The glorious location of Westendorf, nestled prettily on the sunny plateau, so enchanted the jurors of days gone by that they awarded the community the title of “Europe’s most beautiful village”…and so it has remained to this day. A picture-perfect village centre, a vigorous farming economy, unsullied nature and abundant opportunities for sport and relaxation – these were the qualities that assured eligibility to participate in the “Entente Florale” competition. This welcoming and snug Alpine village is characterized by its tradition and warm hospitality.

 

Just 300 metres from the centre of the village, visitors are whisked up by the “Alpenrosenbahn” and set down in the middle of the skiing and hiking paradise at an altitude of 1770 metres. At the top of the “Talkaser” they arrive at an adventure world for kids. The “Alpinolino” mountain explorer park is a complex of 15 stations linked by the theme “Play, Explore and Discover”. Up here, it is not only children who find enjoyment – there’s a lot more – this mountain is known throughout Austria as THE place for paragliding. And the desires of bikers, mountain bikers and Nordic walkers are all served abundantly … especially in the superb “Windautal” – the natural gem of the Westendorf region. Last winter, the region was connected to the neighbouring Kitzbühel ski area with sensational success.

 

The construction of the “KI-West” 8-seat cable car gave entry to a fabulous new trail from the “Kreuzjöchlsee” to Aschau in the Spertental. This piste is about 4 km long, with wonderful views of the mountainous scenery and can be completely covered with artificial snow. Probably the most entertaining event in the Alps takes place in Westendorf every February. It is called “Jump&Freeze”, and the show consists of the wildest vehicles, and their builders from all corners of the Earth, plunging spectacularly into a gigantic pool of icy water.