Hike along the Streif: On the trail of the legendary Hahnenkamm race track
The hike over the Streif on the Hahnenkamm is a real highlight for hiking and winter sports enthusiasts. On the famous ski slope of the Hahnenkamm race, visitors can explore the route in summer and experience the impressive sections such as the "mouse trap" and the "steep slope" up close. The climb not only offers exciting insights into the history of skiing, but also spectacular views of Kitzbühel and the surrounding Alps.
tour dates:
- Start: KitzSki Hahnenkammbahn (Hahnenkammstraße 1, 6370 Kitzbühel)
- Cost Hahnenkamm cable car: Uphill trip 24.5€. Here are the current prices,
- walking time: 2.5 hours
- Difficulty: medium
- Total route length: approx. 3.8 km
- Altitude: downhill 900 m
- Season: recommended June to mid-October
Hahnenkamm cable car
We buy a ticket for the Hahnenkamm cable car for €24.50, of course only for the ride up the mountain, after all we wanted to hike down the Streif.
There is no one in line, so we get straight into the Marcel Hirscher gondola - it leaves at 9:12 a.m. We enjoy a wonderful view and even go over a ski jump. We arrive at the mountain station just 15 minutes later.
The hike:
The Starthaus
Naturally, our hike begins at the start house. From here it is 3,312m to the finishThe start house on the Hahnenkamm offers an incredible view of the surrounding mountains and Kitzbühel. The starting signal alone is impressive; you wouldn't even want to walk down here, let alone ski at full speed.
We prefer to take the less steep hiking trail and reach the Hocheckhütte after just 2 minutes. From here we continue towards Mausefalle, one of the most famous spots on the Streif and in the ski circus in general.
First, however, we go through a pasture gate and up to a rather dilapidated viewing platform.
The Mousetrap
A few meters further is the famous mousetrapMy first thought is “Are they mentally ill?” It doesn’t look that bad on TV. But when you stand here yourself, it’s just unbelievable that someone has the courage to race down at top speed. I couldn’t even do a bogeyman’s ride here. No wonder, the gradient is 85%!
We continue downhill on the serpentine path. To stay on the race track, you have to leave the main path after a few minutes and turn right. Don't worry, the path is well signposted. You go back towards the lake.
steep slope
I thought it would be steep earlier, but it wasn't until we reached the steep slope that we realized why it was called that! We had to continue walking in a zigzag pattern, as the steep slope would simply not be doable on foot (and in summer nature is protected). In winter, this passage is the iciest part.
the Gschöss
We come to the sliding part of the race track, which is still fast enough for us. The racers are still doing a full 90 km/h here. However, we have time to enjoy the surrounding mountains such as the Wilder Kaiser.
This is followed by the old lane, the most turbulent part of the route. If you want to take a longer break, you can continue hiking to Seidlalm Lake.
After more than 1 hour we reach the Seidl Alm the middle section of the race track. Anyone who wants to can also stop here for a break.
We continue straight along the narrow path and after a few minutes we reach a beautiful forest, which we cross.
Hausberg Kante
After larch shoot we finally come to the famous Hausberg Kante, where you can sit down on a park bench to enjoy the view. It is simply inconceivable that the skiers jump down here at full speed. What looks impressive on TV is almost unbelievable here. The idea is simply absurd.
At the end comes the target shot. Here the racers reach speeds of up to 140 km/h. However, you don't go over this speed limit, but instead you get onto the road towards Kitzbühel center.
The Austrian Olympic champion Fritz Strobl needed only 1:51.57 minutes in 2002 for the Streif.
It only took us a little over 2 hours 😉
Conclusion
a really exciting and beautiful hike, whether you watch ski races or not.
