Kitzbühel (Summer)

Kitzbühel (or Kitz as the locals call it) is most famous as Austria's premier winter sports destination, but when the snow melts and the wildflowers bloom this picture-perfect Tyrolean village continues to draw a crowd. In summer, this alpine village with a serious glitz factor — you'll see plenty of high dollar European luxury cars and designer shops — attracts aristocrats and celebrities. They come to play rounds of golf at award-winning courses, soak in the Aquarena's pools and sauna baths and bask in the medieval city center ambiance. The old city's labyrinth of streets lead to unique boutiques, sidewalk cafes and intimate restaurants in ...

Kitzbühel (or Kitz as the locals call it) is most famous as Austria's premier winter sports destination, but when the snow melts and the wildflowers bloom this picture-perfect Tyrolean village continues to draw a crowd. In summer, this alpine village with a serious glitz factor — you'll see plenty of high dollar European luxury cars and designer shops — attracts aristocrats and celebrities. They come to play rounds of golf at award-winning courses, soak in the Aquarena's pools and sauna baths and bask in the medieval city center ambiance. The old city's labyrinth of streets lead to unique boutiques, sidewalk cafes and intimate restaurants in buildings dating back to the 15th century. A favorite summer activity includes riding the Kitzbüheler Horn cable car (about $20) to the top of the mountain behind town, and taking a stroll around the Alpine Flower Garden on top. It is filled with local alpine blooms such as edelweiss, purple bellflower and arnica.

About the Expert

Aaron Anderson is coauthor of Lonely Planet's Washington, D.C. City Guide, a contributor on western states to Lonely Planet USA, and he wrote the Austria chapters for Lonely Planet's Western Europe and Europe on a Shoestring.