The main road running through Matrei is lined on both sides by beautifully painted townhouses and inns. This municipality in the northen section of the Wipptal Valley lies 17 km south of Innsbruck.
For many centuries the Brenner Pass has been one of Europe's most important north-south trade routes. Little wonder, then, that a number of villages grew along this road leading through the Wipptal Valley. One of them is Matrei, which is today home to around 1,000 inhabitants. Archaeological investigations have revealed that there was a settlement on this site in the Early Bronze Age. In 1251 Matrei was officially made a market town. Located at 992 metres above sea level, Matrei is an excellent base for exploring the network of hiking and biking trails leading up into the mountains and over the Italian border.
For many centuries the Brenner Pass has been one of Europe's most important north-south trade routes. Little wonder, then, that a number of…
