Autumn Trip to Germany and Austria: Hiking in the Alpine Town of Söll and Its Mountain Dairy Farms
Söll, one of the four small towns in the Wilder Kaiser mountain range in Tyrol, Austria, sits at an elevation of 703 meters in the heart of the Alps tourist region. The local architecture mainly features Tyrolean-style wooden houses, with exterior walls painted with traditional floral patterns and window sills covered with flowers at a 95% rate (peak bloom from May to October).
Söll boasts a superior natural environment and is considered one of Europe’s most beautiful garden towns. Waking up in the morning, you can see the Wilder Kaiser snow-capped mountains and Lake Kitzbühel right outside your window. Strolling through the town’s streets, you might encounter chamois that have traveled from the Alpine mountains. Locals also graze cows and horses in the fields, where these animals leisurely feed on grass in the mountains.
Söll also has a rich cultural heritage. St. Peter’s Church, built in the 14th century, once served as a refuge for local herders. The church interior is decorated with Gothic frescoes and a Baroque-style altar. Summer organ concerts are free to attend, attracting many visitors.
Every summer, Söll hosts a Farmers’ Festival. During the festival, local herders compete in milking contests and perform traditional folk customs. Visitors can taste locally made smoked meats and cheeses.
Additionally, Söll is a great destination for hiking in mountain dairy farms. The marked “Kaiserkrone” trail offers chances to see wild chamois. The town also features a mountain bike park with 27 kilometers of professional downhill trails, including forest single tracks and rocky technical sections.
The Wilder Kaiser mountain range is not only ideal for hiking enthusiasts but also for extreme sports lovers. The paragliding launch site at 1,100 meters elevation offers panoramic views of the Wilder Kaiser snow mountains and Lake Kitzbühel. Mountain biking fans can also enjoy the thrill of extreme sports on the professional downhill trails.