Apres Ski in Kirchberg

Kirchberg is a modest and traditional Tirolean village at 837m above sea level in the heart of the Kitzbüheler Alps. Situated 6km west of Kitzbühel, Kirchberg does not share the same exclusive feel (or pricing) as its more illustrious neighbour, but there is enough going on for it to be considered a worthy ski destination in its own right.

The Town of Kirchberg

Literally translated, Kirchberg means “Church Mountain”, giving a sense of the traditional history of the town. The church remains a focal point, and there are several sports and clothing shops for visitors to enjoy after a good day’s skiing. Options for apres-ski include several bars and pubs around the town, ranging from quiet hotel bars to lively pubs and late-night clubs.

Perhaps the most prominent feature of the town, however, is the large number of apartments and pensions lining the streets. There is a seemingly endless number of guest houses, to the extent that the town’s 9,000-strong population is nearly doubled during peak holiday periods.

For non-skiers visiting later in the season, there are other sports facilities closer to Klausen – a short walk from Kirchberg, including tennis courts and a swimming pool.

Visitors to Kirchberg should also plan a trip to nearby Kitzbühel. Although expensive, it is a stunning and charming town and can be reached very quickly if hiring a car.

Apres Ski Bars & Restaurants

Kirchberg punches well above its weight on the après ski front with a good selection of lively on- and off-mountain bars and discos cater for groups looking for fun. There’s also a number of quieter bars and restaurants so those who prefer a more relaxing ski holiday won’t be disappointed.

Après Ski Bars in Kirchberg

With over 30 bars to choose from, Kirchberg is known for its lively après ski and is particularly popular with Dutch visitors, who know how to party! Although compared to some of the bigger Austrian resorts such as St Anton and Ischgl it is relatively tame, Kirchberg has a good selection of bars located right on the slopes which run down into the village, which provide an enjoyable way to end a hard day’s skiing!

Cafe Bar Jederzeit (+43 650 5159856) on the main street in Kirchberg is a fantastic little bar with live music most nights. It can get quite packed but this generally adds to the atmosphere. The only drawback is it can get smoky when busy.

Eis Bar (+43 664 553 3149) is a perennial favourite for lively après ski, particularly popular with Dutch visitors. Open until midnight it often has a queue of keen party-goers stretching down the street outside.

Kracherl (+43 664 6488652) is a popular après ski bar which often features live music, and also has a pool table, darts, and table football.

Maierl-Alm (+43 5357 2109) has a large terrace which gets packed when the sun shines. With reindeer-skin covered seats and heaters, this is the next level in après ski comfort, but with a resident dj outside this isn’t just a place for relaxing after a long day skiing.

Schneebar Oberkaser (+43 699 10228822) is a small but lively après ski bar, within the same group as the Fuchslochl, located right on the Kaser piste (26). A great place to stop for a schnapps or a beer on the last run home, it has an ice bar outside – the perfect spot to catch the last of the rays.

Schi-Alm (+43 5357 3282) is another alternative (or addition!) for après ski drinks on the piste before heading home. It is on the right hand side of the Kaser piste (26) and also serves food all day, with choices including Austrian specialities, pizzas and salads.

Vis a Vis bar (+43 5357 4422) is a cosy, pub-style bar which can get quite lively and is open until 03:00 most nights. Its nearby ‘Dreick bar’, a typical Austrian après ski tented bar, is open from 13:00-22:00 and is the perfect place to warm up for a night out in Kirchberg.

Restaurants in Kirchberg

There are a similar number of restaurants in Kirchberg, mostly offering traditional Austrian cuisine although more international tastes are also catered for.

Asado’s Steakhouse (+43 5357 2973) does what it says on the tin. Generally gets very good reviews for the food on offer, although service can be slow.

China Restaurant Aurora (Tel: +43 5357 35005) offers an alternative to the ubiquitous Austrian cuisine.

Hotel Bechlwirt (Tel: +43 5357 2205) has a restaurant serving traditional Austrian fare. It’s not the most atmospheric restaurant in town, but the food is very reasonably priced and they do an excellent goulash soup. It’s also a favourite with locals.

Kupferstub’n (Tel: +43 5357 2335) is frequented by locals as well as visitors and one of the best restaurants in town although still reasonably priced. The menu offers a wide choice, including a range of Austrian specialities as well as more international, though traditional, dishes. However, it is the service which really sets the family-run Kupferstub’n apart, with a genuinely charming atmosphere created by the owner Hildegard.

Pizza per Tutti (+43 5357 20064) is one of a number of pizzerias in Kirchberg. They’re all relatively similar, but locals recommend this one and the large pizzas can also be ordered for delivery.

Nightclubs in Kirchberg

Der Tiroler (+43 69 917 123 917) on the main street into Kirchberg is the biggest night club in Kirchberg and offers fun après ski and late night partying until 04:00.

Fuchslochl (+43 699 1022 8822) is open from 21:30 every day and is popular with locals and visitors alike, featuring a mix of house, electro, chart and live music.

Other Activities in Kirchberg

Kirchberg is a well-rounded resort with something for everyone and offering a wide range of interesting winter sports and other activities for less sporty types. Though retail therapy in Kirchberg is limited mostly to sports shops, a few boutiques and souvenir shops, there is excellent shopping and more in nearby Kitzbühel.

Tobogganing

The Gaisberg toboggan run is a must-do for all families and fun-seekers visiting Kirchberg. While the run, accessed by the Gaisberg chairlift, is open every day (09:00-16:00) it is also open Tuesday-Saturday evenings from 18:30-21:30 and makes a great night time activity for skiers and non-skiers alike. A single ride is included in the ‘Kitzbuhel area’ ski pass, but it is well worth the extra few euros for an evening pass. Toboggans can be hired at the bottom of the lift and tobogganing can be combined with a hearty dinner at either of the excellent mountain huts on the Gaisberg – the Gaisbergstuberl at the top of the lift, also accessible to non-skiers/tobogganers, or the Obergaisberg half way down the toboggan run.

Night skiing

For those who can’t put their skis away, the Gaisberg chairlift is open Thursday and Friday evenings offering floodlight skiing – although limited to a single short red run.

Ice Climbing

The Gaisberg also hosts Kirchberg’s ice climbing park offering the opportunity to climb one of the biggest ice climbing towers in Europe and an ice-climbing wall. Beginners can have a go at scaling the ice every Friday evening (18:30-21:30).

Snowshoeing

Snowshoe hiking offers the possibility of getting ‘off the beaten piste’ and experiencing parts of the landscape around Kirchberg which would otherwise be inaccessible. The tourist office in Kirchberg offer guided snowshoe hikes for a range of abilities.

Skidooing & Quadbiking

In winter visitors can rent skidoos and try out the 800m professional course. Alternatively try an ATV (quad bike) – which are also available for kids. For more information contact Local Motion – www.locationmotion.at.

Horse-drawn sleigh rides

Traditional horse-drawn sleigh rides are offered in the winter, offering a magical way to see the landscape and including a cosy meal at the Skirast Inn. Rides can booked at the tourist office in Kirchberg.

Swimming and Spa facilities

The KitzSki pass offers 50% discount at the fantastic Aquarena Spa Centre in Kitzbuhel, which offers indoor pools with water slides, steam room, saunas, solarium and massage. For more information contact Aquarena Kitzbühel.Closer to home several hotels in Kirchberg provide access to their indoor pool and sauna facilities. Calling in advance is recommended.

Shopping in Kirchberg

While Kirchberg has several small boutiques and tourist shops it is well worth the short trip to Kitzbuhel to experience the charm of this historic town and the excellent opportunities for retail therapy!