A Guide to Kitzbühel
Nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, Kitzbühel is a picturesque town renowned for its world-class skiing, charming medieval architecture, and its abundance of magnificent mountains. Whether you're an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or a history enthusiast, this Alpine retreat offers something for everyone.
Having visited in both summer and winter, I can wholeheartedly say this Austrian alpine town is not only well worth a visit, but is also no where near as expensive as people think it is. In this guide I outline as much as I can about visiting and enjoying Kitzbühel, from how to get there to the top attractions and activities.
Where is Kitzbühel?
Located in the Tyrol region of Austria, Kitzbühel is located roughly 95 km east of Innsbruck and 125 km south of Munich, Germany. The beautiful Austrian town sits at an elevation of approximately 800 meters and is surrounded by the stunning Kitzbühel Alps, making it a prime year round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
How to Reach Kitzbühel
Kitzbühels close location to numerous international airports combined with Austria’s efficient and affordable public transport network, means that the town its easily accessible by multiple forms of transport;
By Air: The nearest international airports are Innsbruck (INN), Salzburg (SZG), and Munich (MUC). From these airports, you can take a train or a shuttle service to Kitzbühel.
By Train: Kitzbühel Hahnenkamm Station is located in the centre of the town directly in front of the main lift. You can catch direct and connecting services from Innsbruck, Salzburg, and Munich with the scenic train ride offering breathtaking views of the Austrian Alps.
By Car: If you prefer to drive, the town is easily accessible via the A12 Autobahn, with well-maintained roads leading directly to Kitzbühel.
Is Kitzbühel Expensive?
Although the town contains a vast number of high end fashion shops and you will probably see fur-wearing rich people wandering its streets and riding its slopes, the town is actually reasonably priced and in-line with Austria.
Whilst you can eat and stay in high end places, you can also easily find very well priced locations. In fact I was pleasantly surprised by how reasonable it was.
On average you are looking at around €4-6 for a beer and between €10-18 for a main meal. There’s even a McDonald’s for those wanting to cut back even further!
Those reasonable prices also extend onto the mountains. A lift pass for the slopes is also in line with other Austrian resorts, with an adult day pass costing €76 or €366 for 6 days. In addition the food and drink wont require you having to take a bank loan.
Best Time to Visit Kitzbühel
Kitzbühels mountainous location makes it a fantastic year-round destination. The best time to visit will depend on your interests and when you can visit. I have been in both summer and winter and I thoroughly enjoyed both.
Winter (December to March): Perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and winter sports. Every January the town hosts the famous Hahnenkamm downhill race, one of the most challenging events in the Ski World Cup. The event sees over 80,000 fans descend into Kitzbuhel for a weekend of winter madness
Summer (June to September): The lush green meadows and breathtaking mountain views make this a perfect season for hiking, mountain biking, and golfing,
Spring and Autumn: These shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds, beautiful landscapes, and pleasant weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Top Things to See and Do in Kitzbühel
Skiing and Snowboarding
KitzSki, encompassing the Kitzbühel and Kirchberg areas, is one of the most renowned ski resorts in the world, offering a vast network of slopes, lifts, and breathtaking alpine scenery. The region has 58 modern lifts, 188 km of meticulously groomed slopes, and an additional 45 km of ski routes, which caters to skiers and snowboarders of all proficiency levels.
I spent two days Snowboarding there in January 2025, and it was incredible. The pistes were wide and well groomed, There was a good mixture of Reds, Blues and Black and the lift system was modern and efficient
When hunger strikes, the are over 60 traditional alpine huts serving delicious Austrian cuisine and offering cosy rest stops for skiers and hikers
Another highlight of the KitzSki area is the breathtaking panoramic views it offers. From various vantage points, you can admire stunning sights of the Hohe Tauern National Park, home to Austria’s highest peaks, including the Grossglockner (3,798m)
For the 2024/2025 season, the KitzSki resort offers the following daily ski pass rates:
Adults: €63.00 to €76
Youth: €47.50 to €57.00
Children: €31.50 to €38.00
These rates vary based on the time of the season and specific dates and are no more expense than other resorts in Austria For detailed information and to explore multi-day or seasonal passes, check out the official KitzSki website.
Alongside regular skiing and snowboarding, you can also embark on Ski touring, freeriding, and cross country skiing
Hahnenkamm Race and Streif Run
Held annually in January, The Hahnenkamm Race is one of the most famous and challenging downhill ski races in the world. The race originated in 1931 and takes place on the legendary Streif course, which is renowned for its extreme steepness, high speeds, and technical difficulty.
The course features jumps of up to 80 meters, gradients as steep as 85%, and racers reaching speeds over 140 km/h (87 mph).
Every year the town is engulfed by tens of thousands of spectators who come to watch the race and have one crazy party. Millions more watch it online, making it one of the biggest sporting events in Austria. Winners of the race get their name and flag added to one of the cable cars on the Hahnenkamm lift.
Visitors can experience the Streif in different ways, from skiing the easier sections to taking a guided tour that explains its history and significance.
Eisstockschießen (Bavarian Curling)
I can only describe this traditional winter sport as a mix between boules and curling, regardless of what it is, its great fun for for families, groups, and couples. You can undertake this water activity at the Clubhouse at KTC, which also offers delicious and very well priced greek food.
Snowshoeing
For those who want a break from the slopes or to explore the serene winter landscapes at a slower pace, snowshoeing is a fantastic option. The region has numerous walks located along the 400-kilometre system of trails that are cleared and designated for winter walking. Guided snowshoe hikes are also available, taking visitors through snow-covered forests and offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Tobogganing and Sledging
For a fun-filled adventure, try tobogganing and sledging on Kitzbühel’s well-maintained runs. The Gaisberg Rodelbahn in Kirchberg is a popular spot, featuring a thrilling 3.5 km illuminated track. Whether you're racing down the slopes with friends or enjoying a leisurely ride with family, it's a must-do winter activity.
Explore the Historic Town
Wander through the charming medieval streets lined with colourful buildings, boutique shops, and cosy cafés. The Old Town offers a mix of history and culture, with landmarks such as St. Catherine’s Church and the Gothic-style Liebfrauenkirche. The Museum Kitzbühel provides insights into the region's past, including its skiing heritage.
Head for a hike
Kitzbühel offers over 1,000 kilometres of hiking trails, ranging from leisurely strolls to demanding mountain treks. Whether you're venturing up the iconic Kitzbüheler Horn or tackling the legendary Hahnenkamm, there's a route to suit every adventurer. Food lovers can also savour delicious regional specialities at the many mountain restaurants and alpine huts, making every hike a true culinary experience.
If you wanted to combine hiking and eating (who doesnt), I would recommend undertaking the 3 course culinary hike.
This moderately challenging self guided hike traverses through the enchanting Southern Mountains and promises a delightful blend of breathtaking panoramas and delicious delights. You’ll stop at three mountain huts, one of which is a wildlife park. The price of the ticket includes the food and a ride on the chairlift to get your hike started.
Mountain Biking and Cycling
Kitzbühel is a paradise for cyclists, with a mix of challenging mountain bike trails and scenic road cycling routes. The KitzAlpBike Festival is a major event attracting riders from around the world. Popular routes include the Hahnenkamm Bike Trail, which offers thrilling descents, and the scenic paths through Bichlach, perfect for more leisurely rides.
Golfing in the Alps
For golf enthusiasts, Kitzbühel is a dream destination. Boasting four championship courses set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Wilder Kaiser mountains, the scenery alone makes the trip worthwhile. Conveniently, all four courses are just a five-minute drive from the town centre, with a further twelve located nearby which you can play on using the Golf Tirol Card. The golf season runs from spring to autumn, and alongside well-maintained fairways and modern club facilities, theres also 12 exclusive golf hotels. For more information check out the Kitzbühel website.
Visit Schwarzsee Lake
Just outside town, Schwarzsee is a beautiful alpine lake perfect for swimming, paddle boarding, or relaxing amidst nature. The lake’s warm, dark waters are said to have healing properties, making it a popular wellness spot. There are also walking and cycling paths around the lake for low level outdoor experience.
Where to Stay In Kitzbühel
Kitzbühel offers a variety of accommodations to suit all tastes and budgets. On the two occasions I have visited, I stayed at the following hotels and only have good things to say about them.
Hotel Kaiserhof – Located next to the Hahnenkamm ski lift, this is a luxury 4* hotel offering ski-in/ski-out convenience, a spa, and stunning mountain views.
Das Reisch: A stylish and modern hotel located in the heart of Kitzbühel which is known for its excellent service and comfortable rooms. The have a large wellness area, the breakfast buffet is top quality, and each room is named after a famous skier.
If you can’t find accommodation to suit your budget, then Kitzbühel can easily be accessed by public transport. The train station is located directly in front of the Hahnenkamm lift, meaning you only have to walk less than 50m to get access to the slopes and mountains.
Where to Eat in Kitzbühel
Kitzbühel is home to an array of fantastic dining options catering to all tastes and budgets. Again I was pleasantly surprised by how reasonable it was both in the town and up on the mountain.
The Clubhouse at Kitzbühel Tennis Club (KTC): A must visit if you are in Kitzbuhel. This beautifully decorated clubhouse serves mouthwateringly delicious Greek food at very affordable prices. If you are visiting in winter make sure you try the Eisstockschießen.
Huberbräu-Stüberl: A traditional Austrian restaurant located in the heart of Kitzbühel which offers an authentic Tyrolean dining experience. Set in a historic building with rustic wooden interiors, this family-run eatery is known for its hearty Austrian specialties, well priced food and thirst quenching beers.
The Steghaus Restaurant: For a more modern and elegant dining experience, The Steghaus Restaurant provides a contemporary take on Austrian and international cuisine. The restaurant is located next to the Schwarzsee, with wooden decking with hand rails allowing you to easily get in and out of the water. the beautiful lakeside setting means its not only a place to go on a beautiful summers day but an excellent spot to watch the sunset
Simple Food and Drinks: A laid-back café-style spot focusing on healthy, organic, and locally sourced ingredients. They also serve excellent coffee and a selection of fresh juices, making it a popular place for a light meal or a mid-day break.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're visiting in winter for world-class skiing or in summer for outdoor adventures, Kitzbühel is a dream destination for any traveller. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and top-notch accommodations and dining, this Austrian Alpine gem promises an unforgettable experience. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the magic of Kitzbühel!
There we have it, my guide to Kitzbühel. I hope you found it useful, let me know in the comments if you did, or if you have any questions.
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