This small Tyrolean market town sits at 622 meters in the Kitzbühel Alps. Its 15th-century Gothic church and active ski slopes draw visitors to the Brixental valley.
Hopfgarten im Brixental welcomes you with its twin-towered baroque St. Jacob and Leonhard Church rising above the town square. This market town in Austria's Tyrol region lies at 622 meters above sea level, beneath the 1,829-meter Hohe Salve mountain. You'll find mountain biking trails winding through Alpine meadows, the calm waters of Salvensee lake reflecting the surrounding peaks, and in winter, skiers gliding down the slopes of SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental.
Winter Activities at Hohe Salve
The SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental area spans 288 kilometers of slopes for beginners through experts. Take the Salvenbahn gondola from the town center to reach the skiing area. Stop for lunch at Salvenalm or Tenner Stadl restaurants along piste 21/22. Beyond skiing, you can explore the winter landscape on snowshoes or speed down the Kirchholz and Haagalm toboggan runs.
Summer Mountain Experience
From the Hohe Salve summit at 1,829 meters, count the peaks of 70 three-thousand-meter mountains spreading across the horizon. Walk the forest and meadow path past the Hohe Salve reservoir to reach Salvensee lake. The barefoot trail leads you to the queen bee house and humming stones, while the historic stone mill and Hexenbach with its witches' washing area tell stories of local folklore.
Family Activities
Cool off at Salvenaland (open May through September) in the outdoor swimming pool and bathing lake, or challenge your family to a round of mini-golf. Children can join the Kids Club during winter months, while year-round activities include beach volleyball, tennis, and bowling.
Getting Around
Trains stop at the "Berglift" station, connecting you directly to the mountain lifts. As the largest municipality in the Kitzbühel district (166.57 square kilometers), Hopfgarten im Brixental serves as a central point for exploring the Kitzbühel Alps.
Local Culture and History
Listen to locals speak "Hopfgoscht," their distinct dialect that even other Tyrol residents find challenging. The word "gschtiascht" (meaning nice or good) echoes through conversations in the Brixental Valley. Pick up a free audio guide at the Hopfgarten information office to learn about the town's 650-year history through guided walks.
