Austria, Kitzbuhel

Kitzbühel is a medieval city in Tyrol, Austria, situated along the river Kitzbühler Ache. It is the administrative center of the district (Bezirk) Kitzbühel.

History

The first known settlers, who surfaced between 1100 BC and 800 BC were Illyrians mining copper in the hills near Kitzbühel.

Around 15 BC the Roman Emperor Augustus occupied the Alps and proclaimed the province Noricum. After the fall of the western Roman Empire, Bavarii settled in the Kitzbühel region around 800 and started clearing forests.

Kitzbühel became part of Upper Bavaria in 1255. Louis II, Duke of Bavaria granted Kitzbühel the rights of a city on June 6, 1271, and it was fortified with mighty city walls. During the next centuries the city became a center of trade, grew steadily and never was affected by wars. So the city walls were razed at the level of the first floor and used for building new houses.

Kitzbühel became part of Upper Bavaria in 1255. Louis II, Duke of Bavaria granted Kitzbühel the rights of a city on June 6, 1271, and it was fortified with mighty city walls. During the next centuries the city became a center of trade, grew steadily and never was affected by wars. So the city walls were razed at the level of the first floor and used for building new houses.

Tourism

Kitzbühel is one of Austria's best known and fanciest winter sport resorts, situated between the mountains Hahnenkamm (1,712 m) and Kitzbühler Horn (1,996 m).

The city is also home to the historic Grand Hotel Kitzbühel, a private resort, training and conference facility led by the worldwide management consulting firm McKinsey & Company. Access to the Grand Hotel is generally limited to members and alumni of the firm and their families.

A further sight is the 3S Aerial Tramway, the aerial tramway with the highest span in the world.

Transport

Highway B161, which connects St. Johann in Tirol with Mittersill, passes through Kitzbühel, intersecting here with highway B170 to Wörgl. Kitzbühel Hauptbahnhof, Kitzbühel Hahnenkamm, and Kitzbühel Schwarzsee are train stops at the Salzburg-Tiroler-Bahn.