Anyone who has so far thought of the cycling activities around the Kitzbühel Alpine Trail (KAT Bike) as being aimed at ambitious mountain bikers will have to think again. Following the Opening of the Kirchberg Flow Trail This spring, Kitzbüheler Alpen Management GmbH expanded its cycling tour programme to include three new options, specifically aimed at leisure cyclists, families and holidaymakers who prefer multi-day tours without strenuous climbs. In addition to a so-called ‘star cycle tour’, two new versions of the KAT Bike light are now available to book: a six-day and a seven-day tour.
Three new offerings have been added to the existing programme
Until now, the KAT Bike range has comprised the KAT Bike E-njoy and KAT Bike Sport+ models, which are aimed primarily at experienced mountain bikers. The newly added formats follow a different approach: the focus is on comfort, enjoying the scenery and a lower barrier to entry for beginners. In this way, the organiser is responding to a broader demand for multi-day cycling tours that are less focused on performance and more on the experience.
Star-shaped cycle tour: variety without having to change hotels every day
The KAT Bike Star Tour is aimed at guests who wish to explore different routes each day whilst staying at a fixed accommodation. The concept is simple: a hotel serves as a permanent base from which various day trips are undertaken in the surrounding area. The choice ranges from leisurely valley loops to scenic mountain tours and more challenging MTB routes. There’s no need to lug your luggage around or change accommodation every day. This format is particularly suitable for couples or groups with different fitness levels who wish to travel together but cycle at their own pace.
KAT Bike Light: Cycling through the region’s valleys on flat terrain
The two new KAT-Bike-light routes take participants through the Hohe Salve, Pillerseetal, St. Johann in Tirol and Brixental regions over six and seven days respectively. The total distance is around 226 kilometres with an elevation gain of approximately 1,800 metres – a comparatively moderate route that deliberately avoids major mountain climbs. The route mainly follows well-maintained cycle paths and quiet back roads, often running alongside rivers and through the region’s valleys.
The difference between the six-day and seven-day tours lies in the length of the stages: those who prefer shorter daily distances should opt for the longer, seven-day version. According to the tour operator, both tours are particularly aimed at families and leisure cyclists who wish to explore the countryside and villages at their own pace.
What’s included in the package price
All KAT-Bike packages can be booked as package holidays and include a similar basic package: overnight stays in cycle-friendly accommodation with half-board or breakfast, luggage transport for one item of luggage weighing up to 15 kilograms per person, and an organised return journey to the starting point. In addition, you’ll receive maps, your own KAT-Bike route map and signposts along the routes.
According to the organisers, the routes are fully rideable on mountain bikes, e-mountain bikes and hardtail bikes alike. Anyone who doesn’t bring their own bike can make use of bike hire outlets in the region. In the event of a puncture outside opening hours, there are vending machines located throughout the region that dispense bicycle inner tubes.
Travelling by train as part of the plan
Another aspect of the package concerns travel to the destination and local transport. When booking accommodation, guests receive the Kitzbühel Alps Card, which is also available digitally before arrival. From the 2025/26 winter season onwards, rail travel within the region will be included as a complimentary service with the card. Specifically, it applies to selected ÖBB local and InterRegio trains on the route between Wörgl and Hochfilzen; long-distance trains such as IC, EC or Railjet are excluded. In some regions, shuttle buses between the railway station and accommodation can also be used free of charge.
At the same time, ÖBB is expanding its InterRegio network: new services along the Graz–Innsbruck route and from Klagenfurt are set to make it easier to travel to Tyrol without a car.
Classification
The expansion of the KAT-Bike range follows a trend that has been evident in the tourism industry for several years: multi-day cycling tours are increasingly in demand amongst a broader target group that is less interested in peak sporting performance than in a combination of nature and comfort. With these new, less demanding and more flexible formats, the Kitzbühel Alps are positioning themselves as a destination that is actively embracing this shift – without abandoning their existing sporting offerings.
Further information on the tours and booking options can be found at www.kat-bike.at and www.kitzalps.com available.
Barbara Merz-Weigandt
Editor-in-Chief