When to Visit Tirol – A Month By Month Guide: July (Tips for a Hot Summer in the Alps)
People who love Tirol know that there is much more to summer than just a dip in the local open-air pool. In the few completely snow-free months of the year visitors and locals alike enjoy everything from outstanding rock climbing to electronic beats. In late July the town of Reutte in the far west of Tirol hosts a medieval festival where visitors can journey back in time to the age of brave knights and damsels in distress. Check out our top highlights in the month of July and see what takes your fancy!
July Sport
The heat of the summer has melted away the last few patches of snow on the mountains. With the winter season well and truly over, it’s time to get out your rock climbing gear and head for the heights. The area around the Dolomitenhütte in East Tirol has 116 routes, catering mostly for advanced and expert climbers, with names as weird and wild as “Jesus he knows me” and “Gamswurstbaronesse”. Most routes here are rated 5-8.
Those new to the sport or keen for a refresher course in climbing safety should check out the „Alpine Safety Area“ in St. Magdalena in the Gschnitztal Valley, where they have the chance to test out different rock climbing difficulty levels on both short and long routes before taking on the challenge of rock climbing in other areas.
July Culture
How about a journey back in time? The medieval festival at Ehrenberg Castle near Reutte in the far west of Tirol gives visitors a chance to step back for three days into the age of brave knights and damsels in distress. From 26 to 28 July more than 2,000 people in medieval dress recreate a traditional tournament complete with jousting, music and a medieval market. There is also a special programme of activities for children. The event concludes with a spectacular firework display above the 700-year-old castle. Those with a head for heights can walk along the highest suspension footbridge in the world. The „Highline179“ near Ehrenberg Castle is 409 metres long and dangles 114 metres above the ground.
July Events
Night owls know that Innsbruck offers a spectacular backdrop for amazing parties. One of the most popular such events of the year is the Wetterleuchten Festival on the Nordkette chain of mountains overlooking the city. At 2,000 metres above sea level it is the highest music festival in Europe and gives festivalgoers the chance to enjoy electronic music late into the night from 13 to 14 July. Visitors can also pitch their tent next at the festival site in the mountains. The music and the amazing views of Innsbruck by night make the long journey into the mountains worthwhile.
Benjamin Stolz lives and loves the contrasts of Tirol. Despite being born and raised in this mountainous region, he is afraid of heights. He is a paper-loving online blogger, a city dweller from the countryside and a firm believer that there is more to discover in Tirol than you might think.
