Ice climbing in Tyrol's Kaunertal

The colder, the better!

If you want to go up a mountain, there's nothing stopping you here in the Kaunertal - even in winter!

Who, apart from skiers, is looking forward to temperatures below freezing? Ice climbers, of course. This sport not only attracts experienced mountain climbers, but also an increasing number of courageous holidaymakers, too.

Strap on your crampons, grab your ice axe, and take on icy glacier walls and frozen waterfalls — are you ready for this ultimate alpine challenge?

The top 3 ice climbing routes in the Kaunertal

Fear of Lust, the Yellow River, and the Twisted Thread. Wondering what that's all about? These are the (translated) evocative names of three of the best ice climbing routes in the Tyrolean natural park and glacier region:

  • Angst vor Lust (Fear of Lust): free-hanging icicles, demanding and above all mentally challenging, with a 130 m ice fall, difficulty 3 to 6, and 15 minute ascent
  • Der gelbe Fluss (the Yellow River): A rather short, but exhausting route with ice columns of up to 20 m high, 130 m high, and difficulty level WI 5
  • Der Zwirn (Twisted Thread): challenging, 160 m high, difficulty level 6, 30-minute ascent, descent on bolts or Abalakov threads

 

Ready for a demanding challenge on the ice? If you're not quite there yet, the Kaunertal pros will have you ice climbing in no time!

© TVB Tiroler Oberland-Kaunertal-Florian Schranz

Safe climbing with Kaunertal expertise

Whatever the season, the Kaunertal mountain guides are ready to take you on your next adventure! Find out about the extensive weekly programme of alpine courses and individual tours. Another go-to address for ice climbing is the Top Alpin School run by Florian Schranz. They offer basic and speciality courses and training in modern ice- and mixed-climbing. Costs are around €300 per course.

Want to read up on ice climbing in detail? The Kaunertal Tourist Information Office has an ice climbing guide for the entire Tyrolean Oberland. It includes a practical guide to the routes and detailed descriptions of the individual ice falls.

© TVB Tiroler Oberland-Kaunertal-Martin Lugger

The ice falls in the nature park and glacier region at a glance

With more than 20 frozen waterfalls and routes ranging from beginner to expert, the Kaunertal nature park and glacier region has something for every ice climber — whatever your level of experience, you're guaranteed to find a route to fall in love with. Take a sneak peek right here: 

© TVB Tiroler Oberland-Kaunertal

Bouldering gym Kaunertal/Quellalpin with Kilterboard

A state-of-the-art bouldering gym with a kilter board covers an area of more than 120m². The app-controlled Kilterboard connects to a global database filled with at least 40,000 bouldering problems.

The Kaunertal is a climber's paradise not only in winter, but all year round.

Climbing is not only a cold, icy affair — for many sports enthusiasts, it is just as much a summer passion. The "Climbers Paradise" platform is Tyrol's hotspot for all fans of mountain climbing. Not only the Kaunertal, but also the sister regions Tyrolean Oberland and Nauders are a part of this huge climbing community. Why wait? Visit THE holiday region of choice for all mountain climbers!  

© TVB Tiroler Oberland-Kaunertal
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Kaunertal Nature Days 2026
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Prutz alpine cattle drive

at the village square in Prutz

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Close to the cosmos - guided star hikes
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Harvest Festival 2026
Cuisine. Community.

Experience the Harvest Festival in the Kaunertal! On Sunday, September 20, 2026, the idyllic village of Feichten will transform into a lively festival area filled with culinary delights. Discover a variety of street food stands offering fresh and regional specialties. Enjoy the autumnal atmosphere, musical performances, and a colorful program of activities for the whole family. Let yourself be enchanted by the aromas and flavors, and celebrate the year’s bountiful harvest with us.

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Yoga & Klang Festival
The Power of the Elements

This September, the “Power of the Elements – Yoga and Sound Festival” will take place for the fourth time in the beautiful Kaunertal valley in Tyrol. Surrounded by majestic peaks and crisp mountain air, an atmosphere unfolds that helps you slow down and connect. A weekend full of inspiration, lightness, and precious moments in nature—with yourself and with others.

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Chili 3-Country Enduro Race
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Alpine cattle drive Nauders
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Autumn festival at the Bergkastel

   

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Nauders
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Theatre evenings at the VAZ
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Pfunds-Kerle Week 2025

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Summr Pop-Up.

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Autumn festival
Music | Dance | Tyrolean specialities

The theme of this event is Culinary, Entertainment, Music and Dance. Gastronomists from Pounds take care of the physical well-being of the visitors. Great emphasis is placed on regional and culinary delicacies.

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- 09:00
Pfunds alpine cattle drive
Cattle drive of cows and horses

Our farmers and the alpine staff celebrate the return of the animals from the alpine pastures. The milk cows of the Kobler Alm, Gschnair Alm are decorated. Arrival of the magnificently decorated animals at the Ensplatz from about 10:00 am. Galtvieh from about 10:00 am Dairy cows from about 12:30 pm Horses from about 14:00 pm regional delicacies & drinks farmer's market traditional, musical entertainment Attention: the event is dependent on weather & weather conditions - please ask the info office for the current date.

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Ried alpine cattle drive
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Traditional cattle drive with live music and a farmers market.

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