Kitzbühel, Austria Travel Guide

Discover Kitzbühel: A charming blend of alpine adventure, rich history, and stunning natural beauty in the heart of the Austrian Alps.

Home
Travel Guides
Austria
Kitzbühel

Nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, Kitzbühel is a picturesque town that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and rich history. Known for its world-class skiing, Kitzbühel attracts winter sports enthusiasts from around the globe. The town's charming medieval architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and colorful buildings create an enchanting atmosphere that will captivate you at every turn. Beyond skiing, Kitzbühel boasts a variety of outdoor activities year-round. In the summer, the lush green meadows and towering peaks make it an ideal destination for hiking, mountain biking, and golfing. The pristine lakes and rivers provide opportunities for fishing and swimming, while the surrounding mountains offer breathtaking views and peaceful retreats. Kitzbühel is also a cultural hub, with a rich history dating back over 700 years. The town's museums and historic sites, such as the Kitzbühel Museum and the Church of Our Lady, offer a glimpse into its storied past. The local cuisine is a delightful mix of traditional Austrian dishes and modern culinary delights, making dining in Kitzbühel a memorable experience. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, Kitzbühel has something to offer every traveler.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Kitzbühel.

Visit during the Hahnenkamm Races in January for an unforgettable skiing spectacle.
Try the local specialty, Käsespätzle, at a traditional Austrian restaurant.
Purchase a Kitzbühel Card for discounts on local attractions and public transportation.
Explore the town on foot to fully appreciate its medieval charm and hidden gems.
Take a cable car ride to the top of the Kitzbüheler Horn for panoramic views.

Explore Kitzbühel: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Kitzbühel

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

Browse the full guide

All Attractions

Neues Schloss Herrenchiemsee

Explore the breathtaking Neues Schloss Herrenchiemsee, a stunning castle inspiring visitors with its opulent architecture and beautiful gardens in Bavaria.

4.7

Krimml Waterfalls

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Krimml Waterfalls, Europe’s highest waterfalls, nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps—an unforgettable natural wonder.

4.7

Kufstein Fortress

Explore the enchanting Kufstein Fortress, a historical treasure offering stunning views of the Alps and a rich cultural experience in Austria.

4.6

Pilgrimage Church of St. Bartholomew

Experience the breathtaking beauty and rich history of the Pilgrimage Church of St. Bartholomew on the shores of Lake Königssee, a true Bavarian gem.

4.7

Best landmarks in Kitzbühel

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

Browse the full guide

All Landmarks

Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel - KitzSki

Experience the breathtaking beauty and exhilarating adventure of the Austrian Alps at KitzSki, where world-class skiing and outdoor activities await.

4.5

Wildpark Aurach

Experience the beauty of Austria's wildlife at Wildpark Aurach, where nature and adventure await in the heart of the Tyrolean Alps.

4.6

Alpenhaus Kitzbüheler Horn

Experience the breathtaking Kitzbüheler Horn at Alpenhaus, where adventure meets Alpine cuisine in a stunning mountain setting.

4.3

A-ROSA Kitzbühel

Experience luxury and adventure at A-ROSA Kitzbühel, where the beauty of the Alps meets world-class hospitality and outdoor fun.

4.7

Best restaurants in Kitzbühel

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

Browse the full guide

All Restaurants

Rosi's Sonnbergstuben - Rosi's Alm Kitzbühel

Experience authentic Austrian cuisine at Rosi's Sonnbergstuben in Kitzbühel—where breathtaking views meet exceptional dining.

4.6

Huberbräu-Stüberl

Discover the taste of Austria at Huberbräu-Stüberl in Kitzbühel—where traditional cuisine meets warm hospitality.

4.5

Restaurant Anna - Kitzbühler Genuss Restaurant

Experience authentic Austrian cuisine in the heart of Reith bei Kitzbühel at Restaurant Anna - where tradition meets innovation.

4.7

Gipfelhaus am Kitzbüheler Horn

Discover Gipfelhaus am Kitzbüheler Horn: An Alpine Restaurant Offering Stunning Views and Authentic Austrian Cuisine.

4.4

Best bars in Kitzbühel

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

Browse the full guide

All Bars

CENTRO cafe bar restaurant

Discover the flavors of Italy at CENTRO Cafe Bar Restaurant in Kitzbühel, where great food meets a vibrant atmosphere.

4.0

The Londoner Kitzbühel

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of The Londoner Kitzbühel, a charming bar offering a wide selection of drinks and local flavors in the heart of the Alps.

4.2

Pipino's Cafe-Restaurant-Lounge

Discover the perfect blend of local and international cuisine at Pipino's Cafe-Restaurant-Lounge in Kitzbühel, where every meal is a culinary adventure.

4.4

O'Flannigans Irish Pub

Discover the heart of Irish culture at O'Flannigans Irish Pub in Kitzbühel, where lively sports, hearty meals, and great company await.

4.4

Best nightclubs in Kitzbühel

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

Browse the full guide

All Nightclubs

O'Flannigans Irish Pub

Experience authentic Irish culture at O'Flannigans Irish Pub in Kitzbühel, where traditional cuisine and lively entertainment await.

4.4

Jimmy's Dinner & Club

Unleash your nightlife adventure at Jimmy's Dinner & Club in Kitzbühel, where gourmet dining meets high-energy entertainment.

4.2

Fuchslöchl

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Fuchslöchl, Kirchberg's premier disco club, where music and fun come together in a lively atmosphere.

4.2

FÜNFERL – die BAR in Kitzbühel

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Kitzbühel at FÜNFERL, where expertly crafted cocktails and a lively atmosphere await you.

4.1

Best shops in Kitzbühel

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

Browse the full guide

All Shops

Kitz Galleria

Discover Kitz Galleria in Kitzbühel, a charming department store offering a unique blend of shopping, dining, and alpine beauty.

4.3

LOUIS VUITTON Kitzbühel

Explore luxury shopping at LOUIS VUITTON Kitzbühel, where elegance meets the stunning Alpine atmosphere, offering exclusive leather goods and fashion accessories.

4.4

Charisma on the town square Zell am See

Explore the charm of Charisma Gift Shop in Zell am See, where exquisite souvenirs, chinaware, and glassware await to capture your memories beautifully.

4.6

SPORTALM Store exclusive Kitzbühel

Explore the exclusive SPORTALM Store in Kitzbühel for premium sportswear and stylish clothing amidst stunning alpine beauty.

4.3

Explore Kitzbühel on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Kitzbühel, mapped for you.

Kitzbühel Essentials

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.

When is the best time to visit Kitzbühel?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Kitzbühel

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Kitzbühel. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- 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
  [Dray]
- 4Vier
  [Feer]
- 5Fünf
  [Foonf]
- 6Sechs
  [Zeks]
- 7Sieben
  [Zee-ben]
- 8Acht
  [Akht]
- 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)]

History of Kitzbühel

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.