I love the quiet before the day begins. When the light is still soft and the sky is slowly turning color.
The first rays of sunlight peek through the leaves and blades of grass, and the mountains reveal themselves only timidly.
I am the Hahnenkamm—rooted in Kitzbühel.
A silent observer with a sweeping view—toward the Kitzbüheler Horn, toward the Wilder Kaiser. Many know me best in winter.
Streif—Mausefalle—Starthaus.
Yes, for many, that marks the beginning of something great. I see hands at work, tracks being laid, everyone preparing for the race of the year. But I am more than that. I am a playground—a bike trail—a hiking path—a pasture—I am home.
I feel the dew on the grass, see the glow of the cranberries, hear the buzzing of the bees, and sense the peace that lies in every morning. And when my gaze sweeps over forests and meadows toward the little chapel, then I know: Here, everything is exactly as it should be.
The Hahnenkamm in Kitzbühel – A Stage for Legends
Towering above the picturesque town of Kitzbühel is a mountain that is far more than just a geographical feature—the Hahnenkamm. At 1,712 meters above sea level, it not only shapes the backdrop of the Kitzbühel Alps but also the history of alpine skiing. Its highest point, the Ehrenbachhöhe (1,802 m), offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains—and of what is arguably the most famous ski run in the world: the Streif.
The Streif is not just a downhill run—it is a legend. Every January, the world’s best ski racers compete here in the Hahnenkamm Races, one of the most prestigious events on the Alpine World Cup calendar. With its steep sections, jumps, and G-forces, the course demands everything from the athletes—and captivates spectators around the globe.
Hahnenkamm Summer Experience – Where Ski Legends Become the Backdrop for Hiking
Once the snow has melted and the alpine meadows glow a lush green, the Hahnenkamm transforms into a natural paradise for hikers, cyclists, and families. The “Streif Summer Experience” is particularly popular—an interactive themed trail that brings the Streif’s most famous sections to life through a series of stations. With climbing elements, balance challenges, and viewing platforms, visitors—especially families with children—can discover the magic of the race course in a whole new way.
Information boards tell exciting stories about the ski circuit, while the mascot Gerli-Gams accompanies the little ones. The trail is stroller-friendly and easy to navigate—ideal for an active, entertaining day in the mountains.
Numerous hiking trails—ranging from leisurely to challenging—lead over the ridge, past rustic huts and blooming alpine pastures, offering stunning panoramic views of the Kitzbüheler Horn, the Kaiser Mountains, and the Hohe Tauern.
Mountain bikers and e-bikers will also find plenty to enjoy on the Hahnenkamm. Flowy trails and challenging climbs offer the right terrain for every skill level. The modern Hahnenkammbahn cable car takes hikers and bikers comfortably up the mountain—those who prefer a more athletic challenge can start right in the valley.
Beneath the Surface – The Hahnenkamm as a Mining Area
Long before the Hahnenkamm became a world-class venue for skiing, it played a very different role: as a source of ore and a workplace for generations of miners. Copper was already being mined here in the Bronze Age, and especially from the Middle Ages through the 18th century, the region was a vital part of Tyrolean mining. Copper and silver, in particular, were extracted from small tunnels and shafts—traces of this era can still be found today at old crossroads or in field names such as “Kupferplatte.”
Mining had a profound impact on the region. Kitzbühel owed much of its early prosperity to the Hahnenkamm—until mining eventually became unprofitable and was discontinued in the 19th century. Anyone hiking along the old miners’ trails today encounters this silent history beneath their feet—a fascinating contrast to the bustling ski scene above.
The Kitzbühel Formula
Alpine lifestyle and idyllic nature, rustic tradition and a modern outlook on life: few towns blend these contrasts as skillfully as Kitzbühel. The sports capital of the Alps became world-famous thanks to the legendary Hahnenkamm Races, but that is just one facet of the Kitzbühel legend. Rather, it is the region’s incomparable charm—encompassing the towns of Kitzbühel, Reith, Aurach, and Jochberg—its excellent infrastructure with top-tier hotels and restaurants, the wide array of sporting activities, and the fascinating landscape that make Kitzbühel so unique.
A place steeped in history—and stories
A quick note for all geography buffs: There’s also a Hahnenkamm in Reutte, also located in Tyrol. It’s a scenic spot and a popular hiking destination—but when it comes to fame, it can hardly hold a candle to its namesake in Kitzbühel.
Whether as a sports venue, a natural wonder, historic ground, or a cultural symbol—the Hahnenkamm in Kitzbühel remains a place where history was made and continues to be made. Year after year. Step by step. Turn by turn.
