Alpenhotel Kitzbühel am Schwarzsee, Austria: leisure at the lake
The thin layer of snow crunches gently underneath your feet as you head out early in the morning from the Lakeside Lodge to the banks of the Schwarzsee lake. A holiday by the lake at the Alpenhotel Kitzbühel in winter – how wonderful!
After taking in a deep breath you can go back to your cosy suite suitably refreshed and enjoy the idyllic panorama that towers above the shimmering layer of ice on the lake from the warmth of the interior. Although the Alpenhotel Kitzbühel is located in the middle of the infamous winter sports resort of the same name, alpine luxury here is more about the peace that can be found in nature. And time seems to stand still for a moment.
Those who prefer things a little livelier can get to the centre of Kitzbühel in just a few minutes and make the most of the luxury boutiques and cosy cafés that entice more than just fashionistas to take a relaxed stroll around. Whether you’re looking for activewear basics in Frauenschuh, statement pieces in Sportalm Kitzbühel or exquisite accessories in the Schroll jewellers, this vibrant town won’t leave many fashion desires unfulfilled. Afterwards, it’s back to the Lakeside Lodge where you can put your feet up following a successful morning, until hunger strikes and you head off to peruse the culinary offerings. But you don’t have to look far – the perfect place to satisfy your hunger is right next door.
Gastronomic bliss with a lake view
The new à la carte restaurant at the Alpenhotel Kitzbühel is just as appealing in winter, with its sun-drenched terrace looking out over the stunning Schwarzsee. While taking in the view of the mountain landscape beyond, you can put your appetite in the safe hands of the dedicated team of chefs, who serve up regional and seasonal dishes and Austrian specialities, as well as Mediterranean-inspired fish dishes, indulgent salads and trendy bowls.
Afterwards, the fresh winter air draws you back outside for a lovely stroll along the lake, until you start to feel the cold and return to the Lodge. You make the spontaneous decision to pay a visit to the spa with its sauna, steam room and jacuzzi, which if you’ve spent a day on the slopes of the Wilder Kaiser ski area will be just as deserved a treat for tired muscles. The warmth and tranquillity will soon have you feeling totally relaxed and reinvigorated for the evening, when there are yet more gastronomic delights to be devoured before you round off the day in the Lodge with a good book.
It goes without saying that you should venture onto the pistes – you are in Kitzbühel, after all, and the world-famous Streif downhill slope is right in front of you. Whether you’re brave enough to take on the up to 85% gradient and the fastest descent in the world is up to you, but it’s definitely worth heading up there for the view from the top and a stop at the Streifalm restaurant. Beyond that, we’ll see…
Alpenhotel Kitzbühel is a Member of Lifestylehotels
Text: Nina Prehofer
