Search
shop

Why Challenge Kaiserwinkl-Walchsee needs to go on your triathlon to-do list

It’s tough, it’s beautiful. And there’s still time to get on the start list. Whether you need a bit of persuading yourself or you’re looking for something to send your would-be race buddy to convince them to join you on the start line. Find out why you don’t want to miss out on racing Challenge Kaiserwinkl-Walchsee this year!
Content Director
Last updated -

Each June, the hills of Austria’s Tyrol region come alive with the sound of triathletes pushing their limits over 70.3 miles of swimming, cycling and running at Challenge Kaiserwinkl-Walchsee. Having played host to the ETU middle distance championship, and with legends of triathlon – from Nicola Spirig and Anne Haug, to Sebastian Kienle and Sam Long – having graced the race course in Kaiserwinkl over the years. It’s a staple on the middle distance racing calendar.

But why should you add this tough – but beautiful – middle distance race to your triathlon to-do list? With a few spots still up for grabs on the start list for this year’s race, we take a look at the three reasons you should race Challenge Kaiserwinkl-Walchsee.

The perfect course to challenge your limits

The course at Challenge Kaiserwinkl-Walchsee is challenging, with the rolling hills you’d expect on the bike racking up around 1200m/4000ft of elevation gain. Which is then backed up by an undulating run. This is a middle distance triathlon that promises tough, but honest racing.

In fact, we even featured it in our round-up of the toughest middle distance races going. But that’s what makes it so exciting – it’s a chance to step up to the start line and find out what you’re capable of.

Sam Long Challenge Kaiserwinkl Walchsee 2022
Sam Long raced Challenge Kaiserwinkl-Walchsee in 2022 as part of his Challenge Roth build up [Photo: Challenge Family]

After racing in 2022 as part of his Challenge Roth prep, USA star Sam Long said: “It’s a great honest, hard course – one of the most beautiful one of the best,” and three-time Challenge Kaiserwinkl champion Fred Funk has described the terrain as “really demanding but makes you fit as hell.”

If you’re looking to step up your game and take on a next level challenge with an incredibly scenic backdrop, Challenge Kaiserwinkl-Walchsee should be a strong contender.  

Challenge-Kaiserwinkl-Walchsee logo
one of the most beautiful triathlon destinations on the planet

Spectacular scenery

As far as inspiring backdrops go, there are few other races that can beat the scenery you’ll experience out on the course at Challenge Kaiserwinkl-Walchsee. Nestled in the foothills of the Kaisergebirge Mountain Range, you’ll start your day with a swim in the drinking water quality Lake Walchsee.

Challenge Kaiserwinkl Walchsee swim course scenery
Spectacular views from start to finish. [Photo: Challenge Family]

All that climbing on the bike course means you’ll get some pretty incredible views to distract you from your burning quads as you wind your way through the mountainous region. And out on the run course you’ll loop around Lake Walchsee with traditional farm houses, fields and meadows. We caught up with Frederick Funk recently, who grew up just 15km away from the race venue, to get his top tips for the race and he described Challenge Kaiserwinkl-Walchsee as: “one of the most iconic race courses in the world, and super beautiful.”

Take a race-cation

The Kaiserwinkl region is a vacation destination in its own right, just as well-known for its friendly and welcoming community as it is for the stunning scenery.  The local Alpine trails, woodlands and swimming lake make it a haven for outdoor lovers. And even in the summer, taking the chairlift up the mountain is a great way to appreciate the stunning views up top at a slower pace than you’ll be pushing on race day. There’s even the Alpine Super Slides – two 1km twisty-turny giant slides – to go and experience if the adrenaline of race day wasn’t quite enough for you.

Challenge Kaiserwinkl Walchsee bike
Scenery worth sticking around for post-race [Photo: Challenge Family]

But Kaiserwinkl is also a great base to go and explore some of Europe’s other big cities, with Salzburg, Innsbruch and Munich all just a short journey away. Once you’ve recovered from your race day effort, it’s well worth taking time out to explore the local area and the neighbouring cities before you back to reality.

Challenge-Kaiserwinkl-Walchsee logo
one of the most beautiful triathlon destinations on the planet

Convinced you need to add a last minute trip to Austria to your June to-do list? Check out our Challenge Kaiserwinkl-Walchsee race guide for more details on travel, accommodation and the course. And read Fred Funk’s race day tips so you can get ready for this popular middle distance triathlon.

Jenny Lucas-Hill
Written by
Jenny Lucas-Hill
Jenny Lucas-Hill is Content Director at TRI247. A five-time Ironman finisher, she's also a qualified personal trainer and sports massage therapist.
Discover more
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumTriathlon’s mid-season report card: Tim Don on who’s raising the bar this triathlon race season
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
Hayden Wilde bike supertri Boston 2024 photo credit supertri
Premium10 ways to make your road bike faster and more aero for triathlons
Kristian Blummenfelt photo credit: PTO Canadian Open
PremiumIs your gut health impacting your performance? The untapped potential of good gut health for triathletes
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
PremiumHas triathlon reached peak performance? Tri experts and legends on how much faster triathletes could get
latest News
Triathlon superstar Hayden Wilde to make shock comeback at London T100
Lionel Sanders wins 70.3 St George 2025 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
‘Intimidating’ to go into Worlds after four months off – but Lionel Sanders up for the challenge
Georgia Taylor-Brown Alex Yee Super League Triathlon Malibu 2021
Triathlon’s most decorated Olympic duo now honoured by their former University
Olav Aleksander Bu Photo credit: Roj Ferman | Surpas
Top triathlon coach Olav Aleksander Bu says it’s all about the team after Uno-X bag first Tour de France win
Danielle Lewis (USA) takes the win in Lake Placid.
IRONMAN Lake Placid 2025: Date, start time, how to watch and who’s racing
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...