There are few places to rival Kitzbühel when it comes to activities for sporty travellers. No matter whether you visit in sunny summer or the depths of winter, anyone who thrives on the challenge of pitting themselves against nature and coming out on top will find plenty to love in the stunning Tyrolean landscape.
But it’s not all about Kitzbühel, because the entire surrounding area is an absolute Mecca for anyone who’s not afraid to give it a go in the great outdoors. Don’t know where to start? No problem, because if you pay attention you’ll be able to get plenty of ideas on the 1.5-hour transfer from the airport in Salzburg to Kitzbühel.
So button up, boot up, suit up and sit up! Pay attention to these fabulous side notes to your holiday in Kitzbühel as you pass them by…
1. Almenwelt Lofer
The first place to take note of along the transfer route is Almenwelt Lofer. This great little resort has a solid reputation for all manner of outdoor sporting pursuits, particularly hiking, biking and skiing.
Hiking: If you’ve got legs, you’ve got choices here – and lots of them. No matter how much effort you’re prepared to put in, you can take on the hiking trails of Almenwelt Lofer. With a range of seven picturesque trails from which to choose (graded easy, intermediate and difficult), you can hike along the popular waterfall route, challenge yourself to the high-altitude Red Marble Lake trail, or hike along trails from 1.7km long up to a tougher 7.8km.
Biking: Get on your bike and explore! You can take either of the two cable cars up to the beginning of the route to Unken Heutal and set off under your own steam, passing through the wonderfully named Winklmoosalm. The cycling route is fairly easy, so it’s suitable for beginners, but the scenery is anything but ordinary.
Skiing: In winter the slopes come alive with skiers and boarders. With its excellent lift system and more than 46km of diverse pistes for every skill level, Almenwelt Lofer is one of the best-rated ski resorts in the region.
Recommended Visit Time: This is definitely a place to come for an entire day. While you won’t be able to do everything mentioned above, it’ll give you a good taster.
2. Steinplatte/Waidring
A little further along the route, depending on whether it’s summer or winter, the attractions of Steinplatte/Waidring will tempt your sporty side, on both sides!
If it’s winter, Steinplatte is a superb place to come to stretch your snow legs. The skiing opportunities here are many and varied – not to mention the jaw dropping panoramic views. Renowned for its super snow conditions, the resort’s 14 lifts provide access to more than 45km of pistes, which include everything from adrenaline-inducing blacks and reds to easy greens and a fabulous on-slope fun park.
With its picturesque vantage at the foot of the Loferer Rocky Mountains, Waidring makes for the perfect summer mountain biking and hiking destination. Popular trails take you through the magical Haslerschlucht Gorge, past the Reiterdörfl waterfall and across the expansive plateau near the summit of the mountain.
Recommended Visit Time: Whether it’s winter for skiing or summer for hiking and biking, you’d be selling yourself short if you didn’t spend a whole day in Steinplatte or Waidring.
3. Sankt Johann
As you get closer to Kitzbühel along the transfer route, you’ll pass through Salzburger Land and the town of Sankt Johann. While it might be small in size it’s big on outdoor fun, with plenty of outdoor activities to get your teeth into if you fancy a day trip.
Sankt Johann is well known for its skiing and provides access to the 760km of pistes that make up the extensive Ski Amadé network. Its hi-tech snow making facilities make it one of the most snowsure resorts in the region, and as well as snowboarding, skiing and off-piste action, you can try your hand at cross-country, tobogganing and even ice skating.
In summer the opportunities are just as diverse and you can hike, cycle or mountain bike through the alpine pastures along any one of the numerous trails that traverse the high altitude landscape. Scenic highlights include the stunning Liechtenstein Gorge and Ghost Mountain.
Recommended Visit Time: If you just want to do a spot of shopping and lunch, half a day is enough to explore Sankt Johann, but if you want to see it at its best, take a whole day to get out and hike or bike through the mountains.
4. Kirchdorf in Tirol
Just 20 minutes before you arrive into Kitzbühel, you’ll pass the alpine town of Kirchdorf in Tirol. At any time of the year there’s plenty of sporty action to take advantage of here, with some fantastic opportunities for hiking, tobogganing, ski touring, skiing and cross-country skiing. For the latter, the high-altitude Kaiserbach Valley, at 1,000m, offers fabulous views and some satisfyingly challenging trails.
For something a little different, the Kaiserquell Wellness Center takes in 15,000m² of outdoor space, which includes pools, waterslides, tennis and volleyball facilities and sun terraces. Come winter it’s just as appealing, with heated indoor pools, a sauna and a solarium.
Recommended Visit Time: Treat yourself to half a day of energetic fun on the trails or ski slopes, then wind down at Kaiserquell for an hour or two and you can still be back in Kitzbühel in time for dinner.
From Salzburg to Kitzbühel
You snooze, you lose! Don’t waste the time on your transfer from Salzburg to Kitzbühel chasing the zz’s – there’s way too much to see. Along the picturesque 1.5-hour drive you’ll encounter numerous towns and resorts you can come back and explore later. There are few places better than this to enjoy energetic outdoor pursuits, so make the most of every moment.
About Shuttle Direct
If you’re looking for the best ride to get you and any sporting equipment from Salzburg to Kitzbühel, you’ve found it with Shuttle Direct. We’re the most trusted name in airport transport in Europe and we make it easy every step of the way. Simply make a quick online booking for a shared or private service and we’ll be there to get you wherever you need to go.
NB. This route guide has been compiled as an aid to visiting the region. Your airport transfer service from Salzburg to Kitzbühel does not include stops to these destinations.
