Medieval Tyrolean town known for the Hahnenkamm ski race, a pedestrian centre and a good mix of mountain and town sights, reached by direct trains from Innsbruck.
Kitzbühel is a medieval Tyrolean town about 90 km east of Innsbruck in Austria, best known internationally for the Hahnenkamm ski race. ÖBB trains run from Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof to Kitzbühel Bahnhof, either direct or with one change, roughly hourly and taking about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. One-way fares are about EUR 15-25, and advance tickets bought at oebb.at are cheaper. Trains make the trip practical without a car, and the station is a short walk or local bus ride from the pedestrian centre.
The old town is compact, with pastel-fronted houses along the Vorderstadt and Hinterstadt streets, boutiques, cafes and traditional inns. The Gothic parish church and the nearby Liebfrauenkirche on the hill add architectural interest. The surrounding mountains offer cable cars to the Hahnenkamm and Kitzbüheler Horn, with summer hiking and winter skiing. Even a short lift ride gives wide views over the Kitzbühel Alps. The Schwarzsee lake, a short distance from town, offers swimming in summer and quiet walks.
A good itinerary is to take an early train, spend the morning walking the old town and its churches, and have lunch at a Tyrolean inn serving dishes such as Kaiserschmarrn or Tiroler Gröstl. The afternoon can be used for a cable car ride and a short mountain walk, or a visit to Schwarzsee, before a late-afternoon train back to Innsbruck. Because the round trip takes three hours or more, starting early maximises time in town.
The two main seasons are June to September for hiking and sightseeing and December to March for skiing. Winter weekends and the January Hahnenkamm race week are very busy and expensive, so visiting midweek is more relaxed. Opening times for lifts and attractions vary by season, so checking the Kitzbühel tourism site before travelling is advisable. The town is a good choice for visitors who want a polished alpine town atmosphere rather than a strenuous outdoor day.
| Distance | About 90 km east of Innsbruck |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Getting there | Direct or one-change ÖBB train from Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof to Kitzbühel |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Kitzbühel Bahnhof, 6370 Kitzbühel |
How to get there
- Mode
- ÖBB regional or Railjet train
- Cost
- about EUR 15-25 (~$17-29) one way, cheaper with advance tickets (oebb.at)
- Frequency
- roughly hourly
Location
Kitzbühel Bahnhof, 6370 Kitzbühel
47.4464, 12.3919 View on map
Highlights
- Pedestrian old town with painted houses and inns
- Hahnenkamm and Kitzbüheler Horn cable cars with Alpine views
- Schwarzsee lake for summer swimming and quiet walks
- Direct ÖBB train access from Innsbruck
Tips for visiting
- Book advance ÖBB tickets at oebb.at for cheaper fares
- Start early because the round trip takes three hours or more
- Avoid Hahnenkamm race week in January unless attending the race
- Check lift hours and weather before heading up the mountain
- Visit midweek in winter for fewer crowds
When to visit
June to September and December to March. Midweek is quieter, and race week in January is the busiest.
Accessibility
The pedestrian centre is mostly level, though some streets are cobbled. Cable cars generally have step-free boarding, but confirm with the operators.
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Frequently asked questions
How long is the train from Innsbruck to Kitzbühel?
About 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, direct or with one change. Trains run roughly hourly.
How much is the train fare?
About EUR 15-25 one way, with cheaper advance fares available at oebb.at.
Is Kitzbühel only worth visiting for skiing?
No. The medieval old town, cable cars and Schwarzsee make it a good summer destination too.