Things to Do in Kitzbühel, Österreich

Kitzbühel is a legendary Alpine resort town in the Austrian Tyrol, renowned worldwide as one of Europe's most prestigious ski destinations. This charming medieval town, with its colorful buildings and cobblestone streets, sits at 762 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Kitzbüheler Horn and Hahnenkamm mountains. Beyond its fame as host to the annual Hahnenkamm downhill race, one of the most challenging events on the World Cup ski circuit, Kitzbühel offers year-round appeal with world-class skiing in winter and exceptional hiking, mountain biking, and golfing in summer. The town seamlessly blends traditional Tyrolean culture with luxury tourism, featuring high-end boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and exclusive hotels alongside authentic Alpine architecture and local traditions. Visitors can explore the historic old town with its 14th-century parish church, browse designer shops along the pedestrian zone, or venture into the surrounding mountains for outdoor adventures. Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping winter sports, peaceful summer hikes, or simply want to soak in the sophisticated mountain atmosphere, Kitzbühel delivers an unforgettable Alpine experience.

Top Things to Do in Kitzbühel

Skiing the Hahnenkamm

Experience the legendary Hahnenkamm downhill, home to the most feared race on the World Cup circuit. The Streif downhill course offers challenging terrain for expert skiers, while the broader Hahnenkamm ski area provides slopes for all levels. The mountain also features the famous Seidlalm restaurant and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Alps.

Booking Tip: Ski passes cost around €60-70 per day in peak season. Book accommodations well in advance if visiting during Hahnenkamm race week in January. Consider multi-day passes for better value, and purchase online for small discounts.

Kitzbüheler Horn Cable Car and Alpine Adventures

Take the cable car up to Kitzbüheler Horn (1,996m) for breathtaking 360-degree views of over 70 peaks and three countries. In summer, enjoy hiking trails, mountain biking routes, and the unique Alpine Flower Trail. Winter brings excellent skiing and the magical Horn experience with its panoramic restaurant.

Booking Tip: Cable car tickets cost around €25-30 for adults return trip. Best visited on clear days for optimal views. Summer operating hours are typically 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, winter hours vary with ski season.

Historic Old Town Walking Tour

Explore Kitzbühel's charming medieval center with its colorful Tyrolean buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and historic landmarks. Visit the 14th-century parish church, browse traditional shops, and admire the well-preserved architecture that tells the story of this 750-year-old town.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours are free with maps available at the tourist office. Guided tours cost around €10-15 per person and run several times weekly in peak season. Best explored in the morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting and fewer crowds.

Summer Hiking and Mountain Trails

Discover over 1,000 kilometers of marked hiking trails ranging from gentle valley walks to challenging mountain ascents. Popular routes include the Schwarzsee lake circuit, the Gaisberg summit hike, and the multi-day Kaiser Mountains trek. The well-maintained trail network offers stunning Alpine scenery and traditional mountain huts.

Booking Tip: Trail maps cost around €5-10 at the tourist office or are available free with the KitzAlps summer card. Guided hiking tours range from €25-50 per person. Best hiking season is May through October, with July-September offering the most reliable weather.

Schwarzsee Lake Activities

Visit this pristine Alpine lake just 2.5km from Kitzbühel center, known as one of the warmest swimming lakes in Tyrol with summer temperatures reaching 27°C. Enjoy swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, or simply relaxing on the shores surrounded by mountain peaks. Winter transforms the area into a romantic snow-covered landscape perfect for winter walks.

Booking Tip: Lake access is free, parking costs around €3-5 per day. SUP and boat rentals available from €15-25 per hour. The lakeside restaurant offers reasonably priced meals with stunning views. Best visited early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.

Getting There

Kitzbühel is easily accessible by various transportation modes. The nearest major airport is Salzburg (80km away), with Munich Airport (120km) offering more international connections. Regular train connections link Kitzbühel to major Austrian and German cities, with the journey from Salzburg taking about 90 minutes and from Munich approximately 2.5 hours. By car, Kitzbühel is well-connected via the A12 Inntal motorway, though winter driving requires snow chains or winter tires. Many visitors also arrive via Innsbruck Airport (100km), which offers good connections to major European cities and provides scenic Alpine driving routes to Kitzbühel.

Getting Around

Kitzbühel's compact old town is easily explored on foot, with most attractions, restaurants, and shops within walking distance. The efficient local bus system connects the town center with ski lifts, hotels, and surrounding areas, with buses running frequently during peak seasons. Many accommodations offer guest cards providing free local public transport. Taxis are available but expensive, while rental cars are useful for exploring the broader region but can be challenging during winter conditions. The town also offers bike rentals in summer, and many hotels provide shuttle services to ski lifts and major attractions.

Where to Stay

Old Town Center

Hahnenkamm Area

Kitzbüheler Horn

Schwarzsee Lake District

Reith bei Kitzbühel

Aurach near Kitzbühel

Food & Dining

Kitzbühel's dining scene expertly balances traditional Tyrolean cuisine with international gourmet offerings. The old town features numerous traditional restaurants serving hearty Alpine dishes like schnitzel, goulash, and local game, alongside cozy wine bars and cafes perfect for après-ski. For fine dining, several Michelin-recommended restaurants offer innovative Austrian cuisine with international influences. Mountain restaurants accessible by cable car provide authentic Alpine atmosphere with panoramic views, serving everything from simple snacks to gourmet meals. The pedestrian zone offers casual dining options, international cuisines, and popular bars, while luxury hotels house some of the region's most acclaimed restaurants featuring both traditional and contemporary culinary experiences.

When to Visit

Kitzbühel offers distinct seasonal appeals making it a year-round destination. Winter (December-March) is peak season for skiing, with January featuring the famous Hahnenkamm races but also the highest prices and crowds. February-March often provides the best combination of snow conditions and weather. Summer (June-September) is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and lake activities, with July-August offering the warmest weather and longest days. Spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November) provide quieter periods with lower prices, though some mountain facilities may be closed. The shoulder seasons offer excellent opportunities for cultural exploration and scenic drives, with autumn featuring beautiful foliage and spring bringing wildflower blooms.

Insider Tips

Purchase the KitzAlps summer card for free cable car rides and discounts on activities - it often pays for itself in one day

Book dinner reservations well in advance, especially at mountain restaurants accessible only by cable car, as they're extremely popular

Visit the legendary Londoner Pub for authentic après-ski atmosphere - it's been a Kitzbühel institution since 1969 and attracts both locals and international visitors

Things to Do in Kitzbühel