Tyrol is a popular travel destination. And rightly so, because not only is Austria’s northernmost province very easy to reach, Tyrol also offers excellent foundations for a pleasant stay. There is something to experience and discover at any time of the year. But what does Tyrol offer overall and what highlights are there to explore? This article takes a look at that.
Whether summer or winter: Tyrol always has a lot to offer
Of course: In winter, the heart of Tyrol beats faster, because the winter sports areas do not attract holidaymakers from all over the world to the Alpine region for nothing. But where the snow piles up in winter, nature shows itself in all its splendour in summer – the best conditions for an active holiday in Austria. Some highlights of the state:
- Winter sports – there are 81 ski resorts throughout Tyrol. Winter sports fans can let this number melt in their mouths. The most famous are certainly the “Bergbahn Kitzbühel”, the ski area of the SkiWelt on the Wilder Kaiser, as well as the ski areas of Gurgl, Hintertux Glacier, Hochzillertal, Arlberg and Ischgl. Many of the other ski resorts are short distances, some of which only have up to five kilometres of slopes. However, some of these mini-areas are very central and are therefore also suitable for those who do not want to concentrate on the boards.
- Winter activity – in addition to skiing and snowboarding, winter hiking or cross-country skiing brings a sparkle to the eyes of many holidaymakers. Toboggan runs are also available for young and old tobogganers.
- The cities – Innsbruck, Lienz, Kufstein, Kitzbühel and Wörgl – are good for an excursion, depending on where you are staying. In Kufstein, for example, the old fortress awaits you, which towers high above the city and is home to a local history museum. Innsbruck is not only known for the Four Hills Tournament, the old town from the imperial era is particularly inspiring. Directly from Innsbruck you can take the Nordkettenseilbahn into the mountains.
- Nature – it shows itself in Tyrol in all its diversity. Mountains, glaciers, nature parks, beautiful lakes and natural spectacles can be discovered almost everywhere.
Tyrol is one of the holiday areas that are ideal for every age group. Families with children can relax together and experience a lot, because there are always age-appropriate offers for the little ones. If you want to party in between, you will always find what you are looking for in the winter sports areas, but even in summer, Innsbruck, Wörgl and the rest of Tyrol know how to spend the night until dawn.
Attractive accommodations in Tyrol
Of course, tourism in Tyrol has changed in recent decades. While hiking and winter sports were once high on the agenda, family holidays and wellness offers are now widespread. How diverse Tyrol is is shown by the accommodations:
- Farms – perfect for families and some even planned as a hands-on farm, you can spend fantastic holidays here. Depending on whether the farm is in the valley or on an alpine pasture, experiencing nature is a completely new experience. What girls’ hearts don’t beat faster when the Haflinger stallions can be visited on the Hengstalm on the mountain?
- Guesthouses – from larger to small and rustic. If you feel like it, you can stop at a guesthouse on one of the highest alpine pastures and literally look at the world deep under your feet. Several guesthouses now even offer a little wellness, but the physical well-being is always taken care of.
- Hotels – sports, fitness, wellness or family hotels – if you are looking for specific accommodation, you should not exclude your wishes. Depending on the region in Tyrol, some hotels specialise in individual facets. However, wellness is never neglected.
- Holiday homes/holiday apartments – of course, travellers can also rent a house or apartment. Especially in the popular holiday regions, a wide variety of accommodation is available.
- Campsites – they are not missing either. As in many regions, the pitches are now divided into permanent campers, pitches for holidaymakers, rental caravans and, of course, mobile homes that can be rented.
Travellers should book directly in the popular holiday regions as early as possible so that they can get their desired accommodation.
What can you do in Tyrol?
Outdoor activities are certainly the measure of all things in Tyrol. Even those who don’t like hiking usually discover their love for running, because nature simply lures them outside. If natural spectacles such as waterfalls or deep gorges are added, castles and palaces can be discovered before you stop at an inn, the world is perfect. The brave can try their hand at the climbing walls. And what else?
- High ropes courses – not everyone likes to climb directly on the mountain. High ropes courses are the alternative for everyone, and they can be found in Tyrol wherever there are mountains. Most high ropes courses are set up in such a way that beginners, children and thoroughbred professionals get their money’s worth.
- Bathing lakes – several bathing lakes are waiting for travellers. They are spread over the entire state and are usually not only approved for swimming, but managed.
- Sights – Innsbruck can be described as almost an entire city as a tourist attraction. There is simply too much to discover. Rattenberg offers not only old house facades, but also an insight into glass art. Lienz almost attracts tourists with a touch of Mediterranean essence, after all, palm trees line the alleys all year round. The landmark of the city, however, is the castle.
Actually, it is enough to leave the guesthouse in the morning and simply set off to discover something. It won’t be long before Tyrol exudes its magic and holidaymakers don’t want to go home.
Conclusion – so close and yet so fascinating
Depending on where you live, Tyrol is only a stone’s throw away. But the Austrian province is also easy to reach for northern lights, after all, there are no passes to cross. Wherever your holiday in Tyrol takes you, it certainly won’t be boring, because there is the right entertainment for every season and every weather. By the way, motorists can rejoice on this holiday: Petrol prices in Austria are always well below the German level.