Why this Austrian Alpine town makes the ultimate summer weekend break

In skiing circles, there are few destinations more famous than Kitzbühel, best known for the hair-raising Hahnenkamm downhill ski race — a test of speed and courage that draws crowds of around 50,000 each January. But once the snow melts, this picturesque mountain town is arguably more alluring, with a medieval town centre that provides character and culture in spades. Speckled with wildflowers, cloaked in summer greens and punctuated with turquoise lakes, the surrounding slopes also offer plenty to explore, whether you’re a hiker, biker or swimmer. And it's all easy to reach too — the town is served by Innsbruck, Salzburg and Munich airports, making it an ideal short break option for visitors from the UK. Here’s how to make the best of a three-day stay.

Day 1: a gentle start

Morning
As soon as you set foot on the cobbled Vorderstadt, you’ll realise this is no ordinary mountain resort. Kitzbühel has a long and storied history, most evident in the medieval architecture that dominates its pedestrianised core. The towering, 14th-century church of Katharinenkirche is the most obvious example, but peek around to the handsome white hotel behind it and you’ll find the Goldener Greif, which dates back to 1270. This sophisticated hotel was once a stable, in the days when Kitzbühel was a staging post on the road to Venice. After a cup of coffee, it’s time to browse Kitzbühel’s most eye-catching shops. Frauenschuh is the town’s very own deluxe fashion brand, while Gössl is the place for lederhosen and dirndls. Nearby, you’ll also find several bakeries and delis in which to stock up on lunch.

Afternoon
Kitzbühel’s favourite swimming lake is the Schwarzsee, one-and-a-half miles from the heart of the town. Thankfully, this is no normal glacial Alpine dip — the waters here average 21 degrees in summer and have been known to reach up to 27. Head to the Alpenhotel Kitzbühel, which has its own diving platforms on the lake and is easily reached by train or bus from town. Or for a real sense of serenity, take a picnic to the meadows to the north and make the most of the invigorating Alpine air. 

Evening
It won’t surprise you to learn that Kitzbühel’s summer nightlife is relatively relaxed, particularly compared to its apres-ski scene. But wander the town’s historic core and you’ll soon find a bar to suit your mood. Try the Reisch Bar for cocktails, or the Leo Hillinger wine bar for a cool, crisp glass of Austrian white.

Day 2: hit the heights

Morning
Kitzbühel is home to over 600 miles of hiking trails, many of which make use of the resort’s off-duty ski lifts. A highlight is the six-mile Weisskopfkogel ascent, which rises steadily through fresh summer pastures, before sharpening into a breathtaking ridge walk on the final approach to the summit. If you don’t know where to start, join one of the free guided hikes organised throughout the week by both KitzSki and Kitzbühel Tourismus, or hire a private guide for a more bespoke experience.

Afternoon
Kitzbühel offers plenty of opportunities to continue the outdoor adventures after lunch, but this time on two wheels. For road cyclists, the area offers around 750 miles of well-maintained routes, from the Kitzbüheler Horn — Austria’s steepest bike route — to gentler lakeside options. Mountain bikers will be in their element, too, with countless MTB tours and singletracks for all abilities. And summer provides the prime opportunity to tackle the iconic Hahnenkamm on two wheels rather than two skis. The four-and-a-half-mile Hahnenkamm Bike Trail is a local favourite, thanks to its natural terrain features and playful passages. Legs tired from all the activity? Hire an e-bike instead and take on one of the area’s many waymarked circuits, such as the 17-mile Rettenberg Runde, which runs through lush farmland and into neighbouring Reith, where picturesque cafes provide welcome refreshment.

Evening 
Kitzbühel’s culinary scene has few rivals in the Austrian Alps and there’s no better time to put it to the test than after a day’s Alpine activity. Berggericht — right in the middle of town — is the prime pick for gastronomes, named one of Austria’s ‘Newcomers of the Year’ in the 2023 edition of the Gault & Millau guide.

Day 3: rest and relax

Morning
On Sundays, forgo the lie-in for a one-hour class at Naturlich Yoga, which takes place on a large wooden platform at the Bio Yoga Hof, just outside Kitzbühel. Then, head for a well-earned pampering at one of the town’s many luxurious hotel spas, such as Spa-Rosa at the A-Rosa hotel. A World Spa Award winner among Austrian resorts for 2023, this stunning spot is home to five saunas and a magnificent two-level pool room.

Afternoon
There’s no better way to end your stay in Kitzbühel than with a meal on the terrace of a mountain restaurant, with hearty Austrian food on your plate and unparalleled Alpine views rolling out from the edge of your table. If time is short, squeeze in a meal at Hochkitzbühel on the Hahnenkamm — a quick gondola ride from town. Here, dishes such as goulash soup, wiener schnitzel and apple strudel come with an eyeful of the Kitzbüheler Horn or the Grossglockner — Austria’s highest mountain.