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The Austrian part of the Tyrol region is awash with spectacular mountains, lush valleys cradling glacial lakes and, during Winter, a huge selection of top-class ski resorts. While those who rent a chalet in Tyrol tend to be drawn to the slopes, a visit outside of the ski season offers you all manner of hiking and other outdoor activities to explore.
Take a look at some of our favourite sites and activities in Tyrol.
Not for the faint of heart! Grab a bird’s eye view of Innsbruck and the Stubaier Mountains with a tandem paragliding tour with a trained guide. After taking a cable car to the peak of the mountain, a brief explanation is given by the instructor who then joins you as you glide and swoop over the mountains, valleys and town below. On some of the flights your guide will even serve you a sparkling wine in the air! Available throughout the region, including in St Anton. Ask our local expert for more information.
The sumptuous sight of the Verwalltal Valley near St Anton is the perfect place for a walk in luxuriant greenery. However, for those looking for something a little more dynamic, the Aerial Forest Park, sat on the banks of the Rosanna River, is an excellent option. High up in the treetops, make your way from platform to platform via a series of challenges, involving climbing ladders, ziplines, and all manner of obstacles that will test your balance, strength and agility. There is also a special route created especially for kids.
…Or indeed on any other of the many mouth-watering comfort foods that are particular to Austrian Tyrol. Head to a mountain hut or a local restaurant and make the most of the abundant Schlutzkrapfen, Gröstl, Strudel, Kasspatzln, Kaiserschmarren (and so forth…) on offer!
The spectacular 360-degree panorama from the top of Valluga Mountain alone is almost reason enough to go on holiday in Tyrol. Located near St Anton, a gondola will take you to the peak of the mountain from where you can get an extraordinary view of almost every summit in the Lechtal and Allgau Alps, not to mention vistas that take in Otzal and Stubai Alps – you can even look into and marvel at the Grisons region of Switzerland. There also happens to be an excellent restaurant near the top, where you can reward your exertions with a portion of Speckknodel followed by a little Kaiserschmarren.
A great day out for kids and adults alike: Area 47 Adventure Park - situated in Otztal, halfway between Innsbruck and St Anton - has all manner of outdoor activities for you and your family to enjoy: from climbing and mountain biking to rafting and bungee-jumping. The water park, with huge slides, wake boarding and blobbing (google it) is perfect for adults and for kids over 12.
Considered the most beautiful dam in the Zillertal Valley, the view from the rope bridge that hangs over the Schlegeisspeicher reservoir offers one of the best photo opportunities in all of Austria. Easy to reach by car from nearby Mayrhofen, the Schlegeis Alpine Road leading to the reservoir also provides spectacular scenery and exhilarating high curves along the way. But beware! The road is only open between mid-May and the end of October.
Part toboggan run, part rollercoaster, the Arena Coaster offers a family day out with guaranteed fun for kids and parents alike. This one-and-a-half-kilometre ride weaves in and out of a forest set against lush rolling hills. Children must be 4 years of age to ride with their parents, while those over 16 can ride solo.
This mythical mountain road boasts some of the best vistas in all of Austria, with many areas reaching altitudes of 2000 metres. Suffice to say, those choosing to cycle this 35km stretch of road, with its 10% inclines will need to be in remarkably fine fettle, and to have done some previous preparation… but for the rest of us there is always the option of driving or taking a motor bike.
However you get there, those who make it to the top will be rewarded with an alpine hut in which to replenish any spent calories…
Austria’s biggest folk festival takes place in Ziller every May, and represents an opportunity to try some of the region’s local beers, watch traditional folk dances, witness Ranggeln competitions (a local type of wrestling), not to mention to experience the parade of Gambrinus the Beer King! Each year, a special beer, Gauder Bock, is brewed especially for the festival. Its 7.8% alcohol content is designed to ensure everyone is in the party mood… it usually succeeds!
The scenery in Tyrol is to die for, while the scrumptious local dishes make up some of the best comfort food around. So why not combine the two and head off on a culinary hike? There are a number of walks available throughout the region, thoughtfully designed to bring your journey to an end outside of a mountain hut, many of which offer their own local and home-made specialities. Speak to our local experts for more details.
