The KAT Walk’s silent spirit

The KAT Walk is the catwalk across the Kitzbüheler Alpen consisting of approx. 6,000 metres of elevation distributed over six stages on well-maintained, clearly signposted trails. One of the trail’s silent spirits is Nik Brandstätter. When hikers are still asleep, he is already on his way to inspect and maintain the trails.

A gnarled tree trunk "relocated" by the last storm, signs which have been moved by Mother Nature or larger stones which have accumulated towards the valley after the last snowmelt - maintaining the KAT Walk trails is not a part-time job but rather a full-time job with everything that comes with it. One of the trail’s silent spirits is Nik Brandstätter. Even as a young child, Nik lost his heart to the mountains and has been exploring them in every possible way ever since. Be it ski touring, freeriding, climbing or hiking, the “thrill of the mountains”, as Nik calls it, has captivated him. When he was doing his apprenticeship, he was convinced that his real path was towards nature. And that’s exactly what it was. It led him to the tourism association where he has been employed ever since, based in the building yard with his main tasks maintaining and renovating the local hiking trails. Whether it’s repairing existing markings and adding new ones, building new bridges or stiles, or clearing paths from fallen trees and bushes, Nik is the right man for everything. Re-discovering nature, switching off, leaving no room for other thoughts - according to Nik, this is what hiking is all about and he himself enjoys this experience every time anew. "You have your peace and quiet, you can switch off 100 percent in the unique natural landscape. For me that is real quality of life."

Nik himself sees the KAT Walk as the perfect combination of adventure and luxury: "Over six stages you hike from Hopfgarten via Westendorf and Kirchberg to St. Ulrich am Pillersee. 6,000 metres of elevation have to be overcome on the demanding variant. Nobody has to worry about carrying a heavy rucksack or where to find accommodation next, because all this is already provided in the package. Included are modern hotels, luggage transport, spa facilities and regional cuisine to refill empty stores of energy and to look forward to the next day’s hiking fully motivated. All you have to do on the KAT Walk is walk, step by step immerse yourself in nature, let everyday stress pass over the mountains with the clouds, and just find yourself again.

Of course, safety is the top priority in the mountains, so Nik decided to join the mountain rescue team: "I am currently completing the compulsory courses. I’m doing this because I want to help. In the mountains you are very much alone, even if you are with friends. Something can always happen, nature has its own laws. I am very interested in safety and mountain rescue so with this training I will be able to help others."

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