Kitzbühel: vacation for body, mind and soul

Vacation in Austria? A few weeks ago, at the beginning of the lockdown, it was out of the question for guests from Germany. But since June 4, the Alpine Republic has reopened its borders to all neighboring countries – with the exception of Italy. German vacationers can look forward to almost normal summer holidays in the neighboring country. Less than 50 kilometers from the border, the Gamsstadt Kitzbühel is nestled between the Hahnenkamm and the Kitzbüheler Horn.

With its 57 cable cars and lifts, 92 ski slopes and 1,000 kilometers of hiking trails, they and their surroundings are a true Eldorado for outdoor fans – and connoisseurs. Because between top athletic performances in idyllic nature, the Tyrolean community has a unique attitude towards life that has a lot to offer from culinary art to art.

Foray into the Hahnenkamm

Who doesn't know the legendary Streif? The Hahnenkamm race is considered the most difficult downhill run in alpine skiing. In 2020, around 50,000 spectators watched live how Austrian Matthias Mayer (29) was the first to race through the finish line. Apart from professional sports, the route is also very popular with experienced amateur skiers. The nice thing is that even in summer you can go for a stroll with the whole family, because the Streif summer adventure activity course along the panorama path on the Hahnenkamm illustrates the key points of the legendary race track with nine stations.

Hike and feast on the 3-course tour

In general, the region in the heart of the Alps is a real hiking paradise. From a leisurely walk to a challenging mountain tour, there is something for everyone. If you want to combine sport and pleasure, you can try the culinary high-altitude hike. It starts at the Bichlalm, from where you hike on a 3-course starter, main course and dessert bit by bit.

In addition, between gently rolling hills and idyllic lakes, numerous mountain inns and alpine pastures, to which many hiking trails lead, lure with their Tyrolean delicacies such as Gröstl, Speckknödel or Kässpätzle. Those who have dedicated themselves to Tyrolean enjoyment and the alpine lifestyle during their summer vacation should bring a lot of time with them. If you want to feast your way through the local "award-winning restaurants", you can still book a week or two, after all there are 13.

Rebooking and canceling for free?

Speaking of booking: In times of Corona, many hotels and guest houses have put together special offers that include a rebooking guarantee and preferential cancellation conditions, thus ensuring a carefree holiday. The participating companies in the "Summer Freshness 2020" campaign grant free rebooking and cancellation before arrival. And if something should happen in the short term, the deposit will be credited in the event of cancellation in the form of a credit for the next vacation (redeemable until October 2021). But back to nature.

In the Alpine flower garden on the Kitzbüheler Horn, nature lovers can admire flowers and botanical exotic plants from almost every country in the world at an altitude of 1,880 meters. The horn has also established itself as a family mountain. With the "Kids Climbing Path", it offers the little up-and-coming mountain fexes a playful approach to mountaineering. Even the little ones can join, because the extended hiking trail, at the end of which an apparently endless panoramic view is waiting, is suitable for prams.

This and nine certified hiking hosts may have led to Kitzbühel and the holiday villages of Reith, Aurach and Jochberg being the first destination to be awarded the European Hiking Seal of Approval in autumn 2019.

Cycling marathon and summer concerts

If you are looking for an adrenaline rush on two wheels, you can find it on the newly built Bike Trail Hahnenkamm. Four entrances offer variety and action for every level of difficulty – in the middle of nature. The route to the Kitzbüheler Horn is almost a must. The final stage of the Austria Tour attracts visitors with 18 hairpin bends and a climb of 875 meters over 7.1 kilometers with an average gradient of 12.5%. With an incline of 22.3%, the Horn is also the steepest Radberg in Austria. If you are longing for a cool down, you can take the plunge into one of the crystal-clear lakes and cool off in the Schwarzsee, for example.

After doing something for the stomach, legs and buttocks, there is now something on the eyes and ears. While some music events are still on the brink, the film festival should definitely take place at the end of August. Then Kitzbühel becomes the stage for filmmakers from all over the world.

Over 500,000 overnight stays in the summer seasons 2018 and 2019 prove that Kitzbühel is not only a hotspot for winter sports fans, but also a destination for all those who are looking for peace and relaxation, but also adventure and action – and best of all in the summer months.