Press release see a different side of Kitzbühel: tranquil mountain hideaways

PRESS RELEASE

See a different side of Kitzbühel: tranquil mountain hideaways
Tips for a relaxing break: from authentic Alpine chalets to exclusive luxury hotels

Kitzbühel, 24.05.2012. If you feel like spending a few days in complete peace and quiet, Kitzbühel is the perfect summer destination. It boasts a selection of top hotels, including six 5-star and three 4-star Superior hotels offering luxurious and exclusive surroundings where you can relax and enjoy the tranquillity and exquisite food. Or, for a relaxing weekend in the heart of the mountains, there are numerous guesthouses and chalets which combine traditional Alpine lifestyles with modern comfort to create an original experience. Claudia Waldrunner works for Kitzbühel Tourism and knows the most legendary sports destination in the Alps from a different, more relaxed side. She shares six tips for a relaxing summer getaway.

Pure and authentic: Malernhof and Melkalm

Kitzbühel isn't just one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe, it's also a typical Tyrolean village surrounded by farms and mountain pastures. Visitors can discover this other side of Kitzbühel in an authentic setting at Melkalm or Malernhof. Situated at the foot of the Hahnenkamm, Malernhof has been farmed by the Obernauer family for over 200 years. In summer and autumn, some 30 cows wander in the pastures around the farm - the same cows that supply milk and yoghurt for breakfast. Wake up every morning in the traditionally furnished rooms with wood panelling and attractive folk art. The Melkalm makes a wonderfully cosy retreat, with a typical Tyrolean ambience and plenty of wood features. In some rooms you can almost see the magnificent panorama from your bed, because the Melkalm is situated on the sunny slopes of the Ehrenbachhöhe on the Hahnenkamm. While away the day on the beautiful sun terrace, enjoying traditional Tyrolean cooking and the view of the Alps. The Melkalm is also a good starting point for cycling or walking tours.

Gourmet's delight: Sonnbühel and Bärenbadalm

Berggasthof Sonnbühel, run by Wolfgang and Gabriela Tomschy, has acquired a legendary reputation for its glamorous aprés-ski parties. But many people in the know simply love the authentic charm of the mountain guesthouse, built in 1926, during the summer months. It's the perfect place to enjoy an old-fashioned summer holiday in the midst of the gently sloping Alpine meadows, while being looked after by the friendly staff. And what better way to work up an appetite for the delicious cooking than with the climb over the Hahnenkamm to Berggasthof Sonnbühel?

At 1870 m, a little higher than Berggasthof Sonnbühel at 1700 m, is the Bärenbadalm, right on the summit of the Bärenbadkogel. Here the focus is on local produce, with beef from the farm's own Angus cattle, local game and trout from the farm's own pool. The bread and sausage are also made on the farm by the Hochfilzer family. Built in 2004, the Bärenbadalm quickly established itself as one of Kitzbühel's most popular ski huts. But in summer, all you will see is the 80 Angus cattle enjoying the view of the mountains of the Hohe Tauern, because at this time of year the hut is only open for special events or private parties.

Indulge in a little luxury: Kempinski Hotel Das Tirol

The Kempinski Hotel Das Tirol, opened in December 2011, combines the luxury of a modern five-star hotel with Tyrolean style reinterpreted for our times. A fresh colour scheme with earthy tones is combined with traditional materials such as loden felt and wood shingles. Guests can admire the stunning mountain views from their own balconies, enjoy direct access to the pistes, relax in the private spa and discover the varied cuisine of the hotel's own kitchen, including the pan-Asian cooking of Wini Brugger's Sra Bua restaurant. If you are looking for an exclusive, tranquil hideaway from the hectic pace of urban life, you'll find a wonderful ambience at Kempinski Hotel Das Tirol.

A step into the past: Landhaus Kainzerngütl

The Kainzerngütl was built in the days when visitors came to Kitzbühel as a summer health resort. Over 100 years old, the timber building is one of the few buildings in the area to remain in its original state. It contains three holiday apartments, lovingly restored and modernised by the Moser family. From the charming tiled stoves to the old wooden floorboards and furniture made of traditional stone pine, here you can experience the kind of holiday you might well remember from childhood: authentic, original – as if time had stood still.

If you only know Kitzbühel as a winter resort, you might be surprised to learn what the most legendary sports destination in the Alps has to offer in summer and autumn. In addition to a stunning natural setting in the Alpine landscape, which can be explored on foot or by bike with over 1000 km of hiking and cycle routes, there is a varied line-up of events including the Kitzbühel Alpine Rally for classic and vintage cars and Kitz Sommernächte for fans of traditional music.

About Kitzbühel:

Kitzbühel, the most legendary sports destination in the Alps, is located 95 km from Innsbruck and 125 km from Munich. In summer and autumn visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities in the unique, unspoiled landscape. With four golf courses in the town itself and another 30 within 100 km, the region has become the home of golf in the Alps. For walkers there are 1000 km of waymarked paths, the perfect way to explore the broad pastures and stunning mountain scenery with its typical grass-covered slopes and dramatic peaks. There are 23 routes for running and Nordic walking, covering a total of 170 km. From trail running to hill running and touring along the banks of the Kitzbüheler Ache, there are so many ways to discover Kitzbühel. Cyclists will love the 1200 km of cycling routes and 800 km of mountain bike trails. Kitzbühel is famed for the way it harmoniously blends the traditional and the modern. The town also attracts food lovers from all over the world: Kitzbühel has eight restaurants with a Gault Millau toque, the highest density of eateries boasting this prestigious accolade in the Tyrol region. International luxury hotels, exclusive shopping and numerous events complement the excellent sports facilities.

www.kitzbuehel.com

Further information: Kitzbühel Tourismus Claudia Waldbrunner Hinterstadt 18  6370 Kitzbühel, Austria T [phone] - 50 F [phone] - 77 [e-mail] www.kitzbuehel.com

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