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Kitzbühel, Österreich - Things to Do in Kitzbühel

Things to Do in Kitzbühel

Kitzbühel, Österreich - Complete Travel Guide

Kitzbühel is a legendary Alpine resort town in Tyrol, Austria, renowned worldwide for hosting the most challenging downhill ski race on the professional circuit - the Hahnenkamm. This picturious medieval town, nestled in a valley surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Kitzbüheler Alps, seamlessly blends traditional Tyrolean charm with sophisticated luxury. Its colorful historic buildings, complete with painted facades and flower-filled balconies, create a postcard-perfect setting that has attracted European aristocracy and international jet-setters for over a century. While Kitzbühel's reputation was built on winter sports excellence, it has evolved into a year-round destination offering world-class hiking, mountain biking, golf, and cultural experiences. The town's compact medieval center is filled with high-end boutiques, cozy cafes, and gourmet restaurants, while the surrounding mountains provide endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping alpine activities or peaceful mountain relaxation, Kitzbühel delivers an authentic Austrian experience wrapped in understated elegance.

Top Things to Do in Kitzbühel

Ski the Legendary Hahnenkamm

Experience the most famous and feared downhill ski run in the world, where professional racers reach speeds of up to 140 km/h. Even recreational skiers can tackle portions of this legendary slope and feel the thrill that has challenged the world's best athletes since 1931. The entire Kitzbühel ski area offers 233 kilometers of perfectly groomed pistes across all skill levels.

Booking Tip: Lift tickets cost around €60-70 per day in peak season. Book ski passes online in advance for discounts, and consider multi-day passes for better value. Best snow conditions are typically January-March, but avoid race weekend in late January when slopes are crowded and some areas restricted.

Ride the Kitzbüheler Horn Cable Car

Ascend 1,996 meters to the summit of Kitzbüheler Horn for breathtaking panoramic views of the Austrian Alps and the Inn Valley below. The mountain offers excellent hiking trails in summer and serves as a perfect vantage point for photography. In winter, it provides access to some of the area's most scenic ski runs and mountain restaurants.

Booking Tip: Cable car tickets cost approximately €25-30 for adults round-trip. Purchase tickets at the base station or online for slight discounts. Early morning rides offer the clearest mountain views, and sunset trips provide magical golden hour lighting for photography.

Explore Kitzbühel's Historic Old Town

Wander through the charming cobblestone streets of Kitzbühel's medieval center, admiring the traditional Tyrolean architecture with its colorful painted facades and ornate wrought-iron signs. Visit the 14th-century parish church, browse luxury boutiques along the pedestrian zone, and discover hidden courtyards filled with local artisan shops.

Booking Tip: Walking tours are available for €15-20 per person and typically last 1-2 hours. Free self-guided walking maps are available at the tourist office. Best explored in late afternoon when shops are open and the lighting is ideal for photography of the painted buildings.

Summer Alpine Hiking and Mountain Biking

Discover over 1,000 kilometers of marked hiking trails and mountain biking routes that wind through flower-filled meadows, dense forests, and along crystal-clear mountain streams. The area offers everything from gentle valley walks to challenging summit climbs, with numerous mountain huts serving traditional Austrian cuisine along the way.

Booking Tip: Trail maps cost €5-10 at tourist offices, or download free apps like Bergfex. Guided hiking tours range from €25-45 per person. Mountain bike rentals cost €25-35 per day. Best hiking season is June-September when mountain huts are open and weather is most stable.

Visit Schwarzsee Lake

Relax at this pristine alpine lake, known as the 'Pearl of Kitzbühel,' where summer water temperatures can reach a surprisingly warm 27°C, making it one of the warmest swimming lakes in Tyrol. The lake is surrounded by walking paths, has a small beach area, and offers stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains.

Booking Tip: Lake access is free, but parking costs €3-5 per day. Lakeside restaurants charge premium prices, so consider bringing a picnic. Best visited on weekday mornings to avoid crowds. Swimming season runs June-September, with warmest water temperatures in July and August.

Getting There

Kitzbühel is easily accessible by train, with regular connections from major Austrian cities and neighboring countries. The journey from Vienna takes about 5 hours, while Munich is approximately 2.5 hours away by train. By car, Kitzbühel is located along the A12 Inntal Autobahn, about 100 kilometers east of Innsbruck. The nearest major airport is Munich (160 km), with Innsbruck Airport (80 km) offering a closer but more limited option. Direct bus services operate from Munich Airport, and many hotels offer shuttle services during peak seasons.

Getting Around

Kitzbühel's compact town center is easily walkable, with most attractions, restaurants, and shops within a few minutes' walk of each other. The free Kitzbühel Stadtbus operates several routes connecting the town center with outlying hotels and ski lifts. During winter, ski buses run frequently to various lift stations and are typically included with lift tickets. For exploring the wider region, rental cars are available, though parking in the town center can be challenging and expensive (€2-3 per hour). Taxis are readily available but costly for longer distances. Many hotels provide shuttle services to ski lifts and the train station.

Where to Stay

Town Center/Altstadt
Hahnenkamm Area
Horn Gondola Base
Schwarzsee Lake Area
Reith bei Kitzbühel
Aurach bei Kitzbühel

Food & Dining

Kitzbühel's dining scene perfectly balances traditional Austrian cuisine with international sophistication. The town boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants and gourmet establishments serving refined Alpine cuisine, alongside cozy traditional Gasthöfe offering hearty Tyrolean specialties like Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz, and local game dishes. Mountain huts (Almhütten) accessible by cable car or hiking provide authentic experiences with panoramic views, serving dishes like Kaiserschmarrn and fresh mountain cheese. The pedestrian zone features numerous cafes perfect for afternoon coffee and Austrian pastries, while wine bars showcase excellent Austrian wines. Expect to pay €15-25 for main courses at mid-range restaurants, with fine dining establishments charging €40-80 per person for multi-course meals.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Austria

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Restaurant Al Borgo

4.6 /5
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Il Capo dei Capi - Ristorante & Pizzeria

4.5 /5
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Pizzeria Osteria da Giovanni

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Ristorante La Tavolozza

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Cantinetta Antinori Vienna

4.5 /5
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Da Giulio Linz

4.7 /5
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When to Visit

Kitzbühel is a year-round destination with two distinct peak seasons. Winter (December-March) is ideal for skiing and winter sports, with the most reliable snow conditions from January through March. The famous Hahnenkamm races in late January create an electric atmosphere but also bring crowds and higher prices. Summer (June-September) offers perfect hiking weather, warm lake swimming, and vibrant alpine meadows filled with wildflowers. Shoulder seasons (April-May and October-November) provide fewer crowds and lower prices, though weather can be unpredictable and some mountain facilities may be closed for maintenance. Christmas and New Year periods are magical but extremely busy and expensive.

Insider Tips

Purchase the Kitzbühel Alps Summer Card for free cable car rides and discounts at attractions - it pays for itself after just two cable car trips
Many of the best mountain restaurants require reservations, especially on weekends and during peak seasons, so book ahead for lunch spots with views
Parking in town center is extremely limited and expensive - stay at hotels offering free parking or use the Park & Ride system at the edge of town with free shuttle service

Explore Activities in Kitzbühel