A Castle in Tirol

Tirol is now just one of the nine provinces of Austria but it has its own rich history and heritage, with each settlement possessing its own traditions and dialect. The Romans established the pass routes through the main line of the Alps and since then pilgrims, merchants, soldiers and now tourists have passed through Kitzbühel regularly, thus establishing a long tradition of hospitality. An important fortified settlement and staging post from the 12th to the 18th century, its prosperity and special character was enhanced by the riches of its copper and silver mines, leading to a great tradition of art and theatre and the construction of richly decorated castles, churches and townhouses.

The 19th-century discovery of the curative properties of its small lake, the Schwarzsee, turned the town into a famous resort with the lake waters piped into the town baths and, of course, Kitzbühel then became renowned as an elegant and fashionable ski resort. The recently restored Schlosshotel Münichau in Reith bei Kitzbühel offers excellent accommodation close to the town and lake – with views of three famous Tirolean mountains. An excellent network of paths, cableways and trains (perhaps to Innsbruck) allows for extensive exploration. The folk and farmhouse museums allow for further study of the area’s traditions and heritage. Kitzbühel lies between Innsbruck and Salzburg which may be easily reached by train.