Kössen is a small village in the Kaiserwinkl region of Tyrol, tucked into a broad valley where the Großache river winds between the Zahmer Kaiser and Unterberghorn mountains. It is one of Europe's best-known paragliding spots — the thermals rising off the surrounding peaks make it a magnet for free-flight pilots from across the continent.
Beyond the paragliders, Kössen is a quiet, traditional Tyrolean village with painted farmhouses, a baroque parish church, and excellent hiking in every direction. In winter the Unterberghorn ski area offers gentle slopes suited to families, while cross-country skiing trails loop through the valley floor. Summer brings swimming in the Walchsee lake just a few kilometres away and mountain biking on well-marked trails.
The village sits right on the German border — Reit im Winkl is just over the pass — making it an easy stop on a tour through the northern Alps.