Located in the heart of the Austrian Alps, Kitzbühel is a charming town with picturesque landscapes. It's renowned for its winter sports, but its appeal doesn't stop there. Beautiful alpine meadows, hiking trails and historic landmarks make this destination worthy of your bucket list all year around.
Driving in Kitzbühel
Car Class Recommendations
To explore Kitzbühel and its surrounding areas, we suggest a compact to mid-sized car. The roads in the city are well-maintained, but they can be narrow, winding and hilly, similar to some regions in the UK. An SUV would be perfect for winter trips, providing the necessary stability in snowy conditions.
Traffic Rules and Speed Limits
The general speed limit in the city of Kitzbühel is 50 km/h (about 31 mph), comparable to common city speed limits in the UK. Keep in mind that Austria uses the metric system, so all traffic signs will be in kilometres.
Parking
Kitzbühel offers several public parking options, from underground garages to open-air lots. In contrast to Britain, some parking areas might require you to display a parking disc ('Parkscheibe'), which you can normally obtain from petrol stations or kiosks.
Attractions
City and People
Kitzbühel's town centre is a blend of modern boutiques and traditional Tyrolean architecture, which give a unique charm to the city. The locals, known as Kitzbühelers, are warm and hospitable, always welcoming tourists to share in their rich traditions and mouth-watering cuisine.
Train Stations
As for train travel, Kitzbühel has two stations allowing easy travel within Austria and beyond. This is a great option if you fancy a break from driving.
Surrounding Cities
With a rental car, consider visiting the nearby cities of Innsbruck and Salzburg, each only a 1.5-hour picturesque drive away.
Climate
Unlike the unpredictable weather in the UK, Kitzbühel has a reliable seasonal climate. The winters are cold and snowy - perfect for winter sports, while summers are mild and perfect for mountain hiking and lake swims.
Currency
Like most European countries, Austria uses the Euro. You'll find plenty of ATMs and card payment is widely accepted.
Seasonal Events
The annual Hahnenkamm race in January is one of the world's most famous ski races, attracting hearty crowds. However, do note that the town may be busier, and car hire may be in greater demand during this period.
So buckle up and get ready to explore Kitzbühel on your own time. Tailored to your preferences, you can stop, sightsee and savour the delectable local cuisine wherever you wish. Hire a car in Kitzbühel to truly enjoy all the beautiful experiences this destination has to offer.
