Trail running routes
In the Wilder Kaiser region and surrounding area – for all ability levels.
The ‘Wilder Kaiser’ around Ellmau promises excellent conditions for all trail lovers. From leisurely laps in the valley to challenging alpine routes for experienced runners – every runner will find the right training conditions here.
Ideal routes for trail running beginners, for warming up or for relaxing runs with great views.
Easy trail running routes (blue)
Hartkaiser-Runde Ellmau
- Duration approx. 50 min - 1 h
- Lenght approx. 3.4 km
- Elevation gain approx. +/- 80-120 m
Special features: Starting point at the Hartkaiserbahn mountain station (easy ascent). Panoramic hike on wide paths around ‘Ellmi's Zauberwelt’. Ideal for a short, scenic loop without much effort. Also perfect with children.
Jägerwirt-Schießling running circuit (Ellmau)
- Duration approx. 1 h- 1 h 15 min
- Length approx. 5.8 km
- Elevation gain approx. +/- 250-260 m
Special features: A peaceful route through nature, mostly along forest paths. Beautiful views and opportunities to stop for refreshments at the Jägerhütte or Rübezahlalm.
Circular route around Going
- Duration approx. 1 h 30 min - 2 h
- Length approx. 11.1 km
- Elevation gain approx. +/- 280 m
Special features: Varied, mostly flat route. Good for longer runs in the valley. Passes through the picturesque landscape around Going.
These routes require a little more stamina and steady footing. They often lead along narrower paths and offer more challenging climbs.
Moderately difficult trail running routes (red)
Astberg Trail (Ellmau - Going)
- Duration approx. 1 h 30 min - 2 h
- Length approx. 10.2 km
- Elevation gain approx. +/- 520 m
Special features: Beautiful loop leading from Ellmau to Astbergsee (known for its reflections of the Wilder Kaiser) and back. Includes challenging climbs rewarded with fantastic views.
Kaiserkrone Medium Trail (competition course)
- Duration approx. 2 h 30 min - 4 h (depending on running speed)
- Lenght approx. 20.7 km
- Elevation gain approx. +/- 1,290 m
Special features: Official competition route of the Kaiserkrone Trail event. Offers a good mix of forest roads and single trails with challenging elevation gains. A great opportunity to get used to longer distances and get a taste of competition.
Scheffau - Hohe Salve Trailrun
- Duration approx. 1 h 30 min - 2 h
- Length approx. 11.4 km
- Elevation gain approx. +/- 300 m
Special features: Can be started from the Brandstadl mountain station in Scheffau (ascent by mountain railway). Leads along scenic paths to the Hohe Salve, one of the most beautiful panoramic mountains in Tyrol. Although the route to the Salve is not technically very demanding, the altitude difference does add up.
These routes are intended for experienced trail runners with excellent fitness, sure-footedness and experience in alpine terrain. They involve technical paths, partly rocky terrain and significant elevation gain.
Difficult trail running routes (black)
Kaiserkrone Skyrace (Wettkampfstrecke)
- Duration: approx. 4–7 h (depending on the pace)
- Length: approx. 24.7 km
- Elevation gain: approx. +/- 2,690 m
Special features: Very technical, extremely demanding route in terms of fitness. Leads over rocky ridges and steep climbs through the heart of the Wilder Kaiser. Part of the Kaiserkrone Trail event with spectacular views and high demands on technique and endurance.
Scheffauer Hackenköpfe Sonneck Treffauer
- Duration: approx. 6 - 8 h
- Length: approx. 20.3 km
- Elevation gain: approx. +/- 2,431 m
Special features: Extremely challenging mountain trail circuit over several peaks of the Wilder Kaiser. Includes ridge crossings and is very steep and technical in places. Alpine experience, excellent footwork and a head for heights are essential. More of a ‘fast mountain tour’ than a pure ‘run’.
Kaiserkrone Ultra Trail (competition course)
- Duration: approx. 8 - 15+ hours (depending on pace)
- Length: approx. 56 km
- Elevation gain: approx. +/- 3,640 metres
Special features: The supreme discipline of the Kaiserkrone Trail event. This ultra-distance race circles the entire imposing Wilder Kaiser mountain range. It places the highest demands on body and mind. Only for highly trained and very experienced ultra runners.