and lakes, making it a good base for outdoor activities year-round. The town has a relaxed, small-town feel with cafés, beer gardens and regular cultural events.
Visitors will enjoy scenic riverfront walks, mountain views and a mix of local culinary specialties.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by taking a guided tour of the Kufstein Fortress, which offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Inn River. Explore the historical exhibits that showcase the rich history of this strategic stronghold. Don't forget your camera as you capture the breathtaking scenery from various lookout points.
After lunch at a local café, stroll through the charming old town of Kufstein, admiring the well-preserved architecture and vibrant colorful buildings. Visit the Thiersee Lake for a refreshing walk along the shores or paddleboarding on its tranquil waters. Engage with local artisans at the markets and shop for unique souvenirs.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at one of the traditional Tyrolean restaurants, where you can savor local dishes like Tiroler Gröstl. Afterwards, take a leisurely walk along the riverside promenade, soaking in the serene atmosphere. Wind down your day with a live music performance or a cultural event at the Kufstein Cultural Hall.
Take a scenic train ride to Rattenberg, the smallest town in Austria, known for its glass-making shops and medieval charm. Explore the narrow streets lined with brightly painted houses and visit the local glass workshops to see skilled artisans at work. Grab a coffee and pastry at a quaint café to savor while watching the world go by.
Visit the Rattenberg Castle, perched on a hill, which offers not just historical insights but also fantastic views of the Inn Valley. After descending from the castle, explore the various glass studios and purchase some exquisite handmade pieces to take home. Enjoy a light lunch in the town square, enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Return to Kufstein in the late afternoon and refresh yourself at your hotel. For dinner, choose a riverside restaurant where you can taste seasonal dishes paired with local wines. If time allows, take a stroll through Kufstein's illuminated streets, creating a magical ending to your day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $3-4 |
| 🚆Local train/bus single ticket | $2.50-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-140 |
| 🍺Beer (0.5L at a pub) | $4-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning alpine scenery and easy access to mountains and lakes
- Compact, walkable historic center with a relaxed atmosphere
- Good base for outdoor activities year-round and proximity to larger cities
- Smaller town with limited late-night entertainment and fewer international dining options
- Peak-season crowds at popular viewpoints and lakes
- Some services may close outside tourist season
- "Grüß Gott" - Hello / Good day
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Bitte" - Please / You're welcome
- "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Wo ist die Festung?" - Where is the fortress?
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Kufstein
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic hilltop fortress with sweeping views over the town, Inn River and surrounding mountains—great for sunrise, sunset and nighttime city lights.
Picturesque riverside walk with reflections of the old town and bridges; long exposures at twilight work well.
Elevated viewpoints accessible by short hikes or cable car; panoramic shots of the Inn Valley and Kaisergebirge.
Charming narrow streets, painted facades and traditional signage—good for detail and street photography.
Clear alpine lakes with mountain backdrops—ideal for reflections, sunrise and summer activity photography.
Food in Kufstein
Kufstein Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Pan-fried potatoes with pieces of beef or pork, onions and a fried egg on top—comfort food you’ll find in most traditional inns.
Must-Try!
A shredded, caramelized pancake served with fruit compote—popular as a dessert or substantial snack after hiking.
Simple local specialties often served on a bread board or in cold platters at taverns and markets.
Grilled local fish near lakes in summer—look for freshly caught options at lakeside eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small local market (check days) offering regional cheeses, bread, sausages and seasonal produce—great for picnic supplies and tasting local products.
In summer and winter festivals you’ll find stalls selling grilled sausages, roasted chestnuts, pretzels and regional sweets—ideal for quick, tasty bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Austrian culture values punctuality—arrive on time for tours, trains and meetings.
A brief handshake and eye contact are standard when meeting; in small towns a friendly 'Grüß Gott' (southern German/Austrian greeting) is common.
Keep noise levels respectful, especially in residential areas and on public transport; quiet hours (late night/early morning) are observed.
Follow local waste separation rules—recycling is taken seriously and bins are labeled; don’t litter in public spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Kufstein
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but modest—rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% in restaurants for good service is common. For taxis, rounding up or adding a euro or two is normal; for hotel porters and cleaners a few euros is fine.
Cards are widely accepted (Visa/Mastercard); however small cafés, market stalls and some rural businesses may prefer cash. ATMs are available, and contactless payments are common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Snow melts and trails begin to open; wildflowers and green valleys make hiking pleasant. Days can be changeable—pack layers and waterproofs. Lower crowds than summer but some tourist services may open gradually.
Warm, sunny days ideal for hiking, swimming and cycling; lakes are busiest in July–August. Bring sun protection and reserve popular activities and restaurants in advance. Evenings are comfortable but can be cool in higher altitudes.
Crisp air and autumn colors create beautiful scenery for photographers and hikers; harvest festivals and quieter trails. Weather can shift quickly—early snow possible at higher elevations later in the season.
Cold temperatures, regular snow and classic winter activities like skiing nearby; the town is picturesque and festive. Dress warmly, check road and trail conditions, and expect some services to operate on a reduced schedule off-peak.
Kufstein at Night
Hiking in Kufstein
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular local summit with several trail options offering panoramic views of the Inn Valley; moderate ascent and excellent viewpoints.
Accessible by lift or on foot, the Brentenjoch provides short hikes and sweeping panoramas—suitable for families and photographers.
More challenging day hikes and multi-day routes in a dramatic mountain range—ideal for experienced hikers and mountaineers.
Shorter, family-friendly routes to the Thierberg pilgrimage church with nice vistas over Kufstein and the surrounding countryside.
Easy, scenic circuits around alpine lakes with swimming spots, picnic areas and flat walking suitable for all ages.
Airports
How to reach Kufstein by plane.
Closest regional airport (approx. 70–90 km depending on route). Quick transfers by car or train/bus combinations; convenient for winter sports visitors.
Major international hub (roughly 100–130 km northwest). Excellent flight connections and frequent train links to Kufstein (regional trains and direct services via Munich city).
Another regional option (around 90–120 km away). Good for combined visits to Salzburg and the Tyrol region; reachable by train or rental car.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-term locals with deep ties to regional traditions, family-run businesses and inns.
People who commute to larger nearby cities for work, contributing to a mixed daytime population.
Visitors from Austria, Germany and beyond—families, hikers and winter-sports travelers who boost the local economy in peak seasons.
A notable group who enjoy the quiet lifestyle and scenic surroundings, especially outside summer months.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely practiced in winter at nearby ski resorts; locals and visitors take advantage of alpine slopes and cross-country areas.
Very popular in spring–autumn with networks of trails on Pendling, Brentenjoch and the Kaisergebirge.
Local clubs and community football are popular—watching or joining local matches is a common pastime.
Road cycling along the Inn and mountain biking in surrounding hills attracts active visitors.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kufstein.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but more limited in traditional Inns—look for cheese-based dishes, hearty salads, Kaiserschmarrn and potato specialties. Larger cafés and mid-range restaurants usually offer at least one vegetarian main; ask staff for recommendations.
Vegan choices are growing but still limited—urban supermarkets and some cafés offer plant-based milks and snacks; communicate needs clearly in German or English and consider calling ahead for fully vegan dishes.
Some restaurants and bakeries provide gluten-free options, but cross-contamination can be an issue—bring essentials if highly sensitive and ask staff about preparation.