Top Excursions in Kitzbühel
Most people know Kitzbühel from winter, at least all Austrians are familiar with the world-famous Hahnenkamm ski run, the Streif. Holidaymakers in Kitzbühel have access to 53 cable cars and lifts in the local ski area, as well as 170 kilometers of slopes, plus 32 kilometers of cross-country ski trails for cross-country skiers.
But the sophisticated little town is also worth a visit in summer/autumn, as there is a lot to discover here. There are 120 km of trails to explore by mountain bike and 500 km by hiking boots.
We have a a few tips for you in the Kitzbühel area compiled:
Astbergsee
The lake is becoming increasingly popular, especially on Instagram. Many people have probably seen the bench by the reflecting lake (and wondered why it is upside down). The view of the Wilder Kaiser is definitely overwhelming.
How do you get there? You can either take a cable car up there, or you can park at the Brenneralm in Ellmau and then it's about a 10-15 minute walk. In any case, you can walk around the lake itself in a few minutes.
Tip: go early in the morning or late in the evening, then it is the calmest and you get a nice reflection. Also then there are not so many people posing in front of the bank 😉
Kitzbühel city
The city centre, the so-called "Gamsstadt" is worth a stroll, as it is largely free of cars. The very attractive town centre is still partly surrounded by an old castle wall. The houses are all beautifully maintained and colourfully restored. You can see straight away that money is at home here, as you will find a large number of exclusive shops and cafés.
In 2021, the city will celebrate 750 years of Kitzbühel.
Hahnenkamm
What would Kitzbühel be without the famous Hahnenkamm? The Hahnenkamm cable car takes you directly from the town up the mountain. The journey takes around 15 minutes. Numerous hiking trails lead from the mountain station. From all trails you have a breathtaking view of the Reutte valley basin and the Tannheimer valley. Numerous alpine pastures and huts are easily accessible after a short walk. Most have a children's playground, so that even the little ones can experience plenty of adventure.
Hüttenrunde #23/, Ehrenbachhöhe
We complete the big hut tour number 23 (it's not called hut tour for nothing). The view is beautiful. Again and again we come across cows grazing peacefully in the surrounding alpine pastures. The path is asphalted, so you can safely take the stroller with you. We even meet people in wheelchairs.
After about half an hour the route forks at the St. Bernhard Chapel, but all paths lead to Ehrenbachhöhe. We decide to take the middle path and after a short climb we reach the small reservoir, or rather, Ehrenbachhöhe reservoirThere are benches all around for resting. Finally, we stop at the “Berghaus Tirol” hut.
Hahnenkamm-Streif hike
We can also recommend hiking down the most famous and at the same time most difficult and dangerous ski run in the world - the Hahnenkamm run, better known as the StreifNaturally, our hike begins at the start house. From here you have an incredible view of the surrounding mountains and Kitzbühel. Here you can find a detailed report.
Schwarzsee
With a summer temperature of up to 27 degrees, the Schwarzsee is the warmest moor lake in Tyrol and therefore a particularly popular bathing lake. No wonder, as it is only 7m deep. When we arrive at the end of June, however, it is only a cool 19°. Nevertheless, we are immediately impressed by the beautiful lake, as it is nestled among other things by the Kaiser Mountains.
Don't be fooled by the name, because the lake is of course not black, but rather shimmers emerald green. There is a public beach here and right next to it you can also rent boats, pedal boats and SUPs.
Tip: We can especially lake circuit which can even be done with a stroller. It takes a good half hour to walk around the lake.
