Kitzbühel, Austria: Travel Guide to the Legendary Alpine Ski Town
Kitzbühel is one of the most famous ski resorts in the world, a medieval Tyrolean town surrounded by Alpine peaks and home to the legendary Hahnenkamm downhill race. Behind its glamorous reputation lies a charming old town with colourful houses, cosy inns and centuries of history. Whether you come for world-class skiing, summer hiking, golf or a relaxing lake swim, Kitzbühel offers Alpine elegance in every season.
Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions in Kitzbühel
1. Kitzbühel Old Town
Kitzbühel's Old Town has kept its medieval layout, with two main streets, the Vorderstadt and Hinterstadt, lined with colourful, gabled houses decorated with painted facades and flower boxes. The town received its charter in 1271 and grew wealthy from copper and silver mining in the surrounding mountains. Today, the streets are filled with boutiques, cafés, galleries and traditional restaurants. Don't miss the Church of St. Catherine, with its distinctive tower, or the Kitzbühel Museum, which tells the story of the town's history, its mining past and its rise as a ski resort, including an exhibition on local skiing legend Toni Sailer.
Booking tip: A guided walking tour, available through the tourist office or GetYourGuide, reveals the stories behind the old town's buildings and the town's transformation into a world-famous resort.
2. KitzSki and the Hahnenkamm Streif
KitzSki is one of the best ski areas in the Alps, with more than 200 km of slopes spread across several mountains. Its most famous run is the Streif on the Hahnenkamm, the site of the legendary Hahnenkamm Race, held every January. This downhill course is considered one of the most demanding in the world, with gradients of up to 85% at the infamous Mausefalle (Mousetrap). Ordinary skiers can ride the Hahnenkamm cable car and ski a version of the route, while beginners will find gentle slopes and excellent ski schools. The innovative 3S Gondola, one of the most spectacular cable cars in the Alps, links different parts of the ski area, gliding high above a valley.
Booking tip: Ski passes can be bought online in advance, often at a lower price. Tickets for the Hahnenkamm Race weekend sell out quickly, as does accommodation, so book early. Ski lessons and rental packages are available on GetYourGuide.
3. Kitzbüheler Horn and the Alpine Flower Garden
The Kitzbüheler Horn (1,996 m) is Kitzbühel's other famous mountain, offering sweeping views of the Wilder Kaiser range, the Hohe Tauern and Grossglockner on clear days. In summer, the Alpine Flower Garden near the summit showcases hundreds of species of Alpine plants, and hiking trails lead through meadows and along ridges. The mountain road to the summit is a famous challenge for cyclists.
Booking tip: Summer cable car tickets can be bought online. Visit early in the morning for the clearest views.
4. Lake Schwarzsee
Just a short walk or drive from the town centre, Lake Schwarzsee is a small moor lake known for its warm, soft water, said to have healing properties. In summer, it's a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing and paddling, with the Wilder Kaiser mountains as a backdrop. In winter, the frozen lake becomes a place for ice skating and winter walks.
Booking tip: The lake has a public bathing area with a small entry fee in summer. Lakeside restaurants are popular, so reserve a table for dinner.
5. Summer Adventures and Golf
In summer, Kitzbühel becomes a paradise for outdoor activities. The region offers hundreds of kilometres of hiking trails and mountain bike routes, as well as paragliding, climbing and via ferratas. Kitzbühel is also one of Austria's top golf destinations, with several courses set against stunning mountain scenery. You can even hike the Streif in summer to appreciate just how steep it is.
Booking tip: Guided hikes, paragliding flights and bike rentals can be booked online through GetYourGuide.
Practical Travel Tips for Kitzbühel
Getting Around
- By train: Kitzbühel is about one hour from Innsbruck and around two and a half hours from Salzburg, with connections via Wörgl.
- By car: about an hour and a half to two hours from Munich Airport.
- Ski buses: free with a valid ski pass in winter.
- On foot: the old town is compact and walkable.
Local Culinary Specialties
- Tiroler Gröstl: pan-fried potatoes with meat, onions and a fried egg.
- Kaspressknödel: cheese dumplings.
- Kaiserschmarrn: a shredded pancake, perfect after skiing.
- Tyrolean Speck: a smoked, cured ham.
- Schnapps: often offered in mountain huts.
Best Time to Visit
- Winter (December–April): skiing, with the Hahnenkamm Race in January.
- Summer (June–September): hiking, golf and lake swimming.
- Autumn: colourful landscapes and quieter trails.
Conclusion: Plan Your Trip to Kitzbühel
Kitzbühel combines legendary skiing, medieval charm and Alpine adventure. Whether you're skiing the Streif, exploring the old town or swimming in Lake Schwarzsee, it offers an unforgettable mountain experience.
Plan ahead: book your ski passes, lessons and activities on GetYourGuide, and get ready to discover the legendary Alpine ski town.