Endless hiking trails in an impressive landscape and culinary delights at their finest: Kitzbühel, the charming town in the Tyrolean Alps, is an attractive destination all year round, but the Austrian region reveals its unique charm in autumn in particular. When the low sun bathes the mountains and valley in golden light and the temperatures drop pleasantly, Kitzbühel becomes a paradise for nature lovers and connoisseurs, offering special experiences and offers from mid-August to the end of October.
Culinary highlights in the golden autumn
Culinary delights and Kitzbühel are as inextricably linked as the Streif and the Hahnenkamm. Especially in autumn, when the region shines in golden splendour, gourmets can expect a variety of culinary experiences, ranging from traditional Tyrolean delicacies to international gourmet highlights. These events are not to be missed in autumn.
KITZ Culinary: A feast for the senses in Kitzbühel's historic town centre
On the weekend of 30 and 31 August 2024, the over 750-year-old historic town centre of Kitzbühel will be transformed into a true paradise for food lovers. At KITZ Kulinarik, around 20 restaurateurs from the region invite you on a top-class culinary journey. Cooking virtuosos and innkeepers present traditional Tyrolean dishes as well as innovative interpretations of local specialities at various stands in the Vorderstadt and Hinterstadt. The gourmet festival, which appeals to all the senses, makes a clear statement in favour of sustainability with 3R - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. The focus is on short distances for ingredients, compostable or reusable crockery and the avoidance of plastic composites. A feast for the palate that also protects the environment - if that's not worth a visit.
KITZ Culinary x Piedmont: a meeting of flavours
Another highlight in the culinary calendar follows from 10 to 13 October 2024, when the flavours of Tyrol meet the exquisite delicacies of the Italian region of Piedmont at KITZ Cuisine x Piedmont. Truffles, pasta, cheese, wine and hazelnuts from Piedmont merge with regional ingredients to create an unforgettable culinary experience. Visitors can not only sample the delicacies, but also buy them and take them home with them. The festival is accompanied by atmospheric live music that creates the perfect ambience.
Culinary hiking experiences for connoisseurs
Kitzbühel combines hiking and culinary delights in a special way. Mountain enthusiasts who want to experience the best of both worlds can draw on the full potential in Kitzbühel this autumn.
Breakfast on the mountain - a special start to the day: if you get out of bed early, you will be rewarded with exceptional breakfast on the mountain offers in autumn in Kitzbühel. Ten huts in the region offer a sumptuous mountain breakfast served in picturesque surroundings and with magnificent views - including the Adlerhütte on the Kitzbüheler Horn, the Hahnenkammstüberl or the historic Kelchlalm in Aurach.
The first on the mountain: this exclusive experience begins every Sunday - depending on the sunrise - from 4.30 am, when the mountain railway takes guests up to the Kitzbüheler Horn before sunrise. A hearty Horn summit breakfast awaits here, followed by a guided hike through the Alpine flower garden. The sounds of local brass bands and the spectacular sunrise, accompanied by a solemn morning service, make the Horngipfel breakfast an unforgettable experience (bookable until 15 September).
The 3-course tour combines a culinary high-altitude hike through the Kitzbühel Südberge mountains, impressive panoramic views and delicious culinary delights: at three stops along the route - the Bichlalm, the Branderhofstube in Aurach Wildlife Park and the Hallerwirt - one course of the menu is served at each stop before the tour continues. All dishes are made from the best regional and seasonal ingredients and are lovingly prepared by hand.
A hiking paradise with an award
Kitzbühel and its surrounding villages of Reith, Aurach and Jochberg were the first destination to be awarded the European Hiking Seal of Quality - proof of the outstanding quality of the trails and the extensive infrastructure. With over 1,000 kilometres of perfectly signposted hiking trails, Kitzbühel offers the right route for every taste and fitness level. From leisurely strolls to challenging mountain tours - every hiking enthusiast will find their personal highlight here.
The following hiking trails have been awarded the European Hiking Seal of Quality:
Kitzbüheler Horn - The Alpine flower panorama: The family-friendly route leads through fascinating flora up to the summit of the Kitzbüheler Horn with a unique 360° panorama. The crowning glory is the Alpine flower garden, which offers a unique variety of plants.
Gamsroas - the 9 summit experience: For those who prefer a more challenging hike, the circular tour over the highest nine summits of the local grass mountains offers breathtaking panoramic views and sporting challenges.
Sintersbach waterfall: Another moderately difficult mountain hike leads not far from Jochberg to the impressive Sintersbach waterfall, where the mountain water plunges over 85 metres into the natural pools and offers an impressive natural spectacle - a natural experience that will delight young and old alike.
Guided hikes for more safety
Kitzbühel Tourismus offers free guided hikes with experienced hiking guides for Kitzbühel guests for those who don't want to venture out alone on the sometimes challenging tours or prefer to be out and about in company. The programme offers a wide range of varied hikes and themed focuses.
Further information on the gourmet autumn in Kitzbühel and the Kitzbühel Gourmet Guide at autumn.kitzbuehel.com
