Popping the question: 7 ideas for romantic marriage proposals in Tirol
1. Say YES at sunrise
Getting up in the middle of the night. Climbing to the top of a mountain. Waiting together for the sun to appear on the horizon. And then, when everything is perfect, finally asking that question you have been rehearsing in your head over and over again. With such a romantic setting, who could possibly say no?
For: Couples who like spending time in the mountains, especially with a head lamp
Highlight: The famous „Alpine glow“ (the first rays of sun early in the morning)
Where: Throughout Tirol you will find sunrise hikes led by a local guide: Sunrise hikes in Tirol
For example, why not hike to the top of the Serles mountain without a guide? The walk takes around 2.5 to 3 hours from Maria Waldrast. Those who want to scale the heights without climbing too many vertical metres on foot can take the chairlift from the Axamer Lizum ski resort to the Birgitz Köpflhaus, stay the night there and then get up early the next morning to complete the final 50-minute hike to the summit of the Nockspitze mountain. We recommend choosing a weekday if you don’t want hordes of people watching you as you pop the question!
2. Say YES on the lake
Silence. The only sound to be heard is the water lapping gently at the shore as a rowing boat glides past in the distance. It is time to take a deep breath and ask the question – before whipping out the bottle of champagne you have hidden in the boat and raising a glass to your future together.
For: Couples who like spending time on and around the water
Highlight: Absolute silence in the middle of the lake
Where: For example at the Obernberger See or the Wildseeloder See in Fieberbrunn at 1854 metres above sea level with crystal-clear water. Another good option further down in the valley is the Walchsee lake, where visitors can hire a traditional wooden boat with an electric engine and head out onto the water for a little privacy.
3. Say YES high above the ground
Step by step, slowly and surely. The bridge wobbles as you go. Don’t look down! Your heart is already pounding by the time you arrive in the middle – it is only a matter of moments until you speak one of the most important sentences in your life.
For: Couples who want to overcome their fear of heights (together)
Highlight: The fabulous view – if you dare to look down
Where: The hanging bridge in Reutte is an impressive 406 metres long and 114 metres above the ground – anyone who can get up the nerve to walk across is definitely brave enough to pop the question!
Those who aren’t quite so keen on heights should try the hanging bridge over the Inn river near Mötz. Just a short walk from the bridge itself there is a romantic waterfall – the perfect place for a marriage proposal.
4. Say YES in a horse-drawn carriage
Wrapped up warm in woollen blankets, cuddling together as you watch the landscape pass by. The only sound is that of the horses’ hooves as they amble along at a gentle pace. Horse-drawn carriage rides are super-romantic in both summer and winter. The perfect place to ask: “Will you marry me?”
For: Couples with a real sense of romance
Highlight: The alpine landscape slowly passing by
Where: Throughout Tirol it is possible to enjoy romantic horse-drawn carriage rides. One of the most popular places is Seefeld. From there you can take a horse-drawn carriage up to the Hämmermoosalm hut serving delicious local food. Lake Achensee is also a top tip: Horse-drawn carriage rides at Lake Achensee
5. Say YES in a romantic hotel
Relaxing in the sauna. Chilling on the waterbed. Enjoying the majestic views. And then going down for dinner … with a sparkling engagement ring hidden in the dessert! Sounds too good to be true? Think again! Tirol is home to many romantic hotels which make it is easy to say those four little words.
For: Couples who like to be pampered
Highlight: Hiding the engagement ring in your partner’s mousse au chocolat
Where: There are several romantic hotels in Tirol offering special packages. The Alpenlove in Seefeld features a horse-drawn carriage ride, a sung marriage proposal or, as already mentioned, the option of hiding an engagement ring in your partner’s dessert – or, for those feeling particularly romantic, all three!
6. Say YES in the castle grounds
A romantic park, centuries old. Mighty lions carved out of stone flank a set of steps leading down to a small duck pond. Who knows how many couples have pledged their futures to each other here under the trees? Tirol’s castles with their romantic gardens and grounds are a top place to ask the question.
For: Princes and princesses – or those who want to feel like royalty for a day
Highlight: Romantic fountains and ponds
Where: The grounds at Matzen Castle near Reith im Alpbachtal. The castle itself houses a beautiful boutique hotel where guests can stay the night. There is also a fine dining restaurant with medieval rooms.
7. Say YES with a whisper
Archduke Sigmund had two channels carved into the entrance arch of the Late Gothic building known as the Burgriesenhaus. If you whisper something at one end, the sound is transported through the stone channel all the way to the other end. The message can be heard by those with their ear to the channel – and nobody else. What better way to pop the question in the heart of Innsbruck’s oldtown while maintaining a little privacy? The whispering arch, as it is known, is also interesting for singles looking for love. As well as marriage proposals, the arch can also be used to express secret wishes which the stone archway then keeps to itself – and which, it is said, are all the more likely to come true.
For: Couples who believe in supernatural powers
Highlight: Whispering and listening
Where: The building at Hofgasse 12 in the centre of Innsbruck. During the daytime it can be very busy, so we recommend going there either early in the morning or late at night.
With a passion for detail and a twinkle in her eye, Christina Schwemberger takes you on a journey to meet amazing people, visit interesting places and experience all that Tirol has to offer.
