Winter in Tirol begins with bells, banging and bizarre beings roaming the streets. Every year at the start of December, the devilish “Krampus” strikes fear into the heart of children. This centuries-old tradition is today more popular than ever.

Tiroleans mark the longest day of the year by lighting fires in the mountains. One of the areas with the most spectacular summer solstice celebrations can be found at the Zugspitze mountain. The tradition of summer solstice fires dates back many centuries and is today included on the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List.

Tirol’s mountains are not only fantastic for skiing and climbing – they also provide a spectacular backdrop for music events. In summer 2024 the region will play host to a range of musical highlights spanning everything from picnics with pop songs to brass bands in breathtaking surroundings.

What on earth are Doggln, you may ask! They are the original version of slippers traditionally made in the Zillertal Valley and recently one of the hottest things on show at Paris Fashion Week. These warm and cosy clogs made of 100% natural materials are famous for their durability and craftsmanship.

Tirol has some weird and wonderful Easter traditions. We have picked ten of the best from the 40-day fast of Lent to unusual ones such as egg-bashing and grave-decorating.

The carnival season – known throughout the German-speaking world as "Fasching" or "Karneval", but referred to here in Tirol as "Fasnacht" – sees all manner of weird and wonderful beings roaming the streets. This year the festivities will not be able to take place due to coronavirus restrictions, so we wanted to take this opportunity to transport this centuries-old tradition to your home.

Each of us has a handful of great Christmas memories as a child: the sparkling star on top of the Christmas tree; the fun afternoons we spent out with our fathers, as the Christkind had to put up the tree at home; the favourite Christmas carol; the air effervescent with scents of the season …

There’s nothing better to get you in the mood for Christmas than the beautifully decorated stalls of a romantic Christmas market, a glass of punch with a cranberry Kiachl pastry, and festive tunes played by a traditional brass band. Adding to Jacob’s tips for Innsbruck’s festive markets, here’s my selection of romantic Christmas markets in Tirol. Merry Christmas!

I once read that Tiroleans are said to be a cunning, lederhosen-wearing mountain people who yodel. Well, honestly speaking, I wouldn’t describe us as ‘cunning’; I’d rather say we are kind of pig-headed, maybe. Don’t worry, the Tiroleans are still very friendly and welcoming people. If you befriend a few locals and head into the mountains with them, you can be sure to enjoy wonderful scenery, good company and plenty of laughs.