Leslie Massey
Kitzbühel, Austria, is a famous winter sports resort, renowned for its excellent skiing and winter sports events. However, there is much more to Kitzbühel than its impressive ski infrastructure. The town offers a wealth of cultural, culinary, and wellness experiences, making it an ideal destination for a short break. Whether you're a hiker, biker, swimmer, or just looking to relax and take in the stunning Alpine scenery, Kitzbühel has something for everyone.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Churches | Liebfrauenkirche, Pfarrkirche, St. Andreas Parish Church |
| Cemetery | Bergfriedhof mountain cemetery |
| Toboggan run | Gasiberg |
| Lakes | Schwarzsee |
| Hiking trails | Streif trail, Weisskopfkogel ascent, Hahnenkamm |
| Restaurants | Alpenhaus Restaurant, Seidlalm Cafe, Berggericht |
| Yoga | Naturlich Yoga |
| Spas | Spa-Rosa at the A-Rosa hotel |
| Skiing | Hahnenkamm downhill ski race |
| Summer activities | Biking, rock climbing, golf, swimming |
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What You'll Learn
Explore the old town centre
Kitzbuhel's old town centre is a charming place to explore, with its cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, and picturesque churches. Here are some things to see and do when visiting the old town centre:
Explore the Historic Buildings and Sites
Start your exploration at the Jochberger Tor, the entrance to the historic old town. Here, you will find the remaining five-storey Pfleghof tower, which was once part of the Kitzbühel castle. The town wall, with the Jochberg Gate and the Pfleghof, dates back to the 12th century. As you wander through the old town, keep an eye out for the "Salvenmoser Hochalm", a discreet building that used to be the town prison.
Admire the Churches
At the other end of the old town, you will find the Church of Our Lady and St. Andrew's Church, with the Wilder Kaiser mountain range as a stunning backdrop. Don't miss the opportunity to step inside and admire the beautiful old pews and stained-glass windows. Nearby, you can also visit the Liebfrauenkirche and the Pfarrkirche churches, surrounded by the tranquil Bergfriedhof mountain cemetery.
Discover the Town's Artistic Side
Kitzbühel had its own art scene between the 1600s and 1800s, and the Faistenberger family were among the talented artists who called this town home. Their influence can be seen in various places, including St. Andrew's Church and the town centre, where a copperplate engraving by Andreas Faistenberger adorns the wall of the Bezirkshauptmannschaft, the town's central office building.
Enjoy the Cafes and Restaurants
Take a break from your explorations and relax in one of the many cafes and restaurants in the old town centre. Bastian's Bar & Bakery is a modern café with its own bakery, offering a great spot to soak up the sun and enjoy a bite to eat. For homemade ice cream, head to Café Beluna, and for coffee and snacks, Pano café is a great choice.
Experience the Local Culture
On summer Tuesday evenings, you can enjoy a free band concert in the town centre, with neighbouring cafes offering the perfect spot to sit back, relax, and enjoy the music. It's an excellent way to immerse yourself in the local culture and atmosphere of Kitzbühel.
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Visit the Streif trail
The Streif trail is a must-visit for anyone travelling to Kitzbuhel, Austria. The Streif is a world-renowned downhill ski run located in the heart of the town and is considered one of the most challenging slopes globally. Whether you're an avid skier or a hiking enthusiast, the Streif trail offers a unique and exhilarating experience.
For skiers, the Streif presents an opportunity to test their skills and push their limits. The course spans 2.06 miles (3.312 kilometers), with skiers reaching incredible speeds of up to 65 miles per hour. It is not for the faint-hearted, with a vertical descent of 2,822 feet (860 meters) and a daunting 51% gradient at the "Starthang" section. The Streif is the site of the prestigious Hahnenkamm downhill ski race, a lifetime accomplishment for professional skiers who dare to conquer it.
However, you don't have to be a professional skier to appreciate the thrill of the Streif. Hiking the trail is a popular activity during late spring, summer, and early fall. The hike offers a glimpse into the famed Hahnenkamm race, with informative displays and film clips along the way that bring the race to life. The trail is varied, with steep sections, rocky terrain, narrow paths, and wildflower fields, providing a challenging yet rewarding experience.
As you hike, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the town and the surrounding mountains, including the Wilder Kaiser Mountains and the Kitzbuheler Horn. The trail also passes by several man-made lakes, which play a crucial role in the town's snow-making efforts, ensuring good snow cover throughout the winter. The hike can take anywhere from 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on your pace and how much time you spend exploring the various points of interest along the way.
The Streif LIVE Hike is a unique experience, offering impressive insights into the racing action. With state-of-the-art infotainment LCD portals, hikers can witness film sequences and flash animations that bring to life the excitement and challenges of the ski races. It's a chance to understand the multifaceted world of ski racing, from the calmness of the "Startschuss" to the exhilarating final jump of the "Zielsprung."
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Go to the two principal churches
If you're visiting Kitzbühel, you should definitely take a tour of the town's two principal churches, the adjacent Liebfrauenkirche and Pfarrkirche. These medieval churches are located in the heart of the town and are surrounded by the tranquil Bergfriedhof mountain cemetery. In the cemetery, you will find the graves of several well-known locals, including Peter Aufschnaiter, an Austrian mountaineer who took part in expeditions in Tibet and met the Dalai Lama. His grave is decorated with colourful Tibetan-style prayer flags and is a must-see.
Liebfrauenkirche, also known as St. Andrew's Church, features a 48-metre bell tower and a 13th-century tower. The adjacent Pfarrkirche, or St. Catherine's Church, was built between 1360 and 1365 and is a beautiful example of High Gothic architecture. It boasts a coppersmith altar and a striking high tower with a spire that is a well-known landmark in Kitzbühel. The carillon, a musical instrument made of bells, sounds at 11 am and 5 pm, filling the town with a beautiful melody.
In addition to these two principal churches, Kitzbühel is home to several other lovely churches, including the Protestant Christ's Church, built in 1962 by renowned architect Clemens Holzmeister. This church is known for its dramatic ornamentation and well-maintained grounds, making it a popular attraction for visitors. The surrounding cemetery is also worth a visit, as it offers a peaceful and picturesque escape.
Whether you're interested in architecture, history, or simply looking for a quiet place to reflect, a visit to the two principal churches of Kitzbühel is a must. Don't forget to contact the Kitzbühel tourist office to arrange a historic city tour, which can further enrich your experience and provide valuable insights into the town's rich cultural heritage.
Aside from its churches, Kitzbühel offers a wealth of experiences for visitors. Known as a legendary sports and recreation town in the Alps, it boasts remarkable ski infrastructure and hiking trails. The town also hosts several annual events, such as the Hahnenkamm Races, the Generali Open tennis tournament, and a music festival. With its colourful houses, quaint shops, and picturesque scenery, Kitzbühel is a charming destination that has something for everyone.
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Try the local cuisine
Kitzbuhel is a super nice and cozy town with lots of shops and restaurants. The town offers a variety of dining options, from charming Tirolean family-run eateries to renowned establishments.
Traditional Cuisine
If you want to try traditional Austrian cuisine, head to the Eggerwirt, located in the heart of Kitzbuhel near the town centre. The Eggerwirt has been serving traditional Tyrolean and Austrian food since 1658 and is the only inn in Kitzbuhel that has retained its original size and structure. The Alte Wacht in Jochberg is another great option for traditional Tyrolean hospitality. The quiet roof terrace is perfect for sunny days, and the cosy parlours will make you feel at home if the weather is not cooperating.
International Cuisine
For those craving international cuisine, KITZnBAR offers a casual dining experience with homemade sushi and a lively après-ski atmosphere. The restaurant also has one of the best rooftops in Kitzbuhel, just a five-minute walk from the Hahnenkammbahn cable car. If you are looking for a more elegant dining experience, the Hutschpferd Palais is known for its delicious cuisine and elegant ambiance. It offers a blend of traditional Tyrolean and international dishes that will satisfy both locals and tourists.
Fine Dining
For fine dining options, Cuisino Casino serves modern Austrian cuisine and has been praised for its steak selection. The award-winning Tennerhof Gourmet & Spa de Charme Hotel is another excellent choice, recognised with multiple international accolades.
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Take a dip in the Schwarzsee
The beautiful town of Kitzbuhel in Austria is a popular tourist destination, especially for skiers. However, there is much more to Kitzbuhel than just skiing. One such attraction is the famous Schwarzsee lake, located about 2 km west of Kitzbuhel in the Kitzbuheler Alpen. Schwarzsee is a moor lake with a black bottom and is counted among the warmest and most beautiful bathing lakes in the Alps. The water quality is excellent, and the panorama could not be more beautiful. With the spectacular Kaisergebirge mountain range in the background and parts of the shore designated as nature conservation areas, swimmers always have a wonderful view in front of them.
The lake is small but beautiful and is one of the warmest lakes in Austria. Because of its high moor content, it is said to have healing powers. The lake has a surface area of 0.16 square kilometres and a depth of up to 8 meters. The surrounding area, Bichlach, is characterised by gentle hills, woodland, and small lakes. Schwarzsee is an ideal place to take a dip, especially on a hot day, as there is plenty of shade and seating. The walk around the lake is pleasant and picturesque, with the lake surrounded by mountains.
The Schwarzsee campsite in Kitzbuhel offers numerous possibilities for all ages. The campsite has modern sanitary facilities, including hot water and hot showers, family and single washing booths, a disabled sanitary cell, a central gas connection, a ski room, a drying room, a crockery and washroom, a baby wash and changing room, and a children's playroom. The newly built rooms and suites in the main and adjoining buildings are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and all rooms have a bath or shower, WC, telephone, and cable TV, with some even having a balcony. The campsite also offers a high gastronomic level combined with down-to-earth cosiness in a family atmosphere.
During the summer months, campers can spend hours of pure regeneration in the wellness oasis, with an indoor pool, hot tub, kiddie pool, fitness room, and sauna world, including four different saunas. In the winter months, the indoor pool, hot tub, and saunas are still available for soothing regeneration.
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Frequently asked questions
Kitzbuhel is a picturesque mountain town in Austria, surrounded by lakes, wildflowers, and slopes. Here are some things you can do when visiting:
- Explore the old town centre (Innenstadt) on foot
- Visit the two principal churches of Kitzbuhel, Liebfrauenkirche and Pfarrkirche, and the surrounding Bergfriedhof mountain cemetery
- Go hiking on the Streif trail or the six-mile Weisskopfkogel ascent
- Visit the town of Fieberbrunn
- Take a dip in the adventure pools
- Try the local cuisine at Berggericht, one of Austria's 'Newcomers of the Year' in the 2023 edition of the Gault & Millau guide
Kitzbuhel has a lot to offer besides skiing. Here are some activities that don't involve skiing:
- Visit the Alpenhaus Restaurant and go hiking to the Schleier Waterfall (Schleierfall)
- Explore the medieval town of Rattenberg with its picturesque alleyways
- Visit the Imperial Palace and the Golden Roof in Innsbruck
- Take a historic city tour of Kitzbuhel, which may include a bugle serenade
- Go snowshoeing or indoor archery
- Visit the E3 Mountain Academy
Kitzbuhel offers several family-friendly activities, including:
- Toboggan runs
- Leisure parks
- High ropes courses
- Wildpark Aurach
You can reach Kitzbuhel by flying to Munich, Innsbruck, or Salzburg and then taking a train or hiring a car/private transfer.
