Kitzbuhel, Austria in the summer

Although it’s a famous ski resort in the winter, Kitzbuhel, Austria in the summer is just as beautiful. Numerous cable cars and hiking trails give stunning views of the surrounding mountains, with classic Austrian food awaiting you after a day of exploring.

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The Tirol region in the Austrian Alps is stunning in the summer. Lush green pastures stretch across the landscape, interspersed with dark trees, then giving way to tall cliffs and mountain peaks. The fresh mountain air just can’t be beat, and the miles of hiking paths just keep on giving better and better views. Kitzbuhel, Austria in the summer is beautiful, with cable cars taking you straight up into the mountains, and the cute town bustling and lively in the evening sun.

For a great guide to Kitzbuhel and the whole of Austria, I’d recommend this great guide to help with your planning (affiliate).

Where to stay in Kitzbuhel?

There are plenty of hotels to choose from in Kitzbuhel, and in the summer they don’t tend to be fully booked, especially if you’re able to visit outside of peak school holidays in mid-July to August.

One hotel I recommend is the Tiefennbrunner Hotel. In the centre of the town, this family run hotel is warm friendly with a great indoor swimming pool. The highlight of this hotel for me is the outdoor restaurant terrace, where (weather-permitting) you can have dinner outside in the fresh mountain air.

Or alternatively, the Hotel Zur Tenne is right in the centre of Kitzbuhel with easy access to restaurants and cable cars as well as an excellent, if slightly more pricey, restaurant.

Weather in Kitzbuhel, Austria in the summer and what to pack

The Alps in the summer are renowned for having mixed weather, and the Tirol region is no exception. You can be lucky and have some sunny days with perfectly clear blue skies, and these are definitely the perfect days to take a cable car up to the top of a mountain and enjoy the views.

However, the Alps also have frequent rainy days. There are also frequent thunderstorms in the afternoons, so when hiking it’s always important to keep an eye on the weather as it can change really quickly. Although the sound of thunder echoing around the mountains is impressive, you don’t want to be exposed at the top of a mountain in a dramatic thunderstorm. So always check the weather forecast and be prepared!

For a summer Alpine holiday, make sure you pack:

• Hiking boots – sturdy hiking boots are best, and make sure you wear them at home a few times before trying a longer hike to avoid blisters.
• Waterproof coat – always a necessity in case of a sudden shower.
• Sun protection – the sun can be strong, especially at higher altitudes, so make sure you have sun cream, sunglasses and sunhat
• Layers for warmth – even if it feels warm in the town centre, it’s surprising how quickly you can get cold at higher altitudes. Always best to have an extra layer just in case.
• Water and energy snacks – always take plenty of water, especially on hot days if you’re hiking uphill. Take some extra just in case you end up being out longer than you expect.
• Basic first aid kit – always good to have one just in case, especially blister plasters.
• Map and compass – you can never tell when your phone battery is going to die or have no signal, so a back up means of navigation is sensible.

Top 5 things to do in Kitzbuhel, Austria in the summer

1. Hahnenkamm, Kitzbuhel

On the South West end of the town, the gondola goes up to the top of the Hahnenkamm. Famous as one of the steepest downhill ski races, it’s also a great place to visit in summer. The views across to the Mausefalle and the Wilder Kaiser mountains are just stunning, and hiking trails spread out in various directions to take in the views.

You can stand at the top of the ski race and see for yourself just how steep the descent is – it looks terrifying!

There’s also a lovely restaurant at the top, which is a perfect place to stop for an Austrian beer after a long hike.

2. Kitzbuheler Horn

On the opposite side of Kitbuhel, in the North East side, another gondola goes up to the Kitzbuheler Horn. The mountain views are stunning from here as well, and there are more hiking options.

There’s also a lovely Alpine garden at the top with a wide variety of Alpine flowers, including the famous Edelweiss.

3. Schwarzsee Lake

A short walk from the centre of town, Schwarzsee Lake is a great place to relax on a sunny day, or even just to go for a walk around. The forest and views over the lake are beautiful.

4. Kitzbuhl centre and Austrian food

The centre of Kitzbuhel has an abundance of outdoor charm. The cobbled street is lined with colourful buildings, and the whole centre really comes alive on a warm, sunny day when pavement cafes spill out onto the pavements. The Church is also really pretty.

There are also many great restaurants in Kitzbuhel where you can enjoy classic Austrian food. I recommend the restaurant in the Tiefenbrunner Hotel for some great Weiner Schnitzel and Apfelstrudel – two classic Austrian foods which are perfect after a long day of hiking.

Kitzbuhel in the summer is also a popular place for sporting events. I was there during a bike race and the atmosphere was great. It’s worth checking out whether there are any special events on during your visit.

5. Take a day trip to Innsbruck or Salzburg

Kitzbuhel is perfectly located for day trips to towns in the surrounding area, which is great for a rainy day – and being in the Alps, there are frequent rainy days in the summer! Check out my blog on Innsbruck for a guide to visiting there, or my blog on Salzburg for a true Sound of Music day out.

Enjoy your trip to Kitzbuhel, Austria in the summer! Remember to check out this guide guide to Austria for your trip (affiliate).

If you’re looking to extend your Austrian Alps holiday, why not visit the gorgeous village of Alpbach, or relax on the lakeside in Zell am See. Or if you fancy heading to a city, Vienna is one of the most popular European capitals with vibrant history and culture.