Steak, Sauna & Schwarzsee: My Kitzbühel Getaway Guide
I’ll be honest, Austria probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think “beach getaway.” But if you’re open to swapping saltwater for alpine lakes and mountain air, you’re in for a surprisingly chill experience. I recently took a solo trip to Kitzbühel, a town that’s famous for skiing but honestly shines just as much in the warmer months.
Kitzbühel, the Town That Has It All
Tucked into the Alps, it’s one of those charming towns where everything looks like a postcard, but still feels lived in. The streets are cobbled, the shop windows are tasteful (no neon tourist traps here), and there’s a quiet energy that makes you want to slow down. Think old-world elegance meets sporty mountain vibes. It’s not huge, but that’s the beauty - you can walk pretty much everywhere.
Where I Stayed: Hotel Kaiserhof Kitzbühel
I hadn’t expected to fall for Kitzbühel quite like I did. Sure, it’s known for its ski glamour and postcard-perfect slopes, but there’s something quietly special about the old town itself this mix of medieval charm and youthful energy that makes wandering around feel like the easiest thing in the world.
You enter through the old Jochberg Gate, and from there the main promenade stretches out in front of you, lined with colorful buildings and small shops tucked into historic facades. It’s not a huge area, but it’s packed with detail. Cobblestone streets, warm-toned houses, church towers at one end, and if the sky’s clear, the Wilder Kaiser peaks just visible in the background. There’s a five-storey tower still standing from the original castle that dates back to the 1100s, but the town isn’t clinging to the past, it feels alive, current, and beautifully kept without being overdone.
My base for this trip was the Kaiserhof Kitzbühel, and honestly, I couldn’t have picked a better spot. The hotel sits right next to the gondola station, which makes it ideal whether you’re here for the slopes, hiking trails, or just to enjoy the views. You can roll out of bed and be halfway up the mountain in minutes.
The Kaiserhof wasn’t always a hotel. It started life as a private villa at the turn of the 20th century, eventually becoming a small guesthouse named Pension Montana. In the late '70s, the Richard family took it over, and over the years it grew - renovated, expanded, and reimagined into the elegant 4-star hotel it is today. Now run by Christian Hofer, part of the same family, it’s got that rare mix of heritage and warmth that makes you feel like you’re staying somewhere with real soul, not just polished edges.
My room was a superior category with a balcony overlooking the Kitzbüheler Horn and the cable car line. Mornings were quiet, peaceful, waking up to that view was a moment I looked forward to each day. The room was spacious, clean, and perfectly maintained. Housekeeping was always on point, and breakfast became a ritual: pastries, eggs, fresh fruit, cheeses, even cake if you felt like treating yourself. You could eat inside or out on the terrace, which caught the sun just right.
After long walks and mountain air, the spa was where I’d unwind. There’s a steam room, infrared sauna, and an indoor pool that I dipped into more than once. Everything felt thoughtfully designed, not flashy, just genuinely relaxing. The staff were great, warm and helpful without ever being overbearing.
I kept dinner low-key most nights. The hotel restaurant had a small but solid menu - steak and fries were my go-to. Just don’t make the mistake I did on the first night and wait till 10 PM to eat. The town quiets down early, and by then, your only option might be vending machine snacks.
One little insider tip: skip the hot chocolate at the hotel’s café. Instead, walk over to the lower level of the gondola station next door the espresso and hot chocolate there are miles better, especially if you're after something rich and comforting after a chilly day out.
Kitzbühel is often seen as a winter destination, but even off-season, it’s got this slower, grounded rhythm that’s perfect for solo travelers. The Kaiserhof made it even better. It’s not just the location or the comfort it’s the feeling of being somewhere that’s grown thoughtfully over time, with people who really care about how you experience it. That’s not something you can fake.
Dinner at DAS Kaps
On my second night, I drove over to DAS Kaps, a sleek, modern spot with big glass windows and cozy lighting. It’s part of the Kaps Hotel but open to everyone. The atmosphere felt relaxed but still classy you wouldn’t feel out of place in a nice shirt, but you could also rock up in hiking boots and no one would blink.
I had a steak there, and honestly, it was cooked perfectly - juicy, seasoned just right, and paired with crisp fries. The service was quick and polite, and the whole place gave off this effortless elegance. According to Google reviews, others seem to agree, it’s sitting at a solid 4.6 stars, with lots of people praising the view from the terrace and the wine list (though I stuck to water).
What to Do in Kitzbühel in summer
Old Town strolls
Kitzbühel might be best known for its glamorous ski scene, but the old town? That’s where the real charm is. I spent an afternoon exploring it on foot, and it felt like stepping into a time capsule -with a twist. The heart of the medieval center is framed by what’s left of the old town walls. You enter through the Jochberg Gate, and from that very spot, the view opens up to a cobbled promenade lined with pastel buildings, boutique shops, and cafés spilling out onto the street. It’s the kind of place where you could lose track of time just by wandering aimlessly. One of the oldest landmarks here is the Pfleghof tower, a five-storey reminder of the original castle that stood on this site way back in the 1100s. The rest of the castle may be long gone, but the tower still quietly holds its ground, tucked among the newer facades.
As you continue through the old town, it all feels perfectly balanced-medieval bones with a modern rhythm. Young locals zip by on bikes or lounge on café terraces, giving the whole place a kind of low-key, lived-in energy that keeps it from feeling like a museum. At the far end, the twin towers of the Church of Our Lady and St. Andrew’s Church rise up, and just behind them, if the skies are clear, you’ll catch a glimpse of the Wilder Kaiser mountains. That moment-standing in a centuries-old town square with snow-capped peaks in the distance-kind of sums up what makes Kitzbühel special. It’s old, yes, but never stuck in the past.
If you're ever in town, take an hour or two to explore this stretch on foot. No plan needed. Just follow the cobbles and see where they take you.
