A Tyrolean Town Where Heritage Meets the Streif
Kitzbühel is a medieval town in the Austrian state of Tyrol, set among the Kitzbühel Alps and known for its beautifully preserved centre, its ski heritage and the Hahnenkamm races, one of the most celebrated events in the ski calendar. It lies about 760 metres above sea level, with the Hahnenkamm and the Kitzbüheler Horn rising above it. The town received its charter in the 13th century, and brightly painted houses, arcaded lanes and a gothic parish church give the centre an easy, storybook charm.
Winter sport is part of its identity. The Streif, the Hahnenkamm downhill course, hosts the Hahnenkamm races each January, turning the town into a festival of speed and spectators, and the ski area of around 230 kilometres of pistes is linked by lifts to nearby villages. In summer, the same hills turn green, with Lake Schwarzsee, golf courses and mountain trails drawing walkers and cyclists. Nearby, St Anton has a more rugged, mountaineering mood, while St Moritz shares its blend of heritage and polish.
Alpine Lakes, Lanes and Tyrolean Tables
Kitzbühel suits a wide range of visitors. The old town's lanes, known as the Vorderstadt and Hinterstadt, hold boutiques, cafés and traditional inns, and Lake Schwarzsee, a short drive away, is a favourite for summer walks and lakeside lunches. Tennis, golf and mountain biking are all part of the sporting calendar. The Kitzbüheler Horn offers sweeping views across the Tyrolean Alps, while the Hahnenkamm cable car gives access to some of the best skiing and walking in the region.
The table is classically Tyrolean: Kaiserschmarrn, a fluffy shredded pancake, Tiroler Gröstl, a pan of potatoes and bacon, dumplings and hearty mountain soups. Local hotels range from family-run guesthouses to grand lodges, and the restaurant culture reflects the town's long hospitality tradition. A tourist board can use the town's festivals, sporting heritage and old-town charm to reach both winter and summer visitors, and Cortina d'Ampezzo in the Italian Dolomites offers a natural next stop.
Read the full Kitzbühel guide on Visit Travel Group, or see VisitKitzbuhel.co.uk on Visit Travel Group.