Hartkaiser is the local mountain of Ellmau in Tyrol's Söllandl valley, rising to 1555 meters. It's a fantastic destination for families and casual hikers alike, offering sweeping views of the Wilder Kaiser range paired with easy access by cable car.

The surroundings are classic Tyrolean alpine terrain — open meadows, forest trails and dramatic mountain backdrops. The stretch between Hartkaiser and the neighboring Brandstadl offers one of the best views of the Wilder Kaiser chain, and on clear days the summit station even reveals a glimpse of the Großglockner far in the distance. In summer the mountain comes alive with families thanks to the themed circular trail Ellmi's Zauberwelt, while in winter it's part of the large Skiwelt Wilder Kaiser Brixental ski area.

How to reach the summit

• Ellmau — Hartkaiserbahn cable car (10-person gondola), just a few minutes, easy
• Panoramic trail connecting Hartkaiser with Brandstadl (1650 m), allowing a loop hike without climbing or descending thanks to the nearby Brandstadlbahn

Practical information

• A modern 10-person gondola lift (Doppelmayr) replaced the original funicular in 2015, which had operated since 1972
• An original funicular car has been preserved near the summit station as a memorial
• The summit station is the starting point for numerous hiking trails and the family-friendly Ellmi's Zauberwelt theme trail

Fun fact: the original Hartkaiserbahn ran for over 40 years before being replaced by today's modern gondola system in 2015.