Kitzbühel Tyrol | All Info for a Visit in Winter and Summer

Kitzbühel is a charming and luxurious resort town located in the northeast of the Tyrol region, not far from the border with Germany. The town is situated in the heart of the Kitzbühel Alps and is surrounded by green peaks in summer and snowy peaks in winter. Its strategic location between the cities of Salzburg and Innsbruck and its proximity to the German border make it especially accessible and popular all year round (and especially in winter). About 8,000 residents live in the town, but it is filled with tourists all year. Kitzbühel is considered one of the most popular ski centers in Austria and a magnet for many millionaires and celebrities (over 100 millionaires reside in the town). In summer, a variety of cable cars operate, leading to peaks that offer spectacular views of the entire area.

The Story of Kitzbühel

Settlement in the Kitzbühel area began during the Bronze Age because the area was rich in useful metals like copper. Over the centuries, it passed between Bavarian and Tyrolean control, and in the Middle Ages, it was granted city status and boasted a fortified wall. Over time, it became an important trading center thanks to its strategic location between the Thurn Pass and the Chiemgau region in southern Germany. In the 19th century, with the connection of the railway line between Salzburg and Tyrol, a major economic and tourism boom began.

During World War II, the town was a popular recreation spot for members of the Nazi party. The town was hardly damaged during World War II, and its historic buildings were preserved intact.

Throughout the 20th century, the town developed and became a beloved and popular place for the area’s rich and famous. Furthermore, the world of skiing flourished in Kitzbühel during this period, and to this day, the town is considered one of the best ski centers in Austria, with excellent ski resorts and international competitions held there.

Recommended Accommodations in Kitzbühel

In the town of Kitzbühel and the surrounding villages, there are over 300 different accommodation options, from hostels for young people to the most luxurious hotels. We have compiled 10 recommended accommodations based on traveler and local recommendations.

If the recommended places on this list are not suitable for you or are fully booked, don’t worry! You can check out additional excellent accommodations in the Kitzbühel area.

Kitzbühel Weather Throughout the Year

Kitzbühel enjoys an alpine climate with clear seasons. This is the typical weather throughout the seasons in Kitzbühel:

Winter (December–February)

Very cold with average temperatures between $-7^{\circ}C$ and $-3.7^{\circ}C$, and cold peaks at night up to $-7.4^{\circ}C$. During this period, there is a lot of snow, especially on the mountain peaks. These are the months of the ski season in this area.

Spring (March–May)

Warms up gradually, from an average temperature of $2.4^{\circ}C$ in March to $12.5^{\circ}C$ in May. Spring can still be quite rainy, but the landscapes become green and inviting for nature trips.

Summer (June–August)

Pleasant and warm, with average temperatures of $15^{\circ}C–17^{\circ}C$ and daily peaks around $21^{\circ}C–24^{\circ}C$. This is the ideal time for nature trips, cycling, and outdoor attractions. Summer is considered the wettest season, especially in July and August, so it is important to plan accordingly.

Autumn (September–November)

Gradually cools down – September is still pleasant ($12.6^{\circ}C$ on average), but November is cool ($1.7^{\circ}C$). Autumn offers spectacular fall foliage views and less tourist crowds, but you should take into account the drop in temperatures and occasional rain.

Clothing Advice: The best way to dress for a trip to Kitzbühel (and Austria in general) is the “onion” method (layering). Several layers will definitely help you cope properly with the changing weather. In summer, it is important to bring an umbrella and a rain jacket. Good walking shoes are essential for any trip in the natural areas of Kitzbühel.

Live Cams Advice: If you are unsure about the weather in the area on your arrival day, it is worth checking the live cameras from the site. With the help of the cameras, you can know exactly how the visibility is in this area and whether it is raining or heavily snowing.

Attractions in Kitzbühel and its Surroundings

The center of Kitzbühel is definitely picturesque and includes cobblestone streets, colorful alpine-style buildings, boutique shops, cafes, and local restaurants. The main streets in the center are Vorderstadt and Hinterstadt, alongside the Rathausplatz (Town Hall Square), which serves as a center for events and cultural life. Among the main points in the town are the central church Katharinenkirche, St. Andreas Church, the Kitzbühel Museum, and the historic city fountain Stadtbrunnen. Leading up to Christmas, the town is decorated with ornaments and lights, and the atmosphere is romantic and pleasant.

In addition, there are many more attractions in the town, on the surrounding peaks, and in the nearby villages. You can easily spend several days in this area, whether for skiing or nature hiking on the peaks—depending, of course, on the season you visit.

These are all the recommended attractions in winter and summer:

Recommended Winter Attractions – Skiing, Snowboarding, and Lots of Snow

KitzSki Resort

One of the most impressive ski and snowboard resorts in the world awaits you in Kitzbühel. This ski resort has:

58 modern cable cars that allow easy access to every corner of the resort.
233 km of ski runs, 181 km of which are marked, including:
- 46 blue runs (94 km)
- 32 red runs (67 km)
- 18 black runs (20 km)
More than 60 huts and restaurants along the mountains offering a delicious stop with a breathtaking view.
10 areas with free training lifts for beginners or families with children.
A free bus service for anyone holding a valid ski pass.

The ski resort has a children’s area called Kinderparadies which offers a fun snow experience with a variety of slopes adapted for children. Another special experience is Bärenland – a slope with life-size carved wooden bears, which offers children a slalom course, “dwarf” gates, and fun obstacles that develop balance and skiing skills.

Besides skiing and snowboarding, there are additional winter activities including snowshoe hiking trails, cross-country skiing, sledding, and other games suitable for all ages.

Essential Information for a Visit to the Kitzbühel Ski Resort:

Kaiserbad Ellmau – Spa and Relaxation

This pool complex has a spa area with a variety of saunas and relaxation rooms. The complex has several types of saunas and a small heated pool. After a day of skiing in the cold, you can come and enjoy the warm saunas here. Note: Part of the sauna complex is clothing-optional (full nudity).

Website.

Recommended Summer Attractions

The Kitzbühel area is simply one big nature park. This area has countless hiking trails, cycling paths, bathing opportunities, and outdoor attractions. The popular attractions in this area are:

1. Recommended Cable Cars

In the Kitzbühel mountain region, there are about 58 cable cars (about 11 operate in the summer). There are a few recommended cable cars that allow you to easily and quickly reach the impressive peaks and enjoy exceptional alpine views.

Hornbahn I+II This closed cable car consists of two sections and reaches the peak adjacent to Kitzbühel (1,664 meters). You can also take the Horngipfelbahn cable car from the middle station, which reaches a higher peak at an altitude of 1,966 meters. Both peaks have organized hiking trails and spectacular views. Operating Times
Hahnenkammbahn This closed cable car reaches an altitude of 1,650 meters. From the upper station, a world of hiking trails, cycling, and most spectacular viewpoints unfolds. Several recommended hiking trails start here. Operating Times
Panoramabahn This cable car starts from the Hollersbach im Pinzgau village area and reaches 1,896 meters. The views from the peak are beautiful (some say the most beautiful views of this entire area are seen from this peak). At the peak, there are many hiking trails, a play area for children next to the lake, a restaurant, and a thrilling tubing area. More information about cable car area.

2. Lakes and Bathing Spots

In the Kitzbühel area, there are many wonderful lakes for a refreshing swim in the summer months against the backdrop of the Alpine peaks.

Schwarzsee (The Black Lake) – The Popular Lake in the Area Located between Kitzbühel and the town of Reith, this is one of the most beautiful swimming lakes in the Alps. Its emerald-green waters, from the nature reserve, warm up in summer to a pleasant temperature of $27^{\circ}C$ – making it one of the warmest lakes in Tyrol. You can take an easy walk around the lake and enjoy the spectacular view of the Wilder Kaiser mountain range, sail in electric boats, or relax at the Alpenhotel am Schwarzsee.
Going This lake repeatedly wins the title of the most beautiful natural swimming lake in the entire Tyrol region. It is filled by spring water flowing from the peaks of the Wilder Kaiser mountains. The water temperature in summer can reach $24^{\circ}C$. The adjacent complex has a long slide and a play area for children.
Gieringer Weiher Located in the heart of the Bichlach nature area, this picturesque small lake offers a lovely view of the Alpine peaks. The water temperature in summer is warm, and the lake is excellent for a refreshing swim.
Hinterstein Another alpine lake with crystal clear water of drinking quality. The water temperature is lower (about $20^{\circ}C$ in summer) and is suitable for those who don’t mind cold water. Entry to the lake involves a fee.

Other Bathing Options:

Bichlachbad: A bathing area with slides and fun facilities for children and a large lawn.
Kirchberg Swimming Lake: This place has a heated outdoor pool, a swimming complex for children and toddlers, fun slides, a play area, ping-pong tables, and a beach volleyball court. Parking is free.
Aquarena Pool Complex: An indoor pool complex in the heart of Kitzbühel with a play area for children.

3. Hiking Trails in Nature

Throughout the Kitzbühel area, there are no less than 1,000 kilometers of marked hiking trails for all levels. You can take easy walks around the lakes and villages or go on challenging treks toward the mountain peaks.

Recommended Hiking Trails:

The Trail around the Black Lake: An easy hiking trail, about an hour long.
The Trail circling the popular Horn Peak: A two-hour trail with amazing views, accessible via the Horngipfelbahn cable car. In the summer, you can ride the cable car before sunrise and enjoy breakfast on the peak.
The Thrilling Steif Hiking Trail: Adapted for children, this trail has 9 stations with educational information about Kitzbühel’s skiing world. It starts from the upper station of the Hahnenkamm cable car and takes about an hour.
The 4 Lakes Trail: A medium-level trail along 4 beautiful alpine lakes (about 4 hours), starting from the upper station of the Hahnenkamm cable car.
The Gebra Trail: A challenging trail (about 6 hours) towards the Gebra peak, offering the most beautiful views of the entire area. It starts from the Bichlalm upper cable car station.

Interactive Map Advice: If you want to discover more trails in the area, it’s worth using the interactive map of Kitzbühel.

4. Cycling

About 80 marked cycling paths are scattered throughout the Kitzbühel mountain area. The diverse trails are suitable for mountain bikers, road cyclists, and e-bikers of all levels. If you are a cycling enthusiast, it is worth renting a bike and taking it up the cable car to the mountain peaks to enjoy the marked trails and breathtaking views. Recommended cycling route in area.

5. Hornpark Ropes Course

This is a large and challenging adventure park in the Alps near Kitzbühel. The park is located next to the middle station of the Harschbichlbahn cable car, which leaves from the center of the village St. Johann in Tirol. It is located next to a wonderful lake, and from the complex, you can see the magnificent views of the Wilder Kaiser mountain range. The park has about 11 courses and a variety of challenges, including a course on the lake (the longest high-ropes experience in the Alps), a zip line, and an area for small children. More information about Ropes Course.

6. Alpaca Farm

The Alpaca farm in Kitzbühel offers a unique and enjoyable experience, especially with the gentle Alpaca animals. The farm offers guided walking trails accompanied by the Alpacas. You can walk the trail alongside the Alpacas and enjoy the charming views. Additional information (German)

Additional Summer Attractions

If you are looking for more adventure experiences, you can enjoy paragliding, rafting, canyoning, mountain carting, golf, padel tennis, or horseback riding. For more information.

Culinary

In Kitzbühel and the surrounding villages, there is a wide range of culinary options in the small restaurants and simple inns in the area. In this place, don’t forget to eat the traditional local dishes, which are usually delicious and reasonably priced.

Regional Benefit Cards

1. Regional Benefit Card

This benefit card is provided free of charge to guests staying in one of the tourist areas surrounding Kitzbühel – Hohe Salve, Brixental, St. Johann in Tirol, and Pillerseetal. The card grants free travel on public transport in the area and a variety of discounts on various attractions. The card also grants discounts on cable car stations when purchasing the regional ski card – Kitzbüheler Alpen Sommer Card. More information about this discount card.

2. Kitzbühel Area Ski Card – Kitzbüheler Alpen Sommer Card

This card includes free access to all 39 cable cars throughout the Kitzbühel Alps area. The card is available for purchase at one of the participating cable car stations. If you plan to go up to the peaks multiple days, purchasing this card will be worth it. The card is valid for about 11 cable cars marked in the Kitzbühel area. Comprehensive information about the summer ticket.