Kitzbühel

Famous for its legendary slopes where the greatest international champions compete, Kitzbühel is the star among Austrian ski resorts... and not only.

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Considered to be one of the best ski resorts in Austria, Kitzbühel is a pretty town whose historic centre with its cobbled streets still retains a medieval charm.

The symbol of the town is a chamois climbing up the rocks, a clear reference to the beautiful mountains in the area, which have become celebrities attracting the attention of a worldwide audience.

We are not exaggerating: thousands of spectators around the world follow the electrifying Hahnenkamm ski race, considered one of the most spectacular, and the other major international sporting events that take place in Kitzbühel, such as the ATP Bet at Home Cup in tennis and the ITU World Series in triathlon.

Whether you are a daredevil skier who loves speed, a leisurely walker with a slow pace, an experienced mountain biker looking for the most adrenalin-pumping descents, or a nature lover who thrills at a sunset over the lake, Kitzbühel will fascinate you.

What to do in Kitzbühel

Needless to say, most tourists come to Kitzbühel to ski. Always at the top of the list of Austria’s best ski resorts, Kitzbühel is world-famous for the stunning scenery of the Hahnenkamm and Kitzbüheler Horn, hundreds of kilometres of slopes and modern lifts.

Forbidden for beginners is the legendary Streiff downhill run, considered one of the most difficult slopes in the world, with steep slopes, undulating terrain, sliding runs and short uphill sections that lead to extremely high speeds and breathtaking jumps. It is used for one of the most spectacular downhill races in the world but you can try it too… if you dare.

Don’t you love skiing? Have you fallen in love with Kitzbühel and want to return in summer? The two most popular activities in this season are trekking and mountain biking, two different ways to enjoy the area’s splendid mountain landscapes.

More than a thousand kilometres of hiking trails suitable for all levels, 170 kilometres of running and Nordic walking trails and 1,200 kilometres of cycling routes await you. Experienced hikers can also try their hand at via ferratas and climbing, while more experienced riders can set off from here to ride the Bike Trail Tirol, a fascinating 1,000-kilometre-long mountain bike route divided into 32 stages.

For a day of total relaxation or a rest after sporting exertions, the romantic Schwarzsee lake, about 3 km from the town centre, is ideal. You can take an energising swim in the somewhat chilly waters of the lake or sunbathe lying on a sunbed.

Things to do in Kitzbühel

Kitzbühel is essentially a mountain resort and tourists come here mainly for outdoor activities, but that doesn’t mean the town is devoid of things to see.

Take a look at the town’s two most beautiful churches, the neo-Gothic Pfarrkirche St Andreas and the rococo Liebfrauenkirche: the latter in particular is worth a visit inside for its elaborate frescoes.

The town museum is a good introduction to local history, from prehistoric origins to contemporary times. Ample space is given to… guess what? Yes, winter sports. After all, it is these that have made the town’s fortune, isn’t it?

On top of the Kitzbühel Horn grows an alpine garden where edelweiss, arnica, bluebells and other delicate and fragrant alpine flowers and plants bloom. It can be reached by car, but it is much more impressive to get there by cable car.

Where to stay in Kitzbühel

Kitzbühel is a rather well-known and somewhat chic resort so there isn’t much choice of cheap accommodation. If you’re on a tight holiday budget, aim for B&Bs and rooms in private homes and book as early as possible. Keep in mind that during the winter season prices are much more expensive.

If, on the other hand, you have no budget problems, you can choose from romantic and comfortable chalets with mountain views, luxurious spa hotels, hotels in elegant Art Nouveau buildings. There is even a five-star hotel built in imitation of a castle!