A few weeks ago we were in the beautiful Pillersee Valley in the heart of the Kitzbühel Alps. This diverse region includes the towns of Fieberbrunn, St. Ulrich am Pillersee, Waidring, Hochfilzen, and St. Jakob in Haus. Whether hiking, biking, swimming, climbing, horseback riding, paragliding, or SUPing – you won’t get bored here quickly. Idyllic alpine landscapes with rustic huts, stunning panoramic mountains, swimming lakes with drinking water quality, and much more await you. In today’s article, we’ll tell you what a vacation in the Pillersee Valley might look like and which mountain experiences we can recommend. Enjoy browsing!
- Our highlights in the Pillersee Valley
- 1. Streuböden Reservoir
- 2. Timok’s Wild World
- 3. Streuböden Bike Area
- 4. Schweinestberg Trail
- 5. Berggasthof Wildalpgatterl
- 6. Our Bike & Hike Tour
- 7. Wildseelodersee & Wildseeloderhaus
- 8. Summit Climbers – Off to the Henne/Wildseeloder
- 9. Sundowner at the Pillersee
- More Tips for the Pillersee Valley
- Hotel Tip: TUI BLUE Fieberbrunn
- Pillsersee Card & Guest Card
- Bike Rental in Fieberbrunn
- Conclusion on the Pillersee Valley
Our Highlights in the Pillersee Valley
In the following map, we have marked the most important spots in the region for you to give you a better overview. The Pillersee Valley in the Kitzbühel Alps offers so many opportunities to experience a wonderful mountain summer. Unfortunately, we were plagued by heavy rain during the trip, so we had to miss a few highlights (e.g., the hike to St. James’ Cross). But we’ll definitely make up for them on our next trip. See the bad weather itinerary.
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1. Streuböden Reservoir
Our favorite place in Fieberbrunn was definitely the Streuböden Reservoir, which is best reached by the Streuböden cable car. It was only built in 2018 to ensure snowmaking in the ski area during the winter months. In summer, a wonderful idyll awaits you up here amidst the mountains, with magnificent panoramic views at an altitude of 1,210 meters. A stroller-friendly path leads around the small reservoir, and seating areas invite you to pause and relax. Sit on one of the benches, enjoy the Tyrolean mountains around you, and simply unwind. Wonderful!
2. Timok’s Wild World
Right next door is the family park “Timok’s Wild World,” which offers a variety of attractions for young and old. Whether it’s a climbing park, forest ropes course, water games, Alpine Coaster (summer toboggan run), or a giant bouncy castle – this amusement park, set amidst a stunning mountain backdrop, offers plenty of variety, especially for little adventurers and explorers. And while the kids romp and jump around, parents can relax at the Streuböden Alm. And the best part: Admission to Timok’s Wild World is free for everyone; only the ride on the Alpine Coaster is subject to a fee.
We’ve ridden the fast-paced Alpine Coaster and highly recommend a ride on this approximately 1,160-meter-long track through the mountains (€8 per ride, children receive a discount). Tip: From July 1 to August 26, “Timok’s Long Friday” takes place once a week from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., with live music and delicious food. Kids even get a free ride on the Alpine Coaster.
3. Streuböden Bike Area
Another highlight in the Pillersee Valley is definitely the Streuböden Bike Area. Between the middle and valley stations of the F1 Streuböden gondola lift, there is a really cool trail, three lines, and a pump track, which are perfect for beginners. We consider ourselves beginners and had a lot of fun in the Easy Park Obingleitn at the valley station. If you still want to work on your technique, we can recommend the Hänsn Line and the Obing Line. Up to 25 hairpin bends with wooden elements await you here. And the pump track with curves and waves is also perfect for practicing.
- Easy Park Obingleitn prices: Day ticket €22, single ride €4 (children and youth discounted)
- Opening hours: From May 26th Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. until October 30, 2025.
- Tickets: available at the ticket office at the valley station.
- Bike ticket: e.g., 1 day for €49 ☞ free use of the cable cars, including bike transport.
4. Schweinestberg Trail
Do you like things a little faster and more exciting? How about a really cool trail for beginners and advanced riders? The 4-kilometer-long Schweinestberg Trail awaited us with plenty of curves, north shores (wooden elements), and undulating passages. The beginner-friendly flow trail also offers some truly amazing views. The cable car takes you up to the mid-station, briefly past the reservoir, and then you’re at the trailhead. The trail then leads over a wooded ridge back to the valley station. We had so much fun that we immediately rode the trail a second time.
5. Berggasthof Wildalpgatterl
A trip to the Berggasthof Wildalpgatterl is highly recommended. This inn is located at an altitude of 1,300 meters and is famous for its first-class cuisine and excellent service. We particularly liked the summer terrace with its magnificent view, the tasteful ambiance, the rustic hunter’s parlor, and the many beautiful details all around (herb and vegetable garden, bench with an oversized picture frame, game enclosure).
The mountain inn is also a great starting point for hikes, for example, to the Wildseeloderhaus, to the Henne with its via ferrata, or to Lake Lauchsee. From the Streuböden middle station, it’s only about a 15-minute walk to the Berggasthof Wildalpgatterl and only a 7-minute bike ride. If you start on foot from the valley station, it will take you around 80 minutes, and by bike it will take you about 50 minutes. Between June and October you can even stay overnight in the mountain inn.
6. Our Bike & Hike Tour
Cycling or hiking? We love both and enjoy so-called “bike and hike tours.” We set off from Fieberbrunn to the Wildalm on our e-bikes. Along the way, we passed the beautiful Streuböden reservoir, the Wildalpgatterl mountain inn, the Lärchfilzhochalm alpine inn, and countless stunning views. The 700-plus meters of elevation gain were no problem with our e-bikes. We’ve become big fans of e-bikes anyway, as we can easily cover much longer distances without having to exhaust ourselves right away. Especially when going uphill, we like to rely on the assistance of the motor.
Quick facts about the tour:
- Start: Fieberbrunn valley station (834 m)
- Destination: Henne summit (2,078 m)
- Duration: approximately 6 to 7 hours (2 hours biking & up to 3 to 4 hours hiking)
- Refreshments: Wildalpgatterl, Lärchfilzhochalm, Wildam, Wildseeloderhaus
- Parking: Lock up your bike in front of the Wildalm and start the hike
The path continued to wind through the gentle mountain landscapes, and after about 1.5 hours, we reached the Wildalm (1,579 m). Here you can take another break and purchase delicious cheese at the Wildalm cheese dairy, watch the production process, enjoy the alpine cinema, or marvel at the library and open fireplace. Where else can you find a library in the mountains? We left the bikes there and hiked for about an hour up to the Wildseeloderhaus (1,879 m). After a short culinary break, we continued from there to the Henne summit (2,078 m), but more on that later.
7. Wildseelodersee & Wildseeloderhaus
After reaching the Wildseeloderhaus, we made ourselves comfortable in front of the hut and ordered something to drink and a warm noodle soup. The Alpenvereinshütte is located directly on the Wildsee and offers a fantastic view of the surrounding peaks. From here, you can take a walk around the lake or climb one of the peaks. There are also via ferratas, such as the Henne via ferrata or the Marokka via ferrata. If you’re on a stage hike, you can even stay overnight in the hut. There are dormitories, quadruple rooms, and double rooms. You can find all the information here: Staying overnight at the Wildseeloderhaus.
8. Summit Climbers – Off to the Henne/Wildseeloder
While Marco was unfortunately struggling with knee problems, I started the ascent to the Henne summit (approx. 50 minutes). I could have also climbed the Wildseeloder summit (approx. 80 minutes), but at the time of departure, the summit was shrouded in clouds. And of course, you can also connect both summits if you have enough strength and time. Sturdy footwear and surefootedness are definitely necessary for the ascent. The first few meters, the path led me steeply up to the Seenieder over gravelly ground, and then continued along the mountain pine-covered western slope to the summit.
The last section led me along the ridge to the summit cross, from where I had a breathtaking view over the Kitzbühel Alps. If visibility is good, you can spot the Wilder Kaiser, the Lofer and Leogang Steinberge mountains, the Steinplatte, and even the Großglockner. After a short break at the summit cross and a souvenir photo for the family album, I made my way back to the Wildseeloderhaus. The descent took me around 25 minutes.
9. Sundowner at Lake Pillersee
We spent our last evening at the beautiful Pillersee, which is only about a 20-minute drive from Fieberbrunn. This emerald-green natural bathing lake forms the heart of the valley and awaits you with a lakeside restaurant, a kiosk, a children’s playground, a pub, benches and loungers, as well as cool water sports such as funball, SUP, SUP yoga, pedal boats, and kayaks (rental: Sup’N’Fun on the north shore). The parking lot on the eastern shore of the bathing lake costs €3 (including toll), but is free for holders of the PillseeTal Card.
More tips for the PillerseeTal
- Hiking or biking to the Jakobskreuz on the Buchensteinwand
- Mountain carting in Waidring
- SUP yoga on Lake Pillersee
- Steinplatte Waidring with a great viewing platform and hiking opportunities
- Even in the rain: Pillersee Family Adventure Park
- Excursion to the Teufelsklamm in St. Ulrich
- Visit to the stalactite cave in Waidring
Hotel tip: TUI BLUE Fieberbrunn
We stayed at the TUI BLUE Fieberbrunn*, which is just a few meters from the Streuböden valley station. The starting point for our mountain adventures was therefore perfect. The hotel features a stylish lobby with a bar, a beautiful wellness and fitness area, a garden with a large sun terrace, and an on-site restaurant. Our room awaited us with a comfortable double bed, a reading corner, a balcony, a bathroom with a bathtub and toilet, as well as a TV, a minibar, and a desk.
We particularly liked We enjoyed the 800 m² wellness area, where we enjoyed unwinding after our mountain adventures. In addition to a large indoor pool, a Finnish sauna, a bio sauna, and a steam bath, there is also a relaxation lounge and wellness showers on site. You can also book various wellness treatments at the TUI BLUE Fieberbrunn for a fee. For us, wellness is simply a must in Austria. It feels so good to relax tired muscles in the sauna after a long and strenuous hike.
The food is also We didn’t have to worry. The hotel offers a continental breakfast buffet in the morning with organic coffee, tea, and cereal, fruit, pastries, croissants, and regional products. In the evening, a multi-course menu with Tyrolean specialties, Austrian cuisine, and international dishes is served. Care is taken to use produce from local organic farms. Book your room here*.
Pillsersee Card & Guest Card
With just one overnight stay, you’ll receive the guest card, which allows you to use local public transport (bus & train) in the Kitzbühel Alps region free of charge. You also benefit from discounts at indoor and outdoor pools, family and children’s programs, guided hikes, and excursions. You also get discounted mountain railway tickets with the guest card. More information here.
In addition to the guest card, we also had the PillerseeTal-Card, which is available for 4 or 6 days. With this all-inclusive card, we could use the mountain railways in Fieberbrunn, the bathing lakes, swimming pools, and adventure parks for free, and participate in guided hikes free of charge. The card costs €67 for 4 days in summer and €79 for 6 days (a valid guest card is required). More information here.
Savings tip: In autumn, between September 10th and October 31st, the PillerseeTal Card is also available for 3 days for €60 per person. Your own children up to 15 years old even get the card for free (a valid guest card is required).
Bicycle rental in Fieberbrunn
If you’d like to rent a bike locally, we recommend the S4 Fieberbrunn shop at the Streuböden valley station. Here you can find cool mountain bikes, a wide variety of e-bikes, helmets, strollers, and other bike accessories. You can get mountain bikes online from just €22.50 per day. It’s best to book online in advance, as you’ll save 10%. Click here for bike rental.
Conclusion about the Pillersee Valley
We had a really nice time in the Pillersee Valley and can definitely recommend this region to you. Whether hiking, biking, climbing, swimming, or just relaxing – there’s something for everyone here in the Pillersee Valley. Maybe we’ll check out the region in winter and check out the slopes? Who knows… 🙂 Have you ever been to this region and have other tips for us? Let us know!