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History
The History of the Gamsstadt
Mining town, border location between Bavaria and Tyrol, cradle of skiing: Kitzbühel boasts over 750 years of city history.
Bronze Age
Copper from the Kitzbühel Mountains
More than 3,000 years ago, copper ore was extracted in the area around Kitzbühel – the roots of later mining.
Around 1180
First Mention as "Chizbuhel"
Between 1178 and 1182, the name Chizbuhel appears for the first time in a document from Chiemsee.
1271
Kitzbühel Becomes a City
On June 6, 1271, Bavarian Duke Ludwig II grants Kitzbühel city rights. At that time, Kitzbühel was still part of Bavaria.
1504
Kitzbühel Joins Tyrol
On June 30, 1504, Kitzbühel permanently becomes part of Tyrol – King Maximilian I reserved the offices of Kitzbühel, Kufstein, and Rattenberg.
1540–1774
The Golden Age of Mining
At Röhrerbühel near Kitzbühel, copper and silver ores are mined. In 1554, 826 people work here; the Heilig-Geist shaft reaches a depth of 886 meters in 1618 and remains the deepest shaft in Europe until 1872.
1892
The First Ski Tracks
Franz Reisch makes the first documented ski runs at Kitzbüheler Horn – the start of a success story.
1928
The Hahnenkamm Cable Car
With the opening of the Hahnenkamm cable car, ski tourism in Kitzbühel begins on a grand scale.
1931
The First Hahnenkamm Race
The race that makes Kitzbühel world-famous is held for the first time at Hahnenkamm.
1956
Toni Sailer Makes History
Kitzbühel's Toni Sailer wins all three alpine events at the Olympic Games in Cortina d'Ampezzo: downhill, giant slalom, and slalom.
Today
The Gamsstadt
With around 8,300 residents, Kitzbühel is now a world-renowned year-round destination – all while retaining the charm of a Tyrolean small town.
Stroll
History at Your Fingertips in the Old Town
The best way to experience Kitzbühel's history is with a stroll through the Vorderstadt and Hinterstadt with their colorful burgher houses. Overlooking the town are the Parish Church of St. Andreas and the Church of Our Lady.
In the Kitzbühel Museum, you can learn more about mining, city history, and winter sports – as well as about the painter Alfons Walde, who shaped the image of Kitzbühel with his winter paintings.
Why "Gamsstadt"?
The Chamois is the emblematic animal of Kitzbühel – which is why Kitzbühel is affectionately called the Gamsstadt. You will encounter the chamois throughout the town: on flags, signs, skis… and of course, with us at the Gamshof.
Hotel Gamshof Kitzbühel
Experience History – Right in the Heart of the City
From our house, you can reach the historic Old Town in just a few minutes on foot.