I am looking for an idyllic town in the alps of Austria to spend 4 nights in early June. We will use as a base to drive to nearby attractions and hiking. I have received recommendations of several in the Kitzbuhel area. Has anyone stayed in the town of Saalbach in summer? If so, how does it compare to the Kitz area? They have a card during summer that allows free use of the lifts and cable cars in the area. It comes with the hotel reservation. I don't know if it is worth staying in Saalbach to take advantage of this. I would appreciate any help.
Posted by
near Ringwood, Hampshire, UK
521 posts
I've stayed in a place of a similar size, maybe a bit smaller, Kirchdorf, which is about 15 km north of Kitzbuhel. That was in mid to late June. If you have transport then I think that's fine - these are ski resorts in winter and although you can do hiking and mountain biking, and they usually have a swimming pool, you will want to travel around the area unless you really just want to sit and read books and look at the mountains. Looking at the map, I'd say that's the problem with Saalbach - as the crow flies it's 20 km from Kitzbuhel, but by road it's 70 km, for example, because it's 13 km up the Saalach valley. We loved the area at that time of year. Hot sunny days, violent thunderstorms for an hour in the early evening to clear the humidity, sat on the balcony with a beer, watching the lightning. Marvellous. Gruess Gott!
Posted by
Tilburg, Netherlands
2829 posts
I personally like the areas pf Mayrhofen or around the Stubai glacier. Check them out, they have those passes for gondolas as well. They are on areas a tad more vast and less crowded as well.
Posted by
Missouri City
252 posts
It is definitely a beautiful area. We stayed in Zell am See a few years ago, which is absolutely gorgeous, and drove over the Kitzbuehl. Unfortunately, I'm not familiar with Saalbach but I'm sure you will enjoy your time in Austria.
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8319 posts
Saalbach is so far back in the mountains that I'd be surprise if you didn't have to hike in. Kitzbuhel and the mountains south of there are beyond beautiful, and it's off the beaten path far enough. Just stay there. Tirol's a region that's best explored by a rental car. We love to just ramble from city to city.
Find a small village bar and buy a round for the whole place. It'll be the last drink you'll buy for the entire night. The Tiroleans are very warm and friendly people.
Posted by
Germany, Germany
813 posts
I've been to Hinterglemm, just past Saalbach skiing last year. They're good sized resort towns. I can even vouch for the orthopedic department of the local emergency room at Hinterglemm, very efficient! I like Hinterglemm better than Saalbach just due to the way the town is laid out around the lifts. It's slightly more flat town in the valley floor with the hills going up than Saalbach which is more set on the side of the mountain. It is a very beautiful area with great restaurants, night life, and a good cross between rental condos and high-class hotels. Kitzbuhel is also a great choice. More densely populated than the other two towns, but again, many hotel options, great restaurants, etc. Third choice in the area is Zell Am See, because the lake is nice, but the other places have more town cutesy-fun-ambiance.