The Kitzbühel Alpine Rally returns to the Austrian Tirol
The historic town of Kitzbühel in the Austrian Alps hosts an impressive array of events each year, spanning countless sporting, cultural, music and family themed festivals. As Covid restrictions ease, many favourites are returning this summer and autumn, including the 34th edition of the Kitzbüheler Alpenrallye classic car rally, which is set to take place 15-18 September 2021.
With quarantine-free international travel resuming to amber list countries for double-vaccinated Brits, a late summer getaway is now back on the cards for many of us. For car enthusiasts, that means the tantalising prospect of attending the Kitzbühel Alpine Rally, the most popular event of its kind in the region. With more than 200 vehicles expected to be on show, visitors will be able to get up close a personal with a range of vintage classics including Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ferrari, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Aston Martin and Rolls Royce models.
Holidaymakers are encouraged to simply turn up and enjoy the atmosphere, but members of public also have the opportunity to take part in the rally, by registering on the event website. Those that chose to get behind the wheel are offered a full briefing ahead of the event, and are provided with a roadbook and time stamp records. Participants are faced with the task of conquering around 600 km of challenging, yet beautiful mountain roads and can choose to either race to the finish line (for the Sport Trophy) or instead take their time and enjoy the drive.
Classic cars featuring in the rally will in the most part date from the mid-1970’s and earlier, with even some pre-war vehicles on display. Over the course of the four days, Kitzbühel will be a buzz with petrol-heads from all of the region, with a welcome event at Hotel Kitzhof on 15 September and a formal awards ceremony and black-tie dinner on 18 September.
Beyond motoring, in summer Kitzbühel is perhaps best known for being the leading centre of sports and recreation in the Alps, boasting world class tennis, MTB and archery facilities. The resort is also a must for golf lovers, with four top courses n Kitzbühel and a further 26 courses within an hour and a half’s drive. What’s more, thrill-seekers are spoilt for choice in Kitzbühel, with the town making a great base for anyone wanting to take advantage of the region’s e-biking, paragliding and trail-running offerings.
More news from Kitzbühel
Snow Polo World Cup Twentieth Anniversary
Kitzbühel is set to host the 20th edition of the Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup 13-16 January 2022. One of the largest polo tournaments to take place on snow, the unique fast-paced event will feature eight international teams. Access to the Münichau Stadium, which benefits from the beautiful backdrop of the Wilder Kaiser, will be free throughout the tournament, however there will be a special ticketed evening party at the venue, at which fans will be able to meet and socialise with the players.
Christmas in Kitzbühel
During the Christmas period Kitzbühel will be transformed into a fairy tale like scene, with its Medieval streets glowing in festive colours each evening to the sound of carol singers. Set against the snow-covered mountains of the Alps, during the period the town will combine delightful Austrian Christmas traditions with the opportunity to ski and board in some of the best conditions in the region. A Christmas market will take place in the centre of Kitzbühel every Wednesday to Sunday from late November, with wooden stalls offering roast chestnuts, mulled wine, handmade seasonal gifts and more.
Go to Kitzbühel
A seven-night stay in a twin room at the delightful four-star Hotel Tiefenbrunner hotel in Kitzbühel on a half-board basis, arriving 11 September 2021, is priced from £841 pp and includes direct return flights from Manchester to Salzburg and coach transfers.
TUI (0203 451 2688, www.tui.co.uk)
Austria is an amber list destination as designated by the British government, meaning quarantine free travel will be permitted from 19 July 2021 for double vaccinated UK residents when returning to England. For the latest travel information, visit the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website.
To plan your Kitzbühel trip and for more information, please visit: www.kitzbuehel.com
