Known as the Pearl of Tyrol, Kufstein is a jewel of a town, featuring the natural splendor of the Northern Limestone Alps. The region’s second-largest town, on the banks of the Inn river, is a perfect encapsulation of what makes Tyrol such an interesting and beautiful place. In winter or summer, visit to enjoy the region’s natural and man-made delights.
Explore the picturesque alleys and lanes of the Altstadt, the old city center. Stop to browse through souvenir shops and pose for pictures under the decorated arches of the Römerhofgasse or in front of the 15th-century St. Vitus Church. Walk up the graded paths or ride the Kaiser Maximilian Funicular to Kufstein Fortress, then look out at the awe-inspiring views from the top. Each day at noon, listen to the booming sounds of the Heroes’ Organ, the world’s largest open-air organ. Visit the small but interesting City Museum of Kufstein inside the fortress.
Outside town see the 14th-century Mariastein Church, built right into the cliff face. The site became a pilgrimage church after a miracle was supposedly witnessed here. Travel along paths winding through the Kaiser Mountains. Stop for lunch at the serene Hintersteiner See. A little closer to town, and accessible by car, lounge at the Pfrillsee, ringed by lush vegetation.
Kufstein is located in far northern Austria, adjacent to the German border. Drive or take the train from Innsbruck, the Tyrolean capital, in 1 hour. Munich’s large international airport is an hour away by car or a few hours by train. Drive from Salzburg in 75 minutes or from Vienna in just under 4 hours. Kufstein has a small airport. Rail lines connect the area’s towns. A car can be useful to reach trailheads and remote sites, but taxis are generally easy to find.
Before leaving Kufstein, stroll around its edges, where you can still see remains of the medieval city wall, such as the charming Wasserbastei.
