11 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Tirol
1.
Long-distance hiking might not sound like fun for the whole family; however, it can be a very family-friendly adventure. Particularly if you take a walk along the Lech River Trail: Embrace the pace set by the kids and set aside plenty of time to stop. Often. To view waterfalls, to toss pebbles into the water, to build cairns, got the idea? There’s so much of the natural world for kids to discover and examine – make sure they have time to get their wilderness fill. If you are willing to slow down to their pace and enjoy it, you will have a great time and a relaxing walk. Remember, time is your friend – so plan for lots of it, even some extra days! – JULIA KÖNIG
2.
I always say I would not stay in the same hotel twice. The Bio Hotel Grafenast, however, gave me no choice but to return. After all, it was on the hotel’s outdoor deck where I experienced what is probably my best summer storm. There is plenty to do in the unspoilt and delightful gardens. The swimming pool is wonderful and the hammocks are an excellent touch for relaxation. Hidden in the trees is a yurt which is in fact a sauna. My favourite room is the Swiss stone pine room. I really fell in love with this place. During my second stay here there was a live outdoor jazz concert on the deck in the evening, overlooking Inntal Valley from its elevation at 1,300 meters. A lovely sunset thunderstorm discharged a few clouds to ground lightning bolts. Then followed an extended show of lightning and thunder. It was only at the end of the concert when the rain set in. That was when I knew that I would gladly break my rule to revisit. All good things go by three. – MICHAEL GAMS
3.
Bike & Hike Tour to Milderaunalm Alpine Pasture Hut, which reopened two years ago. From the village of Neustift, it’s a 600 vertical meter climb by mountain bike to the Alpine pasture hut. From there, it’s another 400 vertical meters along a trail leading to “Naturschauplatz Hühnerspiel”. Up there, I always have to catch my breath – not from climbing but from watching a continuous reel of premiere showings starring glistening white glaciers and the lofty Stubai Alps. On my way down, I always stop at Milderaunalm Alpine Pasture Hut to refuel with great food prepared by owner Christian. – CORINNA LANTHALER
4.
The countdown is on! Less than 100 days left to visit the Pop Down Hotel in Zillertal Valley. Pop what? The Pop Down Hotel is a hotel that only exists for 150 days: The former “Zillertaler Grillhof” is operated for one winter season, before the outdated building gets a complete makeover. It’s a refreshingly different type of lodging experience – imagine a rustic Alpine housefront with wooden balconies that was completely painted in white, a table that stretches over three floors, a lobby that feels as if you are entering into a real life Wes Anderson movie set, and a flooded basement with ‘lake bar’. – INES MAYERL
5.
In the valley end of Eng, in the most remote corner of Karwendel Mountain Range, sits this striking plateau named “Großer Ahornboden”. This is my favourite place in Tirol when it comes to connecting with nature. Some 2,500 of the oldest and tallest sycamore maples in the country can be seen here at this enchanting natural monument, all towered by the mighty limestone formations of Karwendel Range. There are few better places in Tirol to see the change of the seasons. Every time I reach the last turn of Engtal Valley on my mountain bike, the sycamore maples look different. And every time I’m looking forward to that well-earned stop over hearty delicacies at the farmer’s shop of Eng Alm! – JANNIS BRAUN
6.
I have this magnetic pull towards islands and remote places, no matter wherever in the world they are located. My favourite ‘remote island’ in Tirol is the tiny village of Gramais in Lechtal Valley. Reached by eight kilometers of hairpin turns and switchbacks, this remote place is one of Tirol’s best-kept secrets. Getting there, I’m always humbled by the panorama of lofty and jagged and rugged peaks that tower high above this small settlement. Next, I’m filled with respect and admiration for the few locals who maintain this unique mountain environment of steep meadows and pastures, homes and farmsteads. And then there’s all this solitude and silence… it really takes some time to get used to that! There are no scheduled activities, no resorts nor deluxe hotels, no nothing. At Gasthof Alpenrose I always have rouladen that taste just like Granny’s do. Almost. – ECKARD SPECKBACHER
7.
In my home place, just around the corner, so to speak, sits what is considered one of Tirol’s most beautiful high-lying valleys, Pfunds Tschey. This valley is a bit of a journey back in time. Although well attended and often busy with walkers on Sundays, the place stands as a true showcase of the diversity and majestic beauty that Tirol can offer. Hikers making the journey to one of the nearby peaks will find plenty of solitude though. A spectacular way of getting there is the extremely narrow road via Greit. You might want to have snow chains ready in winter. Pfunds Tschey is amazingly beautiful at all times of year. I like it most in late summer, when the gorgeous scenery promises one last hurrah — a parade of colour before winter descends on the region. – EVA THÖNI
8.
Hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, … For centuries, Tirol has been home to an amazing craft distillery scene. Throughout Tirol, locals are creating some of the finest hand-crafted schnapps, spirits and liqueurs in the country. Over the years, quality-obsessed distillers like the Rochelt Family have developed and refined their range of smooth spirits, adapting many from centuries old recipes, handed down from generation to generation. They play to its strengths by means of Tirol’s altitude, crisp mountain water and best locally grown fruit: The perfect ingredients to be distilled into award-winning spirits in Fritzens. Their beautiful green bottles even look good on the shelf when emptied. If you wish, you can savour the fruit of their work, literally: Guided tours of the distillery are available by appointment, rounded out by taste tests and mouthwatering Tirolean specialties. – FABIENNE KRÖLL
9.
In the tri-border area of Italy, Switzerland and Austria, it’s easy to spot structures that remain from the area’s important strategic position along a historic north-south axis: The fortification and Inn River Bridge at Altfinstermünz were part of the “Via Claudia”, the first Roman ‘motorway’ across the Alps that linked Germania with the South. The bridge with its fortified tower is still used today as a path for hikers and cyclists. Right next to it you will find the actual fortification, which has been carefully restored to its former glory with attention to detail and is now open to the public. The Gothic Hall serves as atmospheric venue to exhibitions and events. The Klausenschenke restaurant on site in a historic outbuilding offers great food in a distinctive ambiance. – CHRISTIAN KLINGLER
10.
For all those who don’t want to get up well before the lark to watch the sun fill the air over the mountains with its warming glow—and for all those who want to get their after-work fix, I strongly recommend sunset atop Gratlspitz Peak. From its top, there are astounding views of Inntal, Alpbachtal and Wildschönau Valleys below and of the jagged peaks of Rofan and Karwendel Mountain Ranges. It’s a majestically colourful scene created by the setting sun, when the mountains turn a vibrant, crimson light. Having watched the summer sky behind the mountain peaks, descend to Holzalm Alpine Pasture Hut for one of their famed schnitzels – a perfect end to a perfect day. – MICHAEL WALZER
11.
“Come visit us, we have nothing to offer.” is the marketing slogan of Villgratental Valley, a side valley of Hochpustertal in East Tirol. And indeed, you won’t find any ski lifts or hotels or spa resorts here. Which is exactly what makes it my personal favourite. Million dollar views of Großvenediger, Großglockner and the Dolomites are your reward for a climb atop Hochalmspitze Peak. Wonderful dishes are served up at Badl Alm (you really must give their ‘Schlipfkrapfen’ a try!). Unique products are available for sale at Villgrater Natur and Alfons Steidl Smithy. The best place to spend the night is cosy Lackenkammer Alpine Pasture Hut, run by Fürhapter Family. And definitely worth visiting in Villgratental Valley is the Alpine Pasture Village of Oberstaller Alm. – INGRID SCHNEIDER
When he is not working, Michael Gams is out exploring this fabulous region, hiking, mountain biking, freeriding and ski touring to the most beautiful spots in Tirol.
