Kitzbühel – a historic Alpine town and world-famous winter sports destination

Kitzbühel is one of Austria’s best-known holiday destinations. The Tyrolean town combines more than 750 years of urban history with an impressive Alpine landscape, international winter sports, upscale hotels and traditional Austrian hospitality. Kitzbühel is particularly famous for the Hahnenkamm race on the Streif, which is considered one of the most important and demanding events in Alpine skiing.

However, the town known as the “Gamsstadt”, or “Chamois Town”, has much more to offer than winter sports. A historic old town, ancient churches, museums, hiking trails, bathing lakes, golf courses, traditional inns and numerous events make Kitzbühel an attractive year-round destination. At the same time, the town successfully combines its long history with a modern and, in some areas, exclusive tourism offering.

Geographical location, federal state and population

Kitzbühel is located in the north-east of the Austrian federal state of Tyrol and is also the administrative centre of the district of the same name. The town lies in the heart of the Kitzbühel Alps, between the Hahnenkamm to the west and the Kitzbüheler Horn to the east. The town centre is situated at an altitude of around 761 metres above sea level.

The municipal area covers approximately 58 square kilometres and extends from the densely developed town centre to forests, Alpine pastures, lakes and high mountain areas. In 2025, Kitzbühel had approximately 8,280 inhabitants. Although the town is comparatively small, it has an exceptionally high level of international recognition.

During the main holiday seasons, the number of people staying in Kitzbühel rises considerably, as many tourists, seasonal workers and owners of holiday homes arrive in the town. Its location among gentle grass-covered mountains, wooded slopes and distinctive peaks shapes the appearance of the entire region.

In addition to the town of Kitzbühel itself, the tourism region also includes Aurach bei Kitzbühel, Jochberg and Reith bei Kitzbühel. Despite its Alpine location, the town is easily accessible by rail and is within reach of the airports in Salzburg, Innsbruck and Munich.

Origins and early history

The history of the Kitzbühel area reaches much further back than the foundation of the medieval town. Archaeological discoveries show that mining was already taking place in the surrounding area around 3,000 years ago. Copper ore in particular was highly important to the people of the Bronze Age.

Today, the Museum Kitzbühel displays finds and information from this early period. It documents a history of settlement and economic activity that dates back to around 1300 BC.

One of the earliest written references to the town dates from 1165. A document mentions a man named “Marquard von Chizbuhel”, who probably lived in a fortified building in the area of the present-day Pfleghof Tower. Over the centuries, the place name developed from “Chizbuhel” into the modern spelling Kitzbühel.

On 6 June 1271, Duke Ludwig II of Bavaria, known as “the Strict”, officially granted Kitzbühel town rights. The settlement was fortified and served as an important Bavarian stronghold close to the borders of other territories. It was not until the beginning of the 16th century that Kitzbühel permanently became part of Tyrol and therefore came under Habsburg rule.

Mining, trade and cultural prosperity

For many centuries, mining formed an important economic foundation for the town. Silver and copper in particular brought prosperity during the early modern period. Craftsmen, merchants, miners and administrative officials settled in Kitzbühel.

The town’s economic importance was reflected in prestigious town houses, churches and works of art. Many buildings in the historic centre date in their basic structure from the Middle Ages or the early modern period. Late Gothic façades, Baroque interiors and former sections of the town fortifications still recall this prosperous era.

After mining lost its importance, Kitzbühel became a rather modest provincial town during the 19th century. A decisive turning point came with the connection to the Austrian railway network in 1875. Visitors from other parts of the Austro-Hungarian Empire could now reach the town much more easily.

From health resort to winter sports centre

At first, travellers mainly visited Kitzbühel during the summer months. They came to relax in the mountain landscape and to enjoy hiking and mountaineering. The town’s real rise as a winter sports destination began during the 1890s.

Franz Reisch is regarded as an important pioneer. In January 1893, he completed one of the first documented ski descents from the Kitzbüheler Horn. In the years that followed, ski lessons were offered, winter sports clubs were founded and the first races were organised.

The first Hahnenkamm race took place in 1931. What began as a largely regional competition developed into one of the most prestigious ski races in the world. The downhill course on the Streif includes famous sections such as the Mausefalle, Steilhang, Hausbergkante and the final jump, all of which place extreme demands on the racers. The slalom is traditionally held on the Ganslernhang.

After the Second World War, the successes of the so-called Kitzbühel Ski Miracle Team played a major role in establishing the town’s international reputation. Toni Sailer in particular became a symbol of Austrian skiing. At the same time, modern cable cars, hotels, restaurants and leisure facilities were developed.

Today, Kitzbühel is not only a winter sports destination but also a year-round centre for hiking, cycling, golf, tennis, wellness, culture and events.

Sights and excursion destinations

Kitzbühel offers numerous sights and excursion destinations that allow visitors to experience both the town’s history and its Alpine landscape. The most important attractions include:

• The historic old town: Vorderstadt and Hinterstadt form a particularly attractive and well-preserved townscape with colourful façades, small squares, cafés, shops and traditional inns.
• St Andrew’s Parish Church: The church rises above the town centre and, with its distinctive tower, is one of Kitzbühel’s most important historic buildings.
• The Church of Our Lady: Located directly next to St Andrew’s Parish Church, it is particularly notable for its tall tower and historic interior.
• Museum Kitzbühel: The museum is housed in a former granary and a tower of the old town fortifications. It presents the history of the region from the Bronze Age and mining period to the development of modern winter sports.
• The Alfons Walde collection: A special section of the museum is dedicated to the painter and architect Alfons Walde. His winter mountain landscapes strongly influenced the international image of Tyrol.
• The Hahnenkamm: Kitzbühel’s local mountain is a popular excursion destination in both winter and summer. The Hahnenkamm cable car takes visitors comfortably into the mountain landscape.
• The Streif: Outside the winter season, sections of the world-famous race course can be explored on foot and viewed from several lookout points.
• The Kitzbüheler Horn: The mountain offers hiking trails, mountain restaurants, an Alpine flower garden and numerous viewpoints overlooking the Kitzbühel Alps and the Hohe Tauern.
• Schwarzsee Lake: This moorland lake is located about two kilometres west of the town centre and is considered one of the warmest bathing lakes in Tyrol. It is ideal for swimming, walking and relaxing.
• The Bichlalm: This hiking area is known for its peaceful location, natural trails and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
• Aurach Wildlife Park: Located only a few kilometres from Kitzbühel, the park allows visitors to observe native and Alpine animals such as deer, lynx, ibex and yaks.
• Golf courses and cycling routes: The region offers several golf courses as well as numerous mountain bike, e-bike and road cycling routes.

Altogether, the region offers more than 1,000 kilometres of hiking trails and a large network of cycling and mountain biking routes. In winter, guests can enjoy more than 230 kilometres of ski slopes in the KitzSki area.

Tourism and annual visitor numbers

Official tourism statistics distinguish between guest arrivals and overnight stays. During the 2025 winter season, the municipality of Kitzbühel recorded approximately 109,600 guest arrivals and around 404,500 overnight stays.

During the summer season, a further 109,500 guest arrivals and approximately 323,000 overnight stays were recorded. This means that the town registered around 219,000 guest arrivals and approximately 727,500 overnight stays during the full tourism year.

It is important to note that one person may be counted several times as an arrival if they visit Kitzbühel more than once. Day visitors and guests attending major events such as the Hahnenkamm race are not fully included in overnight accommodation statistics.

The winter season remains particularly important to Kitzbühel. At the same time, the town has successfully established itself as a four-season destination. Hiking, golf, cycling, wellness, cultural events and Schwarzsee Lake also attract many visitors during the summer and autumn.

Famous personalities

Kitzbühel is the birthplace and home of numerous well-known athletes, artists and cultural figures. The most important personalities include:

• Toni Sailer: Born in Kitzbühel in 1935, the ski racer won three gold medals at the 1956 Winter Olympics. He became a seven-time world champion and later also worked as an actor, singer and sports official.
• Hansi Hinterseer: Born in Kitzbühel in 1954, the former ski racer became internationally successful as a folk and pop singer, actor and television presenter after ending his sporting career.
• Ernst Hinterseer: Hansi Hinterseer’s father was also a successful ski racer. He won the gold medal in the slalom at the 1960 Winter Olympics.
• Alfons Walde: The painter, graphic artist and architect was born in 1891 in Oberndorf near Kitzbühel and lived in the town for many years. His paintings of snow-covered mountain landscapes, skiers and Tyrolean farmhouses made Kitzbühel famous around the world.
• Anderl Molterer: The ski racer was a member of the famous Kitzbühel Ski Miracle Team and won numerous international races.
• Christl Haas: The skier, who grew up in Kitzbühel, became Olympic downhill champion in 1964.
• Klaus Sulzenbacher: The Nordic combined athlete won several Olympic medals and was one of Austria’s most successful winter sports athletes of his generation.
• Markus Gandler: The cross-country skier, who was born in Kitzbühel, won a silver medal at the 1998 Winter Olympics.
• Lisa Hauser: The biathlete from the region became a world champion and achieved numerous successes in the Biathlon World Cup.
• Benedikt Anton Aufschnaiter: Born in Kitzbühel in 1665, the composer and conductor was an important representative of Baroque music.

Kitzbühel is also known as a second-home destination and regular holiday retreat for numerous prominent figures from the worlds of sport, film, music and business. However, their exact places of residence are often not publicly disclosed in order to protect their privacy.

Typical food and drinks

Kitzbühel’s cuisine combines traditional Tyrolean home cooking with modern gourmet cuisine. Typical specialities served in inns, mountain huts and restaurants include:

• Tiroler Gröstl: Fried potatoes with meat, onions and often a fried egg.
• Kaspressknödel: Flat, pan-fried dumplings made with strongly flavoured cheese, served in soup or with salad.
• Speckknödel: Savoury dumplings made with Tyrolean bacon, usually served in broth or with sauerkraut.
• Kasspatzln: Small pieces of soft egg pasta served with melted cheese and fried onions.
• Gerstlsuppe: A hearty soup made with pearl barley, vegetables and often smoked meat.
• Blattln with sauerkraut: Thin potato dough cakes fried in fat and traditionally served with sauerkraut.
• Tyrolean Brettljause: A cold platter with bacon, mountain cheese, sausage, farmhouse bread, butter and pickles.
• Kaiserschmarrn: Torn, lightly caramelised pancake, usually served with plum compote or apple sauce.
• Kiachl: Deep-fried yeast dough pastries served either sweet with cranberries or savoury with sauerkraut.
• Moosbeerschmarrn: A regional version of shredded pancake prepared with blueberries.
• Apple strudel: Thin strudel pastry filled with apples, raisins, cinnamon and sugar.

Typical drinks include:

• Tyrolean beer
• Austrian white and red wine
• Apple juice and regional fruit juices
• Buttermilk
• Herbal tea made with Alpine herbs
• Fruit brandy
• Herbal schnapps
• Williams pear brandy
• Apricot schnapps

Many restaurants in the town combine these regional dishes with modern culinary techniques. As a result, Kitzbühel’s gastronomic offering ranges from simple mountain hut meals to award-winning gourmet restaurants.

Typical souvenirs

Popular souvenirs from Kitzbühel often feature the mountains, winter sports and the famous Kitzbühel chamois. Typical souvenirs include:

• Magnets featuring the Kitzbühel chamois
• Key rings with chamois, skiing or cable car designs
• Mugs and glasses featuring the word “Kitzbühel”
• Postcards showing the old town, Hahnenkamm or Streif
• Snow globes with winter sports and mountain motifs
• T-shirts, jumpers, hats and caps with the Kitzbühel logo
• Fabric bags and backpacks featuring the Kitzbühel chamois
• Miniature gondolas and models of cable car cabins
• Cowbells and small wooden handicrafts
• Hand-carved figures
• Art prints and postcards featuring works by Alfons Walde
• Books about Kitzbühel and the Hahnenkamm race
• Tyrolean bacon and mountain cheese
• Honey and jam from the region
• Chocolate and pralines with Kitzbühel designs
• Herbal schnapps and regional fruit brandies
• Wool products such as slippers, socks and felt hats

The Kitzbühel chamois is particularly widespread. It is regarded as the symbol of the town and appears on numerous products, advertising materials and items of clothing.

Conclusion

Kitzbühel is much more than an exclusive ski resort. Its combination of medieval history, traditional culture, impressive mountain scenery, international top-level sport and Tyrolean lifestyle gives the town a unique character.

In winter, the Streif, the Hahnenkamm race and the extensive ski area attract visitors from around the world. In summer, hiking, cycling, golf, swimming and nature experiences take centre stage. At the same time, the historic old town, with its churches, town houses and narrow streets, preserves the memory of Kitzbühel’s long history as a mining and trading town.

Traditional dishes, regional drinks, famous personalities and souvenirs featuring the Kitzbühel chamois also contribute to the town’s reputation as one of the best-known and most attractive holiday destinations in the Alps.