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Travel guide – kitzbuhel

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Overview

Among Austrian resorts Kitzbuhel is the most commercial, glamorous and expensive. The beautiful alpine town, which dates back to the 9th century, has remained fairly unspoilt. In the winter you will hear the jingle of bells as a horse-drawn sleigh is pulled through its cobbled, traffic-free town centre. There is an extensive and varied skiing area offering excellent skiing and snowboarding both on and off-piste, but be prepared for a lack of snow in places. Due to the low altitude the lower slopes are rarely open. If the skiing in Kitzbuhel doesn't tire you out, the nightlife certainly will. The atmosphere is bright, boisterous and fun and doesn't stop till the not-quite-so-early hours. This is also Austria's winter entertainment capital and attracts performers from all over the continent throughout the season.

Shopping

Kitzbuhel is a shopper's paradise, with dozens of upmarket shops displaying their wares very appealingly in the quaint Tyrolean village stores. Window-shopping is almost as satisfying as buying. Ski shops dominate, of course, but there are plenty of designer boutiques, jewellery stores and souvenir shops. Prices are steep, but discounts are sometimes offered to those carrying guest cards from local hotels. Visitors can also enquire at their hotels about shopping excursions into Italy.

Restaurants

Kitzbuhel has a wide choice of restaurants both on the ski slopes and in the resort and the quality is generally excellent. Of all the mountain restaurants, the Panorama Alm is most worth a visit due to its spectacular views. The Hotel Ramushof can also be skied to and its restaurant is first class and worth the expense.

Nightlife

Kitzbuhel is a very lively resort with plenty of bars and nightclubs to suit all pockets and nationalities. For many Brits, the evening begins early at the The London Pub - the famous après-ski bar renowned for its lethal cocktails. Three nightclubs are located in the town square - Take 5, Olympia and The Royal and all stay open until dawn. Visitors wishing to try their luck on the tables will find the Casino Kitzbuhel at the Hotel Goldener Grief. New Year is a great time for a skiing trip to Kitzbuhel with one of the best fireworks displays in the Alps.

Activities

Even non-skiers can find plenty to do in Kitzbuhel, like ballooning, curling, hang-gliding, skating, hikes, snowmobiling or even just playing billiards. There is gambling at the casino, art galleries to browse, concerts to attend, movies and an alpine zoo. Highlights of the winter season are the Christmas Market and New Year's Eve party. The town is also well known as a spa centre and is full of health farms, while the public baths in town offer a multitude of amenities including sauna, steam bath, swimming, and massage. The picturesque, historic town itself offers plenty to see with its medieval houses, stylish shops and beautiful old churches. Visitors can also take short excursions to the museums in the area, which include the Cable Car Museum at the Hahnenkamm Mountain Station, the Farmhouse Museum, Mining Museum and Ski Museum.

Climate

Although cold, the high alpine resorts are usually much sunnier in winter than below in the valleys where fog and cloud persist, but in summer the Alps may become cloudy during the hotter part of the day. In autumn and spring some alpine valleys (particularly those running from south to north) experience the warm and very dry wind known as the foehn, which can quickly melt snow and trigger off avalanches on the mountain slopes.

Health

No vaccinations are necessary for business visits or general tourism. There is, however, a risk of tick-borne encephalitis for long-term visitors who expect to be visiting rural or forested areas in spring or summer. These travellers should consider vaccination and ensure they take precautions against tick infestation. Water and food are safe. Medical facilities are excellent. Medical insurance is advised unless from the UK - citizens of EU countries can get free emergency medical treatment at public hospitals in Austria on production of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Bird flu was found in dead swans in the southern province of Styria on 15 February 2006 and stringent measures are being taken to contain the outbreak. The risk is very low for travellers, but all close contact with wild, domestic and caged birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked as a precaution.

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Travel Guide by www.wordtravels.com
Disclaimer: By its very nature much of the information in our travel guides is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Winter Sunshine Holidays & Globe Media cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.