Kitzbühel: The Alpine Jewel of Austria

• HelloServus
  [Zer-voos]
• GoodbyeAuf Wiedersehen
  [Owf Vee-der-zay-en]
• YesJa
  [Ya]
• NoNein
  [Nine]
• Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [Bit-teh]
• Thank youDanke
  [Dank-eh]
• Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [Ent-shool-dee-gung]
• How are you?Wie geht es Ihnen?
  [Vee gayt es Een-en]
• Fine. And you?Gut. Und dir?
  [Goot. Oont deer]
• Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?
  [Spre-khen Zee Eng-lish]
• I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [Ick fair-shtay-he nikt]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch würde gerne die Speisekarte sehen, bitte
  [Ick vur-deh gern-eh dee Shpy-ze-kart-a zay-en, bit-teh]
• I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [Ick ess-eh kine Fly-sh]
• Cheers!Prost!
  [Prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bitte bezahlen
  [Ick merkht-eh bit-teh bez-ah-len]

• Help!Hilfe!
  [Hil-fa]
• Go away!Gehen Sie weg!
  [Gay-en Zee vayg]
• Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [Roof-en Zee dee Po-leet-sigh]
• Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [Roof-en Zee i-nen Ahr-tst]
• I'm lostIch habe mich verirrt
  [Ick hah-buh meesh fair-eert]
• I'm illIch bin krank
  [Ick been krank]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möchte kaufen...
  [Ick merkht-eh kow-fen]
• I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [Ick sh-ow-eh noor]
• How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?
  [Vee feel kost-et es]
• That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [Dass ist tso toy-er]
• Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?
  [K-ern-en Zee den Pry-s zank-en]

• What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [Vee shpayt ist es]
• It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [Es ist iyn oor]
• Half past (10)Halb (zehn)
  [Hahlb (tsayn)]
• MorningMorgen
  [Mor-gen]
• AfternoonNachmittag
  [Nah-mit-tahg]
• EveningAbend
  [Ah-bent]
• YesterdayGestern
  [Ges-tern]
• TodayHeute
  [Hoy-teh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [Mor-gen]
• 1Eins
  [Iyns]
• 2Zwei
  [Tzvey]
• 3Drei
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• 4Vier
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• 5Fünf
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• 6Sechs
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• 7Sieben
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• 8Acht
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• 9Neun
  [Noy-n]
• 10Zehn
  [Tsayn]

• Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?
  [Vo ist iyn/der]
• What's the address?Wie lautet die Adresse?
  [Vee loo-tet dee Ah-dres-seh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir das zeigen (auf der Karte)?
  [K-ern-en Zee meer duss tsay-gen (owf der Car-teh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wann fährt der nächste (Bus)?
  [Vann fairt der nakhs-teh (Boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ....)
  [Iyn-eh Fahr-kar-teh (nahkh)]

Kitzbühel's history dates back to the Bronze Age, around 1100 BC, when the Illyrians first settled in the area. The name 'Kitzbühel' was first mentioned in a document from the Chiemsee monastery in the year 1165, where it was referred to as 'Chizbuhel'. The name is derived from 'Chizzo', a Bavarian clan leader, and 'Buhel', meaning hill.

In the 12th and 13th centuries, Kitzbühel flourished due to its strategic location on important trade routes. The town became known for its metal and mining industries, particularly the extraction of copper and silver. By the 14th century, Kitzbühel had grown into a prosperous market town with a well-fortified castle and walls.

In 1504, Kitzbühel came under the control of Emperor Maximilian I of the Habsburg dynasty. This marked the beginning of a period of stability and economic growth, as the town benefited from the protection and trade policies of the Habsburg Empire. During this time, Kitzbühel became known for its vibrant markets and fairs.

The 16th and 17th centuries saw significant religious and cultural developments in Kitzbühel. The town's parish church, St. Andreas, was renovated and expanded during this period. Religious art and architecture flourished, and the town became a center for Baroque culture in the region.

The 19th century brought significant changes to Kitzbühel. The town's economy shifted from mining to tourism, driven by the construction of the railway in 1875, which connected Kitzbühel to major cities like Innsbruck and Salzburg. This transformation laid the foundation for Kitzbühel's future as a premier tourist destination.

Kitzbühel's rise as a world-famous ski resort began in the early 20th century. The first ski club was established in 1902, and the Hahnenkamm mountain became a popular skiing destination. The annual Hahnenkamm Races, which started in 1931, are now one of the most prestigious events in the world of alpine skiing.

During World War II, Kitzbühel was occupied by German forces and served as a military base. The town suffered minimal damage compared to other regions, allowing it to recover quickly after the war. The post-war period saw a resurgence in tourism, with Kitzbühel re-establishing itself as a top ski resort and summer vacation spot.

Today, Kitzbühel is renowned for its blend of historic charm and modern amenities. The town successfully preserves its rich cultural heritage while offering luxury accommodations, fine dining, and world-class sports facilities. Kitzbühel continues to host major international events, attracting visitors from around the globe.

Kitzbühel is located in the Tyrol region of Austria. The nearest international airport is Innsbruck Airport, approximately 95 kilometers away. Salzburg Airport is another option, located about 80 kilometers from Kitzbühel. From these airports, you can take a train or rent a car to reach Kitzbühel. The Austrian Railway (ÖBB) provides regular train services to Kitzbühel from major cities like Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck. If you prefer driving, the town is accessible via the A12 and B170 highways.

Kitzbühel is a compact town, making it easy to explore on foot or by bicycle. Local buses operated by VVT (Verkehrsverbund Tirol) provide convenient public transportation within the town and to nearby villages. Taxis are also readily available. If you wish to explore the surrounding alpine areas, renting a car is a convenient option. Kitzbühel's train station connects you to other parts of Austria and neighboring countries.

The official currency in Austria is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Kitzbühel. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available throughout the town where you can withdraw cash using your debit or credit card.

Kitzbühel is generally a very safe destination for tourists. Violent crime is rare, but petty theft such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. It is advisable to take standard precautions such as keeping your belongings secure and being aware of your surroundings, especially during busy events like the annual Hahnenkamm ski races. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Kitzbühel has a local police station and medical facilities, including a hospital. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in town for over-the-counter medications and minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress appropriately for the weather, especially if engaging in outdoor activities. Smart casual attire is acceptable in most places. Avoid overly casual clothing in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, particularly in religious settings. Cover your head and shoulders when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding. Don't put your feet on seats or eat large meals on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact. A friendly 'Grüß Gott' is a common greeting. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like Tyrolean Gröstl and Käsespätzle. Don't rush through meals; dining is often a leisurely experience.

To experience Kitzbühel like a local, visit the weekly farmer's market to buy fresh produce and artisanal goods. Take a leisurely stroll through the charming old town with its medieval architecture. Engage with locals at traditional Austrian cafés and try Apfelstrudel or Sachertorte. For an authentic alpine experience, hike the scenic trails around the Kitzbüheler Horn and Hahnenkamm mountains. Winter sports enthusiasts should not miss the famous Hahnenkamm ski race held annually in January.