Every January, the international jet set flock to Kitzbühel to watch its legendary Hahnenkamm Race, perhaps even taking to the (gentler) slopes themselves. But despite all this glitz and glamour, Kitzbühel remains remarkably down-to-earth. The town’s gently rolling mountains create a sense of such deep relaxation that an anti-stress gene has surely been passed down from generation to generation. It is a place of peace as much as pizzazz, where the sabre-toothed landscapes soothe stress-ridden city dwellers and lull them back to life.
However, the cigar has also conquered its firm place here, as proven by Kitzbühel’s well-stocked tobacco shops. In this guide, you’ll discover the town’s best smoking terraces, tobacco shops, and cigar experiences – from smoking speakeasies to cigar lounges dressed up as gondolas.
Knappengasse 1, A-6370 Kitzbühel
Traffic Sevignani
In Harald Sevignani's family business in Knappengasse, you can find the noble brand Rocky Patel Conviction Toro in a box of 10. The premium cigars from Honduras come individually packaged in tubos that shine in noble bronze tones – like jewellery from a jeweller. As an entry-level cigar, the Tyrolean Sevignani recommends a light Vega Fina from the Dominican Republic. The Paradiso Elegancia Churchill by Ashton is popular with connoisseurs. The cigar, which was rolled in Nicaragua, has a banderole with a parrot motif.
Kitz Souvenir Bert
Aficionados will also find a top selection at Kitz Souvenir Tobacco. Owner Basem Bert presents cigars from the Honduran master blender Oscar Valladares, whose cigar bands are patterned with colourful Picasso pictures. He is very proud of his own brand Steinbock Tradition, which references the city of Kitzbühel. You can also discover Cuaba in Figurado format and Partagá's Serie D No 4.
Kirchgasse 1, A-6370 Kitzbühel
Oberaigenweg 101, 6370 Kitzbühel, Austria
Rosi’s Sonnbergstuben
This paradisical hillside restaurant is where Arnold Schwarzenegger comes to smoke cigars whilst serenaded by yodelling landlady Rosi Schipflinger. Aficionados will discover paradise in the form of a well-stocked humidor that contains finely spicy Davidoff Signature No 2 in the tube and strong Joyas Nicaragua Clásica Original. On the way up, stop by Traffic Reiter – a Tyrolean wooden pavilion that always has a good Habano or Davidoff in stock.
Rubin Bar at Kempinski Hotel Das Tirol
You’ll find the most exclusive cigar lounge in Kitzbühel hidden inside the Kempinski Hotel Das Tirol’s Rubin Bar. It has the distinguished charm of a secret lodge with speakeasy flair, with its British-style club chairs and elegantly frosted wooden furniture. Try one of cigar-smoking head chef Karl Schmid’s culinary inventions whilst you smoke; his take on the world-famous Mozartkugel (Mozart ball), served as a pistachio soup, is delicious. Further standouts from his menu for cigar smokers include venison ragout with citrus jelly and smoked local salmon.
Kitzbüheler Straße 48, A-6373 Jochberg
Hinterstadt 15, 6370 Kitzbühel
Berggericht
A must for gourmets, this old town restaurant by chef Marc Gatterer transforms traditional dishes from Tyrol into surprising new creations. Have you ever tried a cigar-shaped apple strudel filled with fine white chocolate? Gatterer’s fine alpine cuisine consistently amazes with its refined sequence of culinary highlights that leave nothing to be desired.
LEO Hillinger Wine Bar
This temple of pleasure, set up by an Austrian wine guru of the same name, offers a special surprise for aficionados: a fine spirit created in tribute to cigar lovers. The Hill cigar brandy comes in an elegant glass bottle designed by star designer Zara Hadid – just one more proof of how Kitzbühel profiles itself as a destination for the highest demands of enjoyment.
Hinterstadt 11, A-6370 Kitzbühel
Im Gries 39 A-6370 Kitzbühel
Hans Frauenschuh
If you’d like to dress in the typical alpine style, Matthäus Stern is the best choice. He is the third generation to run the elegant specialist shop Hans Frauenschuh, which sells lederhosen as well as cigar cases. Stern himself is on-hand to demonstrate how one or two cigars fit effortlessly into the triangle-shaped pockets of his exquisite lederhosen collection. He also shows cases made of chamois leather, in which cigars can be stored safely and beautifully.
A-ROSA
If you want to enjoy your favourite sundowner cigar with a view of the imposing silhouette of the Wilder Kaiser, you should head for this castle-inspired hotel. Its interiors are inspired by alpine elegance, and in winter, its wine bar is transformed into a small, cosy cigar lounge.
Ried Kaps 7, 6370 Kitzbühel
Eichenheim 10, 6370 Kitzbühel
Grand Tirolia Kitzbühel
Michelin keys and après scene aside, every winter, this upscale hotel also offers a highly original smoke experience: outside its popular jazz club, The Golden, you can enjoy your favourite cigar in an old-fashioned ski gondola.
Kitzbühel Schwarzsee Reith
The Kitzbühel region offers many smoking terraces that provide unforgettable views of Tyrol's mountains. And if you’re a golf-loving aficionado, the 18-hole Kitzbühel Schwarzsee Reith course is a peaceful oasis – its smoking terrace is very quiet.
