Austrian mountain retreat offers an idyllic summer getaway
Kitzbühel, a picturesque town nestled in the Austrian Alps, offers a plethora of warm-weather activities for visitors seeking adventure, culture, and relaxation.
Hiking is a popular pursuit in Kitzbühel, with the Kitzbühel Alps providing stunning Alpine scenery and abundant wildlife. Notable natural sights like the Schleier Waterfall along the Rettenbach river offer beautiful backdrops for hiking. The Bergbahn Kitzbühel summer cable cars facilitate easy access to hiking and mountain biking areas, making exploration a breeze.
Golf enthusiasts will find Kitzbühel a favored summer destination, with several courses in the area complementing the outdoor experience. The Golfclub Kitzbühel, located on the grounds of Kaps Castle, is a notable choice. Kitzbühel-Schwarzsee-Reith and Eichenheim Kitzbühel-Aurach are two main golfing hotspots, and the town boasts four championship golf courses within a five-minute drive of the town center.
In addition to hiking and golf, Kitzbühel offers a range of activities for all ages. Avid climbers flock to the area for challenging routes and canyoning opportunities. For those seeking a more leisurely pace, the Red Bull Golf course at the Rasmushof Hotel, situated at the foot of the Hahnenkamm mountain, offers a unique golfing experience.
Families can enjoy outdoor adventures in nature parks, while biking enthusiasts can explore the Hahnenkamm Flow Trail, a long bike trail in Kitzbühel. For a taste of local culture, the Jahrmarkt festival, held annually on the first Saturday in August, enlivens the town center with brass bands, music groups, bars, stalls, shooting galleries, and family attractions.
Music lovers can look forward to the Kitzbühel Music Festival, an opera-inclined event held in July, and the Kitzbühel Klassik, a rock-laden festival held in August. Foodies will delight in KITZ Kulinarik, a food festival held at the end of August, and the Schatzi café, serving cosy streetside kaiserschmarrn.
The historic old town, with its ornate buildings like the Hotel Goldener Greif, previously an old Tyrolean inn, and the Grand Tirolia Hotel Kitzbühel, offering one of the area's most luxurious spas, is a must-visit. The St Catherine's church features striking stained glass, while the Pfarrkirche St Andreas is a rococo chapel.
For those seeking a touch of luxury, Tennerhof is an award-winning restaurant set within a Relais & Châteaux Alpine property, and Les Deux serves modern French dishes, earning it one of Kitzbühel's two Michelin-starred restaurants.
The Kitzbühel Alpenrallye, a vintage car rally held in June, and Schlagerbooom, a pop-heavy festival also held in June, add to the town's vibrant summer events calendar. The Austrian Beach Volleyball Championships, from September 5 to 7, 2025, offer visitors elite beach volleyball matches, free sundowner parties, youth training sessions, and camping at Lake Schwarzsee.
The Kitzbühel-Schwarzsee-Reith and Jochberg swimming pools, with a waterslide and a separate baby wading pool, provide refreshing relief after a day of activities. For those seeking a touch of adrenaline, Element3 offers tandem paragliding in Kitzbühel.
Visitors can also delve into the region's history at the Museum Kitzbuhel, which takes visitors through the region's history, from Bronze Age mining to skiing offerings. Mocking das Wirtshaus, located at the foot of the Streif downhill ski slope, has received a Michelin Bib Gourmand award.
In conclusion, Kitzbühel offers a rich combination of outdoor pursuits such as hiking and golf, supported by scenic lifts, alongside vibrant cultural and sporting events during the warm season. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, an adrenaline junkie, or a nature lover, Kitzbühel has something for everyone.
Hiking and mountain biking in the Kitzbühel Alps, with their Alpine scenery and abundant wildlife, provide opportunities for nature enthusiasts. Golfers searching for a serene setting can tee off at the Golfclub Kitzbühel on the grounds of Kaps Castle.For those seeking a taste of local culture, the Jahrmarkt festival in August transforms the town center with brass bands, music groups, and family attractions.Travelers interested in history can explore the Museum Kitzbuhel, which showcases the region's history from the Bronze Age to skiing offerings, or dine at Mocking das Wirtshaus, a Michelin Bib Gourmand award-winning restaurant located at the foot of the Streif downhill ski slope.
