I love the silence before the day begins – when the light is still gentle, and the sky slowly begins to change colour.
When the first rays of sunlight blink through leaves and blades of grass, and the mountains reveal themselves only hesitantly.
I am the Hahnenkamm – rooted in Kitzbühel.
A quiet observer with a far-reaching view – towards the Kitzbüheler Horn, towards the Wilder Kaiser.
Many know me especially in winter.
Streif – Mausefalle – starting gate.
Yes, for many, that marks the beginning of something great.
I see hands at work, tracks being laid, people preparing for the race of the year.
But I am more than that. I am playground – bike trail – hiking path – pasture – I am home.
I feel the dew on the grass, notice the glow of the bilberries, hear the bees humming, and sense the peace that lies in every morning.
And when the view sweeps across forests and meadows, towards the little chapel, I know:
Here, everything is just as it should be.
The Hahnenkamm in Kitzbühel – A Stage of Legends
Towering above the picturesque town of Kitzbühel is a mountain that is far more than just a geographical landmark – the Hahnenkamm. At 1,712 metres above sea level, it not only shapes the skyline of the Kitzbühel Alps but also plays a defining role in the history of alpine skiing. Its highest point, the Ehrenbachhöhe (1,802 m), offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountain landscape – and of what is arguably the most famous ski slope in the world: the Streif.
The Streif is no ordinary downhill course – it is a legend. Every January, the world’s best ski racers gather here for the Hahnenkamm Races, one of the most prestigious events on the Alpine World Cup calendar. With its steep sections, jumps, and extreme G-forces, the course demands everything from the athletes – and captivates spectators across the globe.
Summer Experience Hahnenkamm – Where Ski Legends Become Hiking Trails
When the snow has melted and the alpine meadows glow a rich green, the Hahnenkamm transforms into a natural paradise for hikers, bikers, and families. One highlight is the “Summer Experience Streif” – an interactive themed trail with several stations that bring the most iconic sections of the Streif to life in a playful way. With climbing elements, balancing challenges, and panoramic viewing platforms, visitors – especially families with children – can discover the magic of the racecourse in an entirely new light.
Informative displays tell exciting stories from the world of skiing, while the cheerful mascot Gerli the Chamois accompanies young explorers. The trail is pushchair-friendly and easy to walk – ideal for an active and entertaining day on the mountain.
Numerous hiking routes – from leisurely to demanding – lead across the ridge, past rustic mountain huts, blooming alpine pastures, and with breathtaking views of the Kitzbüheler Horn, the Kaiser Mountains or the Hohe Tauern.
Mountain bikers and e-bikers will also find their flow on the Hahnenkamm. Smooth trails and challenging climbs offer suitable terrain for all skill levels. The modern Hahnenkamm cable car conveniently transports hikers and bikers up the mountain – or, for the sporty types, the adventure begins right in the valley.
Underground Heritage – The Hahnenkamm as a Mining Site
Long before the Hahnenkamm became a global stage for skiing, it played a very different role: as a source of ore and a workplace for generations of miners. As early as the Bronze Age, copper was mined here. From the Middle Ages to the 18th century, the region was an important part of Tyrol’s mining industry. Copper and silver were extracted from small adits and shafts – traces of this era can still be found today at old trail crossings or in place names like “Kupferplatte” (“Copper Plate”).
Mining deeply shaped the region. Kitzbühel owed much of its early prosperity to the Hahnenkamm – until mining became unprofitable and was abandoned in the 19th century. Today, those who hike along the old miners’ paths encounter the quiet history beneath their feet – a fascinating contrast to the vibrant world of skiing above.
A Place Full of History – and Stories
A little side note for all geography fans: there is also a Hahnenkamm in Reutte, also located in Tyrol. It's scenically beautiful and a popular hiking destination – but when it comes to fame, it can’t quite compete with its Kitzbühel namesake.
Whether as a sporting arena, natural retreat, historic ground or cultural symbol – the Hahnenkamm in Kitzbühel remains a place where history has been written, and continues to be written. Year after year. Step by step. Turn by turn.
Die Kitzbühel Formel
Alpiner Lifestyle und idyllische Natur, urige Tradition und modernes Lebensgefühl: Kaum eine Stadt vereint diese Gegensätze so gekonnt wie Kitzbühel. Die Sporthauptstadt der Alpen wurde durch die legendären Hahnenkamm-Rennen weltberühmt, doch das ist nur eine Facette des Mythos Kitzbühel. Vielmehr ist es der unvergleichliche Charme der Region mit den Orten Kitzbühel, Reith, Aurach und Jochberg, die hervorragende Infrastruktur mit Top-Hotellerie und Gastronomie, die Vielzahl an sportlichen Möglichkeiten und die faszinierende Landschaft, die Kitzbühel so einzigartig machen.
