For many people who are fans of the Alps, fresh, clean water is the foremost reason when it comes to choosing their holiday location. This precious commodity is utilized in very different forms: the lakes in the valley are used for bathing, the mountain lakes and water falls are destinations for an excursion, water in the wellness area for relaxation and last but not least water is used as a thirst quencher. There is nothing more refreshing than spring water from an Alpine fountain, or apple juice mixed with water straight from the tap. In many guesthouses, fresh spring water is automatically served along with coffee or a glass of wine.

Schwarzsee, with its bathing beach which has a conservation protection order, row-boat hire and many lovely walking paths is the recreational area close to Kitzbühel. The lake gets its name from the boggy water, which has a healing effect. www.kitzbuehel.com

The natural adventure area Hexenwasser is the first and the most well-known of the many mountain adventure realms in the Kitzbüheler Alpen. Over 60 stations fill big and small children with enthusiasm, year in, year out. www.hexenwasser.at

The largest of the four indoor water adventure worlds in the Kitzbüheler Alpen is appealing, not just on those rainy days, with its large fun area, the new and world´s only slide with a double-looping and one of the most spectacular sauna landscapes which is in Roman style. www.woerglerwasserwelt.at

Seven spring path

An easy, ten kilometre long themed hike in Jochberg combines seven springs to one another. Depending on their location – village square, farm or Alp – springs fulfil different functions. www.kitzbuehel.com

Three-quarters of an hour to the south of Kitzbühel, the three-later Krimmler Waterfalls impress. With a total fall height of 380 metres, it is the highest waterfall in Austria. A trip to the WaterWonderWorld, a bubbly theme park, is especially recommended. www.wasserfaelle-krimml.at

Every Monday in Aschau Kneipp facilities Gabi, the health instructor, provides valuable tips for correct Kneipp technique, to promote health, tranquillity and balance. The wonderful Kneipp facility is also well worth a visit itself.

Every Thursday and Friday there is a free, easy hike from Kirchberg to the Lake Erlen near Brixen on offer. Fishing for trout and barbecuing them afterwards is especially popular. www.kitzbuehel-alpen.at

On Mondays there is always a leisurely-paced, free hike to the wild romantic Brixen Waterfall. www.kitzbuehel-alpen.at

This walk, based on the theme of water, takes place in Kitzbühel once a week. The attractions along the way include lakes, streams, rivers and waterfalls, followed by a water tasting session at the Grander company in Jochberg.

Johann Grander from Kitzbühel gave water backs its former status. His Grander water which is distributed throughout the world is revitalised, strong and powerful. Many of the hotels in the Kitzbüheler Alpen serve Grander water and use it in their pools and wellness areas. Some hotels give their guests a bottle of Grander water as a gift. www.grander.com

Guests can enjoy a refreshing glass of chilled Grander water free of charge from the water fountain in the entrance area of the tourist office in Kitzbühel. www.kitzbuehel.com

Vital Landhotel Schermer in Westendorf gets its water from the hotel’s own spring; in the wellness area there is a drink fountain which provides this fresh spring water. www.vitalhotelschermer.at

Each of the five wellness rooms in Alpenresidenz Adler in Kirchberg have a private sauna with Kneipp shower; Hotel Schwarzer Adler in Kitzbühel has the longest roof-top pool in the Alps and the new Hotel Schloss Lebenberg has the longest indoor pool in Europe, at 46 metres (with Grander water).

www.der-adler.at * www.adlerkitz.at * www.austria-trend.at