The Brechhorn rises to 2032 m above sea level in the Kitzbühel Alps, set between the Aschauer Ache and Windau valleys. It's a peak that rewards hikers with a largely untouched, natural mountain landscape, free from ski lifts or roads all the way to the top.

The upper slopes are only lightly farmed, used as pastureland for sheep, goats, cows and horses, giving the area a peaceful, pastoral feel. In summer, marked trails wind through alpine meadows with wide-open views, while in winter the Brechhorn becomes a popular destination for ski touring and snowshoeing. From the summit, you'll look north towards the Hohe Salve, Nachtsöllberg, Fleiding and Gampenkogel, and south into the Windau valley and the ridgeline of the Kitzbühel Alps, including the Kröndlhorn (2444 m) and Salzachgeier (2466 m). To the southeast, the rugged, steep face of the Großer Rettenstein (2366 m) makes a particularly striking sight.

How to reach the summit

• Westendorf - via the Alpenrosenbahn cable car to the Nachtsöllberg, then on to Talkaser (1760 m), from where two routes (east or west around the Fleiding) lead to the Brechhornhaus - moderate difficulty
• Kirchberg i.T. or Aschau - in winter, along the eastern flank via Ebenaualm, Durachalm, Duracher Kogel (1773 m) and Breitlabalm, reaching the summit in around 2 hours 50 minutes

Practical information

• The Brechhornhaus (1660 m) is a convenient stop and starting point for the final ascent
• The summit features a wood-and-steel summit cross with a stamp and summit register book
• Descending south towards the Windau valley and onward to the neighbouring peak Floch (2057 m) follows an unmarked path and is only recommended for sure-footed hikers comfortable with exposure

A fun bonus for strong hikers: from the Brechhorn summit, a short unmarked stretch leads over to the neighbouring peak of Floch (2057 m), rewarding the extra effort with an even better view of the dramatic Großer Rettenstein.