Kitzbühel is pure Alpine glamour. Famous for the legendary Hahnenkamm race and the notorious Streif, one of the toughest downhill runs in the world, the town attracts winter sports enthusiasts and celebrities alike.
In summer the warm Schwarzsee, more than 1,000 km of hiking trails, canyoning and cosy taverns all beckon. The historic old town charms with medieval flair, surrounded by gourmet restaurants and designer boutiques.
Top Highlights of Kitzbühel
Popular activities
Kitzbühel is internationally famous as a winter sports centre. With 233 kilometres of slopes and 58 lifts, the ski area really does offer perfect conditions.
But from May to September the region, with more than 1,000 km of hiking and cycling trails, offers plenty of activities for active travellers. Here are a few ideas for your trip.
Canyoning in the Taxaklamm near Kössen
Find tours on CheckYeti.
Popular hikes
- Hahnenkamm Panorama Trail
- Schwarzsee lakeside loop
- Walk through the Alpine Flower Garden on the Horn
Hahnenkamm Panorama Trail (1.5 hours)
Schwarzsee loop
Especially in summer, the 2 km circular walk around the is lovely. It takes only about 1 hour (20 min to the lake; 30 min for the loop). Pack a picnic and take a dip in the moor lake. It is warmer than you might expect and the natural minerals are good for the skin.
We also recommend lunch at the Alpengasthaus restaurant.
Travel info
How many days do you need for Kitzbühel?
The region is ideal for active travellers. Stay one to three days to experience Kitzbühel with two day trips. Or, use Kitzbühel as a base for hikes, bike rides and trips around the area. In that case you can easily spend a full week here.
Kitzbühel itself is compact and a stroll through the centre takes about one to two hours. Grab a coffee, browse the exclusive boutiques and treat yourself to a fine dinner.
Best time to visit Kitzbühel
Summer activities: June to August
Hiking and cycling: May to September
Winter sports: December to March
Spring (May to June)
From May the season starts with average temperatures of 2 to 12 °C, and May and June are also the rainiest months.
Ideal for active pursuits such as hiking and cycling.
Event: Kitzbüheler Alpenrallye in June (classic cars)
Summer (July to August)
In summer it is pleasantly warm with highs around 20 °C. Popular activities include swimming at the Schwarzsee and walks on the panorama trails on the Horn and Hahnenkamm.
The Schwarzsee is considered the warmest moor lake in Tyrol, reaching up to 27 °C in summer.
Events: At the end of July the Generali Open draws tennis fans.
Autumn (September to October)
In autumn you get clear long range views, it is quieter than in summer and many mountain huts are still open.
Pleasant conditions for gentle outings and easy summit trails.
Winter (December to March)
Winter is peak season in Kitzbühel thanks to the KitzSki area.
Events: The Hahnenkamm race in January is the highlight of the year. For one weekend Kitzbühel turns into an international sports stage.
Getting around Kitzbühel
The entire old town of Kitzbühel is a pedestrian zone. City buses (operated by Stadtwerke Kitzbühel in cooperation with VVT and ÖBB Postbus) run frequently with stops at the Hahnenkamm, the Hornbahn and the Schwarzsee, among others.
Two stations: Kitzbühel, Kitzbühel Hahnenkamm on the Salzburg Tyrol line
Mountain lifts: Hahnenkammbahn and Hornbahn
Getting there
Airport
From Salzburg (SZG) about 80 km
by train via Salzburg Hbf and St. Johann in Tirol to Kitzbühel, usually 2 to 2.5 hours
From Innsbruck (INN) about 95 km
by train via Wörgl to Kitzbühel, often 1.5 to 2 hours
From Munich (MUC) about 160 km
S Bahn to München Ost, then via Kufstein or Wörgl to Kitzbühel, about 2.3 to 2.7 hours
Train
Innsbruck 1.1 to 1.5 hours
Salzburg 2 to 2.4 hours
Munich 1.8 to 2.7 hours
Car and parking
The centre is a pedestrian zone and closed to traffic. There is ample parking around the centre. For mountain access the valley stations offer additional spaces.
Information on e charging stations at the Stadtwerke Kitzbühel.
Parking in Kitzbühel
- Im Gries close to the centre, access to the pedestrian zone via Kitz Galleria
- Pfarrau large car park on the edge of the centre
- Hornbahn valley station ideal for the ascent to the Kitzbüheler Horn
Day trips from Kitzbühel
Innsbruck
Tyrol's capital combines a medieval old town with Alpine flair. Between the Golden Roof and the colourful houses it is a relaxed place to wander before the Nordkette cable car lifts you high above the rooftops in minutes. Museums and markets round off the day.
Getting there: Train from Kitzbühel direct or via Wörgl to Innsbruck Hbf
More in the Innsbruck guide.
Zell am See
Stroll along the lakeside promenade and take a boat tour of the lake. The Schmittenhöhebahn carries you to over 2,000 metres for far reaching views of the glaciers of the Hohe Tauern. In winter Zell am See offers a lively ski scene with an international vibe.
Getting there: Regional train via Saalfelden or Leogang to Zell am See
Kufstein
The mighty fortress shapes the small town on the Inn and gives it a medieval face. Around the arcade square you will find cafes and small shops, and in cosy inns you can enjoy the cuisine of Vorarlberg.
Getting there: Regional train via Wörgl to Kufstein
More in the overview of Kufstein.
St. Johann in Tirol
Half day · 7 to 15 min by train
The small market town lies picturesquely in front of the Wilder Kaiser. Around the main square cafes and shops line up, ideal for a short break. With more time you can start easy hikes or bike routes into the Bichlach right from here.
Getting there: Regional train from Kitzbühel to St. Johann in Tirol
Restaurant recommendations
- Rosi’s Sonnbergstuben fine view and Tyrolean classics above the town
- Eggerwirt down to earth in the centre, a Kitzbühel institution
- Huberbräu Stüberl cosy inn with regional dishes and Tyrolean specialities
Shopping
You will find exclusive boutiques and small makers in the Kitzbühel pedestrian zone, which stretches from the Vorderstadt to the Church of Our Lady and St Andrew's Church.
The Kitz Galleria is a modern shopping arcade that links the Im Gries district directly with the pedestrian zone in the Vorderstadt.
History
From a medieval mining town, Kitzbühel became a summer resort in the nineteenth century and a ski town in the twentieth. The Hahnenkamm races began on the legendary Streif in 1931. The Kitzbühel Museum preserves the history of winter sports and the town, including works by the artist Alfons Walde, who shaped the image of Tyrol.