Kitzbühel Bike Marathon
Following its world premiere in 2021, the Kitzbühel Cycle Marathon is set to return on 6 September 2026. Covering 216 kilometres and 4,600 metres of elevation gain, the Kitzbühel Bike Marathon is a challenge for any cyclist. The final climb up the Kitzbüheler Horn provides a fitting “grand finale”.
One route, two destinations
Participants can choose which finish line they wish to cross. Alongside the iconic finish at the Kitzbüheler Horn, a second finish line is located in Kitzbühel’s Vorderstadt district. Known as the KRM Kitz course, this route is shortened to 209 kilometres, allowing athletes to take part without tackling the steep final ascent to the Kitzbüheler Horn.
The route
Starting in the outer district of Kitzbühel, the route leads over the Pass Thurn into the Pinzgau region and towards the Gerlos. Enjoy the wonderful view of the Großvenediger and the Krimml Waterfalls before heading steeply uphill on the new Gerlos Alpine Road. With two passes under your belt, the route heads out of the Zillertal valley towards Bruck. The flat ride comes to an end when you have to tackle the Kerschbaumer Sattel. This pass winds its way across to the Alpbachtal valley along its narrow and steep road. Once there, the route leads to Brixlegg and Kramsach, loops via Brandenberg, and then heads to Angerberg and back to Kitzbühel via the Brixental valley. There, the final climb awaits: Austria’s steepest paved climb, the Kitzbüheler Horn.
The Horn Stage
The panoramic road up the Kitzbüheler Horn is Austria’s steepest paved climb and is regarded as a classic on the international cycling scene. On this steep Alpine road, with a continuous gradient of 10 to 22 per cent over a distance of just 10 kilometres, cyclists climb around 900 metres in altitude from the valley to the Alpenhaus.
On non-race days, from the Alpenhaus, a further 320 metres of elevation gain can be tackled to reach the summit. In 2018, the Horn stage was recognised as one of the ten Great Rides in Tirol. Our tip - check out the Strava times and then challenge yourself - Good luck
FAQ
The Kitzbühel Cycle Marathon is an alpine cycling event that starts in Kitzbühel. The route combines a sporting challenge with stunning panoramic views.
The Kitzbühel Cycle Marathon will take place on 6 September 2026.
Yes. In addition to the full route, there is the KRM Kitz route, which is 209 kilometres long and finishes in the Vorderstadt district of Kitzbühel.
Both routes start in the centre of Kitzbühel. The finish line for the shorter route (KRM KITZ) returns back to Kitzbühel town centre, and the finish line for the longer route is on the Kitzbüheler Horn.
The Kitzbüheler Horn is considered Austria’s steepest paved climb. Over a distance of ten kilometres, the route features gradients of up to 22 per cent and a climb of around 900 metres.
Yes. The Panoramic Road is open to the public.
The bike marathon is aimed at ambitious amateur cyclists and experienced cyclists who have trained appropriately.
The route runs from Kitzbühel via the Pass Thurn, the Pinzgau region, the Gerlos Alpine Road, through the Zillertal valley, over the Kerschbaumer Sattel, the Alpbachtal valley and the Brixental valley, and back to Kitzbühel.
Yes. Participants can enjoy views of the Großvenediger, the Krimml Waterfalls and several Alpine valleys in Tyrol and Salzburg.
Registration takes place online via the official website of the Kitzbühel Bike Marathon.
Yes. Places are limited. We recommend registering early.
The Kitzbühel Bike Marathon generally goes ahead even in changeable weather conditions.
Yes. Spectators are very welcome along the route and in the finish area.
