This tale of two resorts and what may be termed
as their "Working neighbour" counterparts continues with this information on
Kirchberg. The prominent and beautiful Church is probably the first thing
the visitor will notice when approaching Kirchberg. "Kirch" in German means
church, and it is, we believe, from this landmark that the town takes its
name. When trying to describe the personality of Kirchberg one would
have to pass up usage of such words as "sophisticated, slick and up market".
Kirchberg is none of the above.
What it
is, is an easy going, fun, ski resort. One where there does not seem to be a great distinction between
visitors who are older and more financially stable, and the tremendous young
crowd that Kirchberg attracts, who, more often than not, are watching their
budgets very closely.
Now I hasten to add that this introduction does not mean
that Kirchberg is not a very well run ski resort. It is. And, as a result, it
has just about every facility that one could think of to make it as "user
friendly" and as enjoyable as possible. In addition Kirchberg shares
exactly the same skiing slopes as Kitzbühel and its immediate neighbours on the
ski circus umbrella, plus a nice "home base" slope known as the
Gaisberg.
It is here that beginners will first "wobble" their way to
competence, and here too that "Europa Cup" ski races are
held. But
more about the skiing in another section. Kirchberg, about 6kms from Kitzbühel
is, on the whole, less expensive than is more famous
neighbour, but not less popular.
Dutch skiers have taken this resort to their hearts, and these, mixed
with a liberal sprinkling of British, Australian, German and many other
nationalities, make for a "mixed bag" of serious and not so serious
skiers on the lookout for fun. In Kirchberg they have no trouble finding it.
Night life abounds here, and we are willing to bet that no matter what your
taste you will find something that meets your fancy. There are pubs and
clubs, restaurants, pizzerias, discos, the lot. In Kirchberg most of these locations
are priced realistically.
There is too a wide selection and diversification of
accommodation in Kirchberg, and one can rest one's weary
head in the whole range, from luxury to clean and
comfortable, the choice is yours. Price ranges can be
found at the tourist office, even long after normal
business hours.
The full slate of non ski activities is "on tap" here. Tennis, squash,
riding, swimming in selected hotels, and sleigh rides probably top the
list. The
best way to reach Kirchberg by road is to cross at Kufstein, take the Brixental
exit, and follow the Brixental Rd.
