Top Things To Do In Kitzbuhel: Beyond Skiing & Snowy Slopes

An image of the alpine village of Kitzbühel showcasing the things to do in Kitzbühel.

Kitzbühel, Austria, is known for its world-class skiing. However, beyond skiing, there are many other things to do in Kitzbuhel. The town has a rich history and a lively atmosphere, making it a great place to visit throughout the year. Visitors can walk through the Old Town, ride cable cars, visit museums, or hike the trails around Kitzbüheler Horn and Hahnenkamm. This guide covers everything you need to know about exploring Kitzbuhel, from one of the best things to do in Kitzbühel to must-visit sites, helping you plan a well-rounded trip.

Top 10 Things To Do In Kitzbuhel

Here’s a curated list of the top things to do in Kitzbühel, Austria, ensuring an unforgettable experience on your next Tyrolean adventure.

1. Explore The Historic Old Town

An image of Kitzbühel, exploring its Old Town is one of the top things to do in Kitzbühel.

Photo: Bbb / Wikimedia Commons

Walking through Kitzbühel’s Old Town is a step back in time. The cobbled streets are lined with centuries-old buildings painted in warm colours, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Small shops, traditional cafes, and family-run restaurants add to the experience. Highlights include the Gothic-style St. Catherine’s Church and the Kitzbühel Museum, which tells about the town’s history. The Old Town is compact, which makes it easy to explore on foot. Seasonal events, such as Christmas markets in winter and outdoor concerts in summer, bring additional reasons to visit this area throughout the year.

Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: Morning or late afternoon
Location: Kitzbühel, Austria

2. Take The Hahnenkamm Cable Car

Enjoy breathtaking alpine views as you ride the Hahnenkamm Cable Car in Kitzbühel, Austria, reaching scenic peaks and hiking trails.

Photo: Kim Skipper Eriksen / Wikimedia Commons

The Hahnenkamm Cable Car transports visitors to a high-altitude area popular among skiers and hikers. Trails lead to various viewpoints from the top, which offer wide landscapes of the region. The cable car station houses a museum displaying memorabilia from the legendary Hahnenkamm downhill race. Visitors can explore walking paths in the summer, while winter guests can watch or participate in winter sports. A mountain restaurant serves local dishes, making it a good stop for refreshments before heading back down.

Ideal Trip Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
Entry Fee: Approximately ₹2,500 for adults
Best Time To Visit: Spring to autumn for hiking, winter for skiing
Location: Hahnenkamm, Kitzbühel, Austria

3. Discover The Kitzbühel Museum

An Image of the Kitzbühel Museum: visiting it is one of the great things to do in Kitzbühel.

Photo: Böhringer Friedrich / Wikimedia Commons

The Kitzbühel Museum provides insight into the town’s history and cultural evolution. The museum houses artefacts from Kitzbühel’s mining past, as well as exhibits on the rise of skiing in the region. Visitors can see paintings by Alfons Walde, a local artist known for depicting Alpine life. A section of the museum explores how Kitzbühel became a top ski resort, featuring old skiing gear and photos from past competitions. The museum is housed in a historic building that once served as a granary.

Ideal Trip Duration: 1 hour
Entry Fee: Approximately ₹700 for adults
Best Time To Visit: Year-round
Location: Kitzbühel, Austria

4. Hike Around The Kitzbüheler Horn

An image of the Kitzbüheler Horn, hiking here is one of the popular things to do in Kitzbühel.

Photo: Leukentaler / Wikimedia Commons

The Kitzbüheler Horn is a well-known mountain with hiking trails of varying difficulty. A cable car can take visitors partway up, where they can then walk to the summit or explore the Alpine Flower Garden. The trails pass through meadows, rock formations, and stunning sites, making hiking here one of the best things to do in Kitzbühel. For experienced hikers, there are longer routes that offer a more challenging ascent. Cyclists also use the trails, and paragliders take off from designated launch areas.

Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Entry Fee: Free (cable car fees apply, approximately ₹2,200 for adults)
Best Time To Visit: Late spring to early autumn
Location: Kitzbüheler Horn, Austria

5. Unwind At The Aquarena Spa

An image of the sauna visible at the Aquarena Spa and Leisure Centre in Kitzbuhel.

Photo: Max Vakhtbovycn / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Aquarena Spa is a wellness facility that offers pools, sauna areas, and relaxation spaces. Visitors can soak in heated pools, enjoy hydrotherapy treatments, or book a massage session. The sauna section has different temperature options, including infrared saunas and steam baths. Families can use the swimming areas, while adults can enjoy quiet relaxation lounges. The spa is a good retreat after a long hike or a day outdoors. The facility also includes a health-focused restaurant that serves fresh juices and light meals.

Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Entry Fee: Approximately ₹1,500 for adults
Best Time To Visit: Year-round
Location: Kitzbühel, Austria

6. Visit Wildpark Aurach

An image of ducks visible in the Wildpark Aurach, with greenery and mountains in the background.

Photo: Dguendel / Wikimedia Commons

Wildpark Aurach is a nature park where visitors can observe native Alpine wildlife in a calm environment. The park has large areas which are home to many species like deer, ibex, wild boar, and other species that roam through natural landscapes. There is a petting area where children can interact with smaller animals like goats and rabbits, which makes it one of the famous things to do in Kitzbühel. Walking trails run through the park, leading to designated feeding zones where guests can watch animal feedings. .

Ideal Trip Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
Entry Fee: Approximately ₹1,200 for adults
Best Time To Visit: Spring to autumn
Location: Aurach, near Kitzbühel, Austria

7. Walk Around Schwarzsee Lake

An Image of Schwarzsee Lake with greenery around and mountains in the background.

Photo: MartinPutz / Wikimedia Commons

Schwarzsee Lake is a natural lake with mineral-rich waters, attracting swimmers, paddleboarders, and walkers. In summer, designated swimming areas make it a popular spot for cooling off. A well-maintained walking path around the lake offers soothing spots to stop and rest in the surroundings, which makes it one of the great things to do in Kitzbühel. Rowboats and paddle boards are available for rent, and in winter, ice skating is possible when the lake freezes over.

Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: Summer for swimming, autumn for scenery
Location: Schwarzsee, near Kitzbühel, Austria

8. Experience The Kitzbühel Film Festival

An image of people gathered, participating in the Kitzbühel Film Festival.

Photo: Johannes Kogler / Wikimedia Commons

The Kitzbühel Film Festival showcases a selection of independent films, attracting both filmmakers and movie enthusiasts. Screenings take place at different venues throughout town, with panel discussions and Q&A sessions held alongside the main events. Attendees can watch international and Austrian productions, including documentaries and short films. The festival provides opportunities to meet directors and actors, making it a cultural highlight in Kitzbühel’s event calendar and one of the popular things to do in Kitzbühel.

Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 3 days
Entry Fee: Starting at ₹1,000 per ticket
Best Time To Visit: August
Location: Kitzbühel, Austria

9. Visit The Schleier Waterfall

An image of the Schleier Waterfall, with mountains, trees and people hiking visible.

Photo: Ironbernietyrol / Wikimedia Commons

The Schleier Waterfall is a well-known hiking destination near Kitzbühel. The path leading to the waterfall winds through wooded areas and rocky terrain, making the walk an enjoyable experience. Water flows down a rock face, creating a misty effect as it crashes onto the rocks below. The site is popular among rock climbers due to the challenging climbing routes on the surrounding cliffs, which make it one of the top things to do in Kitzbühel. Visitors often bring picnics and sit near the base of the falls to enjoy the sound of the rushing water.

Ideal Trip Duration: 2 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: Spring to early autumn
Location: Near Kitzbühel, Austria

10. Try Ice Skating At Sportpark Kitzbühel

 An image of an ice skater skating, similar to ice skating in Sportpark Kitzbühel.

Photo: Darya Sannikova / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Sportpark Kitzbühel has an indoor ice rink where visitors can skate regardless of the season. The rink is open to the public, with rental skates available for those who don’t have their own. The facility also hosts ice hockey games and figure skating performances. Skating lessons are offered for beginners, making it a good activity for families. In addition to the ice rink, Sportpark has a bowling alley, a rock climbing wall, and fitness areas, giving visitors several options for entertainment under one roof.

Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Entry Fee: Approximately ₹1,000 per person
Best Time To Visit: Year-round
Location: Sportpark Kitzbühel, Austria

This destination offers a mix of history and outdoor activities and there are plenty of things to do in Kitzbuhel. From exploring the Old Town to relaxing at a spa or hiking in the mountains, visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions. Each season brings different activities, from skiing in winter to swimming in summer. Book your trip with TripXL and enjoy all the wonders that Kitzbuhel has to offer.

Cover Photo: Kitzbühel / Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

Kitzbühel is great for skiing from December to March, while summer months from June to September are ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.
Tyrolean Gröstl (potato and meat dish), Wiener Schnitzel, Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake), and Apfelstrudel are popular regional specialties.
The Hahnenkamm ski race in January, the Kitzbühel Film Festival in August, and Christmas markets in December are some of the most popular events.
Yes, most people working in tourism, restaurants, and hotels speak English, making it easy for visitors to communicate.
Yes, rental shops offer skiing, hiking, and biking equipment, with several stores located near major activity areas.

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