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Tandem
Paragliding
Tandem Paragliding takes place on the North side
of the Kitzbuheler Horn, seventeen hundred metres up. The winter tourists
tend to go the mountain on two planks of wood. In summer, they jump
off it. If Joe can tandem paraglide, then anyone can! You just need
to be between 30 and 120 kilogram’s. Tandem Paraglide costs
£70
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Hiking
Trails
There are hiking trails to suit everybody. If you’ve a decent
pair of boots, you can take a three-hour trek along some of the more
rugged paths or if you have young children, there are plenty of shorter
routes, some of which are even suitable for buggies. Another summer
favourite is mountain biking and the bikes can be hired locally. They
cost about £14 a day for adults, about £7 for children
and you don’t have to cycle up the mountain as the bikes can
be carried on the cable cars and gondolas. |
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Festoon
Hohensalzburg (Salzburg Castle)
You can walk to the top of the castle or take train. Build in 1077
this is the largest fully preserved fortress in Central Europe. In
the 15th and 16th centuries it was extended by Arch Bishop Keutschach,
his symbol was the turnip and his affection for it was such that you
can see it in 58 places around the fortress. Tours are available of
the interior, the stately rooms and the dungeons. |
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Krimmel
Falls
We recommend a half-day trip to Krimmel Falls which is situated in
the Hohe Tauern National Park. These waterfalls are fuelled by a melting
glazier creating a furious spray at the base. If you get too close
you will get wet. If you’re feeling energetic, you can take
the adjacent path, which brings you to the top of the falls some 380
meters high. |
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Afternoon
Coffee
Coffee houses and drinking coffee is an Austrian institution. The
legend has it that when the Turks fled in the seventeenth century,
they left behind a big sack of coffee beans and so began the Austrian’s
love affair with coffee. On average, the Austrians drink more than
a pint of coffee per head per day! With every good coffee of course
you should have a great slice of cake. |
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River
Rafting
Austria has many rivers. Some with ragging rapids which are great
for white water rafting and other calmer rivers are ideal for river
rafting, which is suitable for people of all ages. Joe and Suzanne's
trip began in Kirchdorf, near the town of St Johann, and travelled
on the Tiroler Achen River. A river rafting session costs £20
for adults and £14.50 for kids |
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Trip
to Salzburg
If you fancy a day drip we recommend that you
take the train to the historical city of Salzburg. The distance from
the train station to the Alstrater (old part of the city) is about
a 25 minute walk. Everything then is within a short walking distance.
The square is dedicated to Austria’s most famous musical son:
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. He was actually born in Salzburg and at the
time of his death in 1791 at age 35 he had composed and published
over 620 pieces.
It's worth popping into the impressive Domkirche or Don Cathedral
which was constructed in the 17th century and designed in the Italian
baroque style.
Don't forget to try the speciality of Salzburg: Mozart chocolates
(marzipan covered in chocolate) which come in different variety packs.
A day trip to Salzburg (booked through your tour operator or rep)
costs £21.40. Train Journey price to Salzburg From Kitzbuhel
Single £19.80, Return £39.60
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Summer
Tobogganing
Just because you come here in summer doesn’t mean you have to
miss out on the winter sports. Joe and Suzanne did the summer version
of tobogganing at San Johan, which is about ten minutes away on the
train from Kitzbuhel. This run is a thousand metres long and it’s
got fifteen turns. Summer tobogganing costs €11.50 for an adult
for three goes and €7.50 for a kid for three goes, but don’t
worry, you don’t have to climb back up the mountain, you can
take the chair lift. |
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Zeller
See Lake
Zeller See is a large lake in a picturesque setting beside the resort
of Zell am See. It offers a wide variety of water sports including
sailing, water ski-ing and windsurfing and can be reached in forty-five
minutes by train from Kitzbuhel. If you go on Tuesday morning, you
can go by vintage train with old carriages and you’ll be looked
after by staff in traditional costume.
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Schwarzsee
Lake
Closer to Kitzbuhel there are plenty of natural and man-made lakes.
With changing rooms, cafés and facilities for kids of all ages.
The nearest one is Schwarzsee Lake meaning black lake but don’t
let the dark colour of the water put you off. This is one of the Alps
warmest bathing lakes. If you get some bad weather, the kids can go
to the aqua arena in the centre of the town. It has two swimming pools
and two water slides to keep them entertained for hours. |
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Tirolean
Night
The tradition of après ski isn’t confined to the winter
months. In summer Kitzbuhel has no shortage of lively bars and restaurants,
three nightclubs and regular outdoor concerts. Joe and Suzanne come
to Oberndorf, near Kitzbuhel for an evening of Tirolean entertainment.
It includes the full costume, dancing, schnapps and if you're lucky,
a bit of yodelling.
The Tirolean songs and dances performed here have been passed down
through the generations. The dresses and leather shorts are also traditional,
but still popular as regular clothing among locals today. The show
lasts about an hour and a half and costs £5.50 per person including
transportation. |
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Eating
Out (doors)
When you come to Austria, you must experience
the traditional cuisine and the best place to do this is in a mountain
hut. The bus out of Kitzbuhel will take you to the Bichlam chair lift,
which costs £4 for the assent. It takes 20 minutes to reach
the top. Right beside the station at the top
you’ll find a mountain hut. Huts like this can be found dotted
throughout the mountains and they all serve traditional Austrian food.
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