Kufstein is an old Tirolese border town in the lower Inn valley, situated at the point where the river cuts its way through the Alps between the Kaisergebirge in the east and the truncated cone of Pendling in the southwest. Possession of the town was much disputed during the Middle Ages, and the imposing stronghold of Feste Kufstein was built here. Kufstein is now a popular holiday resort, with attractive lake scenery in the surrounding area as well as good walking and climbing in the Kaisergebirge. It plays an important part in trade and traffic between Bavaria and Tirol.
A stroll through the town is very rewarding. Parts still remain of the old town walls, including the moated bastion. Römerhofgasse is a delightful part of the old town of Kufstein. From there the lively Unterer Stadtplatz, with the Marienbrunnen (fountain with a statue of Our Lady), extends over the River Inn. Near the Unterer Stadtplatz stand the Rathaus and the parish church of St Vitus, a Late Gothic hall-church built in 1400 on the site of an earlier Gothic church. Not far from the Rathaus will be found a Planetarium, the only one in Tirol.
Feste Kufstein is a well-preserved castle dating back to 1205. The Castle is especially popular for it's annual drama festival held in the summer months.
The viewpoint hill of Pendling (1,565m/5,135ft; Kufsteiner Haus; inn open in summer) southwest of Kufstein can be climbed in three and a half to four hours.
From the Oberer Stadtplatz in Kufstein it is 10 minutes' walk to the Kalvarienberg, with fine views over the town. On the hill stands a memorial to Andreas Hofer by the sculptor Theodor Khuen (1926).
Southeast of Kufstein the Kaiserlift ascends the Stadtberg (upper station 1,140m/3,740ft; inn), with skiing in winter and walking in summer. The trip is worthwhile for the panoramic view of the mountains.
Around Kufstein are a number of small lakes (bathing beaches, boat hire). Particularly beautiful are the Stimmersee, in a forest setting 3km/2mi to the southwest, and the Hechtsee to the north.
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Feste Kufstein
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Feste Kufstein, Kufstein
