Kitzbühel

The Bichlalm sector offers a unique experience for ski tourers and freeriders, standing out as one of Kitzbühel's gems for off-piste enthusiasts. It's accessible via a dedicated 4-seater chairlift from the Bichlalm valley station. The area provides marked and secured ski touring routes, as well as expansive freeride terrain. Unlike the main ski circus, Bichlalm focuses on an uncrowded, natural snow experience, often requiring appropriate safety gear and expertise. It's a fantastic spot for those looking to earn their turns or explore untouched powder. The chairlift typically operates daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM during the main winter season, with day passes or specific touring tickets available.

Just a short drive from Kitzbühel, Wildpark Aurach is Austria's largest outdoor enclosure for native wild animals, situated at an altitude of 1,100 meters. Visitors can observe red deer, ibex, lynx, marmots, yaks, and many other species in their natural habitat. The park features an easy walking loop suitable for families and offers daily feeding times for deer. There's also a traditional Tyrolean 'Streichelzoo' (petting zoo) for children and a restaurant, Branderhofstube, serving local cuisine with panoramic views. Open year-round from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (seasonal variations), entrance fees apply.

Located in the heart of the town, Casino Kitzbühel offers a sophisticated entertainment option for evenings. Housed in the historic Hotel Goldener Greif, it provides a classic casino experience with roulette, blackjack, poker, and a wide selection of slot machines. The atmosphere is elegant, attracting both locals and tourists seeking a touch of glamour. Dress code is smart casual. Open nightly from 7:00 PM onwards, it frequently hosts special events and themed nights. Entry requires ID and participants must be 18+.

Beyond the general mountain biking, Kitzbühel is a paradise for dedicated road cyclists and e-bikers, with specific routes catering to these disciplines. The 'Gamsstadt Cycle Path' connects Kitzbühel with surrounding villages like Jochberg and Reith, offering a relatively flat, scenic route perfect for families and leisure riders. For more challenge, numerous e-bike specific charging stations are available along panoramic routes leading to alpine huts. Detailed maps and GPS tracks are provided by the tourist office, outlining routes like the 'Kitzbühel Horn Panorama E-Bike Tour' (challenging, with significant elevation gain).

Housed in Kitzbühel's oldest secular building, the 'Kaiserturm' (Emperor's Tower), this museum offers a deep dive into the town's rich history, from early settlement and mining to its evolution into a world-famous ski resort. It features fascinating exhibits on local culture, traditional costumes, ski history (including the Hahnenkamm Race's origins), and art. The museum provides an excellent rainy-day activity and helps visitors appreciate the heritage behind the modern resort. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (seasonal variations apply), with guided tours often available.

A beautiful and accessible hiking trail leading to the impressive Sintersbacher Waterfall, located near Jochberg, a short distance from Kitzbühel. The trail is of moderate difficulty, winding through forests and offering picturesque views of the cascade, which drops over several tiers. It's a popular choice for families and nature lovers, especially in summer and autumn when the falls are at their fullest and the surrounding nature is vibrant. The round trip takes approximately 2-3 hours. Access points are well-marked, and there's usually a small parking area nearby.

Kitzbühel is part of one of the largest and most renowned ski areas in the world, the Kitzbühel Alps. The local ski pass covers approximately 233 kilometers of perfectly groomed slopes, including 101 km of blue (easy), 61 km of red (intermediate), and 23 km of black (difficult) runs, plus 179 km of marked ski routes, serviced by 57 modern lifts. The area boasts dedicated snowparks, such as the Hornpark for freestyle enthusiasts, and numerous ski schools. The legendary Streif downhill course on the Hahnenkamm, with its notorious Mausefalle, Hausbergkante, and Zielsprung sections, is a bucket-list challenge for expert skiers (outside of race times) and a spectacle to behold. Ski season typically runs from early December to early April, often extending to mid-April on higher slopes.

Housed in the historic Lieferhaus, the Kitzbühel Museum offers a fascinating journey through the town's rich history, from prehistoric times and medieval copper mining to its rise as an internationally acclaimed winter sports resort. A dedicated section celebrates the legacy of the legendary Toni Sailer and the Hahnenkamm Race. The museum also features temporary exhibitions and provides insight into local art and culture. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Sunday 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM (check seasonal variations and holiday hours). Admission typically costs around €8-€10 for adults.

Just a few kilometers (approx. 2.5 km) from the town center, Schwarzsee is a stunning moor lake with remarkably warm water (reaching up to 25°C/77°F in summer), making it a popular spot for swimming and water sports. Surrounded by picturesque walking paths (approx. 3.5 km circumference), it offers opportunities for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, and electric boat rentals. The lake's dark, nutrient-rich water is said to have therapeutic properties. In winter, when frozen, it transforms into a natural ice-skating rink or a peaceful backdrop for winter walks. There are designated lido areas with changing rooms, sunbathing lawns, and lakeside restaurants.

The Hornbahn, a series of gondola lifts (Hornbahn I & II), transports visitors up the Kitzbüheler Horn mountain, reaching an altitude of approximately 1,996 meters (6,549 ft). This area is famous for its panoramic views of the surrounding Kitzbühel Alps, Wilder Kaiser, and even Grossglockner on clear days. In summer, it's home to the Alpine Flower Garden (Alpenblumengarten), showcasing over 300 species of alpine flora, and offers numerous family-friendly hiking trails. In winter, it provides access to gentler, sun-drenched slopes, making it ideal for families and beginners, as well as a popular snowpark. Operating hours typically 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with seasonal adjustments. A round trip ticket usually costs around €25-€30.

Kitzbühel is surrounded by an extensive network of over 500 km of marked hiking trails, catering to all abilities. From easy family-friendly paths around Schwarzsee or on the Hahnenkamm to more challenging multi-day treks into the Wilder Kaiser mountains, there's something for every level. Popular routes include the panoramic trail along the Kitzbüheler Horn (easy-moderate, 2-3 hours), the Ehrenbachhöhe to Pengelstein traverse (moderate, 4-5 hours), and various alpine routes into the dramatic Wilder Kaiser range (challenging, full day+). Trails are well-maintained, clearly signposted, and many are accessible via the summer operation of the ski lifts. Guided hikes are regularly offered by the tourism office.

With over 1,200 km of dedicated mountain bike trails, the Kitzbühel Alps are a premier destination for cyclists. Routes range from leisurely e-bike tours along river paths and gentle forest roads to demanding singletrack ascents and descents. The Hahnenkamm and Kitzbüheler Horn lifts offer bike transport, making uphill access easier and opening up more extensive trail networks. Notable trails include the challenging Kitzbüheler Horn circuit (difficult, approx. 40 km, 4-5 hours) and the more accessible Brixental valley cycle path (easy-moderate, variable length). Bike and e-bike rentals are widely available throughout the town, with prices typically ranging from €30-€60 per day.