Austria: a journey to Kufsteinerland in autumn

Kufsteinerland, in autumn, is a palette of colors: the richness of the mixed forests of broadleaves and conifers enhances the surprising effect of the colors of this magical season, contrasting the shades of beeches, maples, oaks, and larches with the deep green of fir trees, steadfast in their dark green throughout all seasons. From late September to late November, the slopes and valleys of Kufsteinerland dance with the hues of a diverse nature preparing to rest.

Birches, rowan trees, mountain ash, hazelnuts, mountain maples, oaks, and many other varieties of flora dot the landscape, coloring it in shades of brown, beige, red, light green, and dark green. In this land nestled between the Inn River and the Kaisergebirge mountain range, there are energy-filled spots where you can pause to recharge, surrounded by magnificent scenery. In Riedenberg, near Thiersee Lake, you can, for instance, swing in the wooden circle immersed in the forest.

Here, you can breathe in the tranquil Kufsteinerland in autumn atmosphere: it’s time for relaxation, to slow down and immerse yourself in the calm of the woods and forests. Walks around the lakes (Kufsteinerland boasts six beautiful lakes set in nature) invite you to witness the spectacle of the foliage, which doubles its charm as the scenery reflects in the water: the light is more intense, and the colors are more vivid and vibrant. Autumn becomes an extraordinary moment in these corners of tranquility: here, you can feel nature’s gentle touch as it prepares for rest.

To fully experience this special season, there’s an event to mark on your calendar: the transhumance in Thiersee, which on September 14 and 21 enlivens the village with a parade of cows richly decorated, returning from the summer mountain pastures. It’s a much-loved traditional festival: the village band plays, the locals are dressed in festive attire, with splendid traditional outfits. In this picturesque setting, the cows, adorned with large bells and flower crowns, return to the village barns to spend the winter.

It’s also an opportunity to browse the stalls of the farmers’ market and stock up on delicious Tyrolean treats. Autumn also embraces the city of Kufstein and its fortress: colors ranging from yellow to brown to red adorn the gardens and views of this solemn building, where every day at noon the world’s largest open-air organ concert takes place. Kufstein’s old town also dresses in autumn: the atmosphere in the squares and streets is peaceful.

The mild Kufsteinerland in autumn temperatures make cycling tours even more enjoyable: you can reach the eight villages that dot this enchanting region. Along the way, there are typical taverns where you can sample autumnal dishes.

Those who appreciate gastronomy can cycle along the Kaiserweis route: the tour takes cyclists to the north of the Kaisergebirge mountain range and back. Along the way, there are numerous dairies, bakers, beekeepers, distillers, and producers of bacon and sausages from the region, inviting you to taste their products and visit the production sites framed by the autumn magic.

Cycling enthusiasts can start directly from Kufstein’s center and join the bike path along the Inn River: a flat route surrounded by picturesque autumn landscapes reflected in the water. Still by bike, from Kufstein, you can reach the village of Ebbs, where you’ll find the world’s most important riding school for the beautiful Haflinger horses.

Here, there are two modern riding halls and a large outdoor space, where you can take lessons in front of a fairytale autumn landscape: the Zahmer Kaiser walls provide a backdrop even for horseback rides organized by the riding school instructors. Amid the autumn hues, riding feels like a scene from a film.

Even the journey to Kufstein is pleasant and green, as it’s connected with five comfortable EuroCity/Railjet trains daily from various Italian cities. The station is located in the center of the beautiful town, connected via an efficient bus network to the surrounding villages.

Every hotel provides guests with the KufsteinerlandCard, which allows free use of public transport and offers several free activities, such as entry to the fortress, the chairlift to Brentenjoch, which leads to the Kaisergebirge nature reserve, and the use of city bikes to tour around the city.

For further information: www.kufstein.com