Michelle Cacija

Dreaming of the perfect ski getaway? Westendorf, nestled in the heart of Tirol and just a short drive from the legendary Kitzbühel, offers breathtaking slopes, fresh powder, and unforgettable alpine charm. But this winter wonderland has so much more to offer! From cozy mountain huts and scenic winter hikes to snowshoe adventures and tandem flights over the stunning Alps, Westendorf is a paradise for every kind of traveler. Ready to explore? Then servus and welcome to my ultimate guide to a magical winter escape! 🏔️✨

As always, I want to remind you, that this blog isn’t perfect because everyone travels differently, and all trips involve changes of plans. I want to let you know that everything on this website has been experienced, photographed, and written by me. Since I finance all of my travel expenses on my own, the stories and opinions given are truly my own. If you’re interested in seeing more travel pictures or videos, feel free to check out my Instagram @michellecacija or my Tik Tok @michellecacija.

Index

1. The Basics about Westendorf
2. Things you need to be aware of
3. Medical insurance
4. Accommodation Recommendation
5. Ski Rental Recommendation
6. Photo Gallery
7. Summary of Activities
8. Other Austrian Blogs

The Basics about Westendorf

Nestled on a sunny plateau in the heart of the Kitzbühel Alps, Westendorf is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Europe. Just a few kilometers from the famous town of Kitzbühel, it transforms into a winter paradise as part of the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser – Brixental, offering endless slopes and lifts for skiers. In summer, it becomes a top destination for hikers, mountain bikers, and golfers. Westendorf has even been awarded the title of Europe’s most beautiful flower village – a true gem for nature lovers!

When to Visit

Westendorf is a fantastic destination year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your interests. For skiing and winter sports, the prime season is from December to March, when the slopes are covered in fresh powder. If you prefer hiking, mountain biking, or enjoying the alpine scenery, the summer months from June to September offer pleasant temperatures and lush green landscapes.

Getting There

Westendorf is easily accessible from major European cities. The nearest airport is Innsbruck (around 80 km away), while Munich and Salzburg airports also provide convenient options. From there, you can take a train to Westendorf station or drive through the scenic Austrian countryside which is also definitely worth it.

Where to Stay

Accommodation in Westendorf ranges from cozy alpine chalets to luxury hotels and budget-friendly guesthouses. If you’re visiting in winter, staying close to the ski lifts is ideal, while summer visitors might prefer a traditional farmhouse or a hotel with wellness facilities. Westendorf offers something for everyone!

I’ve visited Westendorf twice and stayed at the Almlodge ^{(unpaid ad)}, which I highly recommend. This accommodation offers beautiful, well-equipped apartments located right in the mountains, providing beautiful views and a cozy alpine atmosphere. With direct access to the ski slopes, it’s an ideal choice for winter sports enthusiasts. Additionally, the lodge is perfect for a relaxing getaway, offering easy access to hiking trails and nature activities during the warmer months.

What to Pack

For a winter trip, bring warm, waterproof clothing, ski gear (or rent on-site), and good snow boots. In summer, pack light hiking clothes, comfortable shoes, and a rain jacket for unexpected weather changes. Year-round essentials include sunscreen and sunglasses to protect against the alpine sun.

Additionaly, consider bringing your own little medication bag, including Band-Aids, pain relief tablets, sleeping tablets or spray, bug spray, aftersun, etc. You never know what you might need it for, and you might feel more comfortable using medication from home rather than in a country where you don’t know the ingredients and languages. If you’re coming from outside Europe, don’t forget to bring a Type C power adapter.

Cost of Traveling

Westendorf offers options for every budget. Lift passes and ski rentals can add up in winter, but self-catering apartments help save on dining costs. Dining out can range from affordable mountain huts serving hearty Austrian meals to more upscale restaurants with gourmet cuisine.

Summer activities tend to be more affordable, with many hiking trails free to access. Additionally, bike rentals and adventure activities like paragliding are available at reasonable prices. Compared to more famous Austrian ski resorts like Kitzbühel, Westendorf is a budget-friendlier alternative while still offering great skiing, stunning alpine scenery, and a charming village atmosphere.

Things you need to be aware of

Sundays. Keep in mind that Sundays in Westendorf and in general in Austria are a little different —most supermarkets and shops remain closed. However, if you need groceries, there are supermarkets closer to Kitzbühel that stay open on Sundays and public holidays. Restaurants, cafés, and ski resorts, on the other hand, continue to operate as usual, so you can still enjoy delicious meals and exciting activities without any worries!

Water in Austria. Austria is known for its crystal-clear, high-quality water straight from the Alps. When you’re drinking tap water, you can be sure it’s as pure as bottled mineral water. Many mountain villages, including Westendorf, even have public fountains with fresh alpine spring water — perfect for a quick refreshment while exploring!

Tipping. In Austria, tipping is very common and considered a sign of appreciation for good service. It’s customary to leave a tip of around 5-10% in restaurants, cafes, and for taxi services. When paying by card, you can often tell the waiter the total amount you’d like to be charged, including the tip. In casual eateries or bars, rounding up the bill is a common practice.

Currency. The official currency in Austria is the Euro (€). While Austria used to be a very cash-oriented country, card payments are now widely accepted in most restaurants, shops, and hotels. However, some smaller establishments, especially in rural areas may still prefer cash. ATMs are easily accessible throughout the country, and withdrawing Euros is straightforward. It’s always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases, tips, or places that don’t accept cards.

Things you should try. A trip to Austria’s alps wouldn’t be complete without experiencing some local traditions! Try hearty Tirolean dishes like Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancakes), Käsespätzle (cheesy dumplings), or a classic Wiener Schnitzel. A must-try winter treat is the Germknödel, a fluffy yeast dumpling filled with spiced plum jam, topped with poppy seeds and vanilla sauce — pure comfort food after a day in the snow, I absolutely love it! To drink order a Skiwasser, a refreshing and fruity mix of raspberry syrup, lemon, and water.

Medical insurance

I highly recommend getting travel medical insurance while you’re traveling. Hopefully, you’ll never need it, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. SafetyWing offers two flexible plans tailored to your travel needs — whether you’re a short-term adventurer or a long-term expat, you’ll have reliable coverage anywhere in the world.

SafetyWing is especially great for remote workers and digital nomads, offering continuous global coverage even if you’re hopping between countries. Of course, it’s also a solid option for frequent travelers or those constantly on the go. But if you’re only traveling occasionally or just for a short holiday now and then, there might be better-suited alternatives.

Accommodation Recommendation

As I’ve already mentioned before I visited Westendorf twice and stayed at the Almlodge ^{(unpaid ad)}, which I highly recommend. The accommodation offers beautiful, well-equipped apartments located right in the mountains, providing beautiful views and a cozy alpine atmosphere. With direct access to the ski slopes, it’s an ideal choice for winter sports enthusiasts. So you can just put your skis or snowboard and go down the slope. Additionally, the lodge is perfect for a relaxing getaway, offering easy access to hiking trails and nature activities during the warmer months.

Ski Rental Recommendation

When it comes to renting ski and snowboard equipment, I highly recommend Rent & Sport Steinbach ^{(unpaid ad)}. While I always use my own gear, my partner rented ski equipment from them, and everything was excellent.

We reserved the equipment online, which was incredibly convenient, and the pickup process was smooth and efficient. The staff wasn’t only friendly but also very knowledgeable and helpful, ensuring that everything fit perfectly.

One standout feature of Rent & Sport Steinbach when we rented was their customer-friendly refund policy — if you book the equipment for multiple days but return it earlier, they refund you for the unused days, which is something most rental companies don’t offer. This is especially great when the weather turns bad, and skiing isn’t an option. Additionally, if you book online, you get a 10% discount, making it even more budget-friendly. Overall, I think the prices are reasonable. Of course, it could always be cheaper, but compared to other companies, it’s actually a bit more affordable.

Photo Gallery

Summary of Activities

• Skiing/Snowboarding
• Sledging/Snowtubing
• Cross-country skiing
• Paragliding/Tandem flights
• Hiking
• Snow-shoe hike
• Hiking with Alpakas
• Day Trip to Kitzbühel
• Riding a Segway

Other Austrian Blogs