Field Journal

Austria Uncovered: Kitzbühel
Written by Daniel Neilson with Max Riese
Produced in Partnership with Visit Austria

Fresh mountain air, crystal-clear water, majestic mountain ranges and green meadows – that’s summer freshness in Kitzbühel

Every summer, the Kitzbühel mountains open up a multitude of possibilities. Climbing the summits, hiking the trails, mountain, road and gravel biking, trail running – I know this is something we all hear a lot, but Kitzbühel genuinely has it all.  Take in the fresh mountain air, wonder at the flower-covered Alpine meadows, and enjoy a dip in the Schwarzsee lake. Then visit the world-class eateries, bars, and huts that make Kitzbühel such an appealing winter destination.

Where the locals play: Max Riese, ultra-distance athlete and gravel cycle enthusiast

‘If you’ve heard of Kitzbühel and the Kitzbühel Alps, you probably know them from the famous Hahnenkamm Race where fearless skiers attempt to conquer a steep piste at insane speeds, surrounded by 30,000 screaming spectators, followed by glamorous afterparties. The area is famous for skiing and winter sports, and I often venture to the Kitzbühel Alps for ski mountaineering myself. However, most people don’t know the Kitzbühel Alps for their vast possibilities in summer.

‘Summer in the Alps is gorgeous. It is green and warm in the valleys, the lakes invite you for a swim, and the mountains towering around you just beg to be explored. The thing that amazes me is just how much you can do in one day. No matter if you‘re into hiking, climbing, grinding up the Kitzbüheler Horn on your road bike, or venturing off-road with your (e-)bike or gravel bike, you can literally do it all here. It was a revelation to me the first time I decided to come here in summer, and I guess I’ve never really stopped.

‘You can probably tell that I’m amazed by the Kitzalps region for all things cycling. We have been on countless trips into the area, and honestly, I never stop exploring new places. With gravel and mountain bike, you can reach high Alpine landscapes and enjoy some local Jausn in a hut with breathtaking panoramas. And the way down? You choose: fast gravel roads or technical trails and bike parks, you will find them all with options for any level of rider.

‘What is that “Jausn” thing you talked about? You will think about Schnitzel, Knödel and Kaiserschmarrn when you think about Austria, right? If you need a break on a long day out in the Alps and you arrive at a hut, or even just at home, the best thing you can get is a platter of mixed cheese, sausages, and meat – or as we call it “Jausn”. Of course, all of them are local products, accompanied by bread, pickled vegetables, and mustard. It’s fast to prepare, tasty, and most of all you can take your time eating and watching the scenery, emptying the large plate piece by piece accompanied by a beer, wine, or lemonade and good conversation.

‘Do you want to embark on an adventure and discover the Kitzbühel Alps in four days on your bike? The Kitzbühel Alps has dozens of routes for mountain, gravel and e-bikes taking you to some of the most beautiful spots in the area with local huts, some amazing trails, and great places to spend the night. And you can even have your luggage transported day-by-day for you. If that is a bit too much, just consider a relaxed ride to Käsealm Straubing and enjoy some of the best Jausn in the area with the reward of beautiful views. The journey is as rewarding as the destination.

‘Where you really get to know the locals and the culture is through the food, in the relaxing huts when grabbing a bite to eat or drink. It’s how life is best lived in the Kitzbühel Alps. Spending your time in nature, enjoying good food, chatting about life and its beauty – and maybe ranting about the latest gossip in town? That’s what we call Lebensgefühl, the feeling of being alive. A way of life.

‘We can‘t wait to welcome you and show you how you can have it all in the Kitzbühel Alps!’

Get the Lebensgefühl feeling in Kitzbühel

As Max explained, Lebensgefühl is the feeling of being alive, a way of life. We’ve asked Kitzbühel Tourism how to get that feeling – and here are their top three things to do.

A summer full of joie de vivre
‘What do you get when you blend stunning mountains, authentic Austrian culture, music, friends, and good times? The answer: PURA VIDA every Thursday in the heart of Kitzbühel. In this delightful sports town, the vibrant energy can be seen, heard, and felt by everyone. The weekly town event during July and August offers a chance to enjoy a drink with friends, discover and participate in new activities, and truly immerse yourself in the community, no matter where your journey began.’

The Kitzbühel Summer Nights, held every Thursday night in July and August, light up the historic town centre under the name PURA VIDA Kitzbühel.

Fourth Kitzbühel Cycle Marathon
‘The Kitzbühel Cycle Marathon will be held for the fourth time in 2024. With a distance of 216km and 4,600m of ascent, it’s one of the toughest cycle challenges in the Alps. Cyclists start in Kitzbühel’s town centre and cycle over the Pass Thurn into Pinzgau, past the Krimml Waterfalls, and out of the Zillertal valley to Bruck. Expect steep passes, tight curves, and astounding views before the final climb up the Kitzbüheler Horn – a sharp and internationally known ascent of 875m, 18 hairpin bends, and a gradient of 22.3 per cent. Mountain bikers can also take part in the race, but must climb an additional 320m‘s of off-road terrain to the summit.’

The Mountain Breakfast Club
One surefire way to fully embrace the Lebensgefühl spirit is to wake up early and witness the sunrise over the Kitzbühel Alps. As the first rays of sunlight illuminate the peaks and the valley below remains shrouded in darkness, it’s a moment when you feel truly connected with the mountains, and getting up early suddenly makes sense. Following a morning hike to one of the numerous mountain huts, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views and an authentic alpine breakfast amidst the summits.

Facts about Kitzbühel

1,000km of hiking paths
Across the Kitzbühel Alps, there are more than 1,000km of signposted mountain trails, linking the many huts scattered across the area. Two summits not to be missed are the Kitzbüheler Horn and the legendary Hahnenkamm, home of The Streif.

800km of bike trails
With over 80 tours and trails around Kitzbühel, many conveniently accessed by cable car, mountain bikers, road cyclists, and e-tourers will discover ample routes to enjoy throughout the week. For those seeking a multi-day challenge, the region is part of the renowned Gravel-Austria-Route.

38 mountain lifts
There are 38 gondola cable cars and chairlifts for visitors to use, ideal for reaching those special mountain huts and summits, with most accepting bikes too.

16 mountain huts
Taste the best produce of Tirol in the mountain huts to be found throughout the region. Enjoy wonderful food such as the local cheese and meat board known as Brettljause, or the sweet, fluffy dumplings called Germknödel, all with views over the meadows and peaks of the Alps.

Swimming lakes
The Schwarzsee is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Alps, surrounded by thick forests and huge peaks, as is the calm and secluded Gieringer Weiher. There are also a variety of pools and swimming lakes to be found throughout the region.

Mountain Experiences

Mountain running
Kitzbühel is known as the running paradise of the Alps, with 170km of trails, 23 signposted routes, and 11 unique trails – from short beginner routes to mountainous pro trails high in the hills. The same trails are also popular with nordic walkers exploring the region.

Summit hikes in Kitzbühel
Discover the best vantage points in the Tyrol by hiking to some of the highest summits in the Kitzbühel Alps. The classic 9-Summit Tour follows the ridgeline of the Southern Mountains and takes approximately 11 hours to complete. Alternatively, a rewarding trek to the Bishof (The Bishop) offers incredible views of Kitzbühel and the surrounding area.

Hike along the legendary Streif
This world-famous downhill skiing course is a highlight for skiers each winter, and in summer it becomes a popular hiking trail. Whether you’re a ski enthusiast or not, the amazing views and access by gondola make it a bucket list activity.

Mountain bike trails
From the top of the Hahnenkamm lift (1,712m), drop into the Hahnenkamm Trail. At 7.2km, it’s Tyrol’s longest flow trail and combines sweeping turns with forest adventures. For those less experienced, the easier Sonnenrast Trails with their purpose-built skills park provide the perfect starting point.

Paragliding in Kitzbühel
Experience the Streif from above during a tandem paragliding flight with Element3. The bird’s-eye view lets you truly live the Alps.

Mountain Huts

Hahnenkammstüberl
Known for its easy access, sunshine terrace, and beautiful views, the Hahnenkammstüberl is a local favourite. You HAVE to try the region’s best blueberry pancakes!

Bichlalm
Head to the Bichalm for fantastic food and the best views of the Southern Kitzbühel Alps. This beautiful wooden lodge serves some of the finest cuisine in the region, and you can even enjoy a sauna with a view.

Hornköpfl
If it’s Tirolean specialities that you are looking for, and frankly, why wouldn’t you, then find your way to the Hornköpflhütte. Located on a sun plateau next to the Hornköpflsee, the hut is set against the imposing backdrop of the Kitzbüeheler Horn.

Seidlalm
Seidlalm is one of the most traditional mountain huts in the area and is located next to one of the most famous downhill ski runs in the world. In summer, glorious green pastures surround the hut in all directions. All food is sourced from local producers, supporting regional sustainability.

Kitzbühel events for 2024

Pura Vida Kitzbühel (July 4th to August 22nd, 2024)
Every Thursday between July 4th and August 22nd, the Kitzbühel Summer Nights showcase the creativity, culture, and culinary delights of the region. Pura Vida Kitzbühel includes live music, a colourful parade, drinks, good food, and good times.

KITZ Kulinarik (August 30th to 31st, 2024)
KITZ Kulinarik is a celebration of the local producers, restauranteurs, and mountain hut owners who turn the historical town centre into a ‘festival of pleasure’.

Fourth Kitzbühel Cycle Marathon (September 8th, 2024)
Now in its fourth year, the Kitzbühel Cycle Marathon has become one of the most challenging races in Alps. And new for this year’s race, competitors have the choice of an alternative finish, saving themselves from the brutal uphill climb that is the Kitzbüheler Horn.

For more information, visit www.austria.info and follow @kitzbuehel_tirol
Produced in Partnership with Visit Austria // @visitaustria