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Your Travel Guide to Tirol
Located in Western Austria bordering Germany, Italy, and Switzerland makes Tirol one of the most popular regions in the country. Tirol’s landscape stretches over the mountain tops of The Alps, and this along with its narrow and steep valleys makes it one of the most visually impressive regions in Austria. The area doesn’t just have great scenery, but also has some of the most popular ski resorts in The Alps including Zell am Ziller, Kitzbuhel, and Mayrhofen.
About Tirol | Getting to Tirol | How to Get Around Tirol | Activities in Tirol
About Tirol
Tirol is home to Austria's second largest city, Innsbruck, known for being the countries culture capital, visitors come to see the cities modern architecture along with the beautiful backdrop of The Alps. The first history of Innsbruck dates back to the stone age and has been populated continuously since giving visitors great historical attractions. The name Innsbruck translates to The Bridge Over the Inn, after the bridge within the centre of the city.
Climate
During the summer months in Tirol the temperature can climb to 25° C with mostly pleasant dry days, this gives perfect conditions for walking, hiking and mountain biking. The winter months see tourists from across Europe take advantage of the snowy conditions and head to the mountains for the ski season.
Language
The official language spoken in Tirol is German.
Getting to Tirol
 | Train | Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof is the biggest train station in the region connecting with Vienna, Salzburg, and Zurich. Trains also pass through Innsbruck on route towards Munich and Verona. From Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof visitors can also get to popular ski resorts Zell am Ziller and Mayrhofen. |
 | Bus | As Innsbruck is the main transport hub in Tirol, buses and coaches depart from one of two stations in the city, either Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof, or Hofgarten. Most buses going to and from these stations often stop at the famous winter sports village Seefeld, and ski resorts such as Kitzbühel and Zillertal can also be easily reached by bus and cable car. |
 | Flights | Located two and a half miles from the city centre, Innsbruck airport is the only international airport within the region. There are extensive services from the airport to other destinations within Tirol. Bus route F connects the airport's main building with Innsbruck's international train station and takes around twenty minutes. From there visitors can continue on to smaller towns, villages and ski resorts. Transfers from the airport to hotels are also available to book and taxis are readily available from arrivals. |
How to Get Around Tirol
Train
Trains in Tirol run extensive services and connect most of the towns and villages in the area. Some train routes climb to higher altitudes, ideal for visitors staying at ski resorts, although the majority still include taking a cable car up the mountain. Austrian railway ÖBB runs most of the services in Tirol, there is also the S-Bahn service which has six lines across the region.
Taxis
Taxis are available within the region and are regularly used for both long and short distances, although are considerably more expensive than public transport. Hiring car is a more popular option and many hire companies operate throughout Tirol, including one at the airport.
Bike
There are more than 900km of bike lanes throughout the region which are used for both transportation and sport. Mountain bike hire companies operate throughout Tirol and often have deals for visitors. Most of these companies also offer small repair and maintenance for bikes.
Places to Visit
The Golden Roof
The Golden Roof is considered to be one of the city of Innsbruck's most famous symbols. Located in Innsbruck's Old Town, The Golden Roof was completed in 1500 and is decorated with almost three thousand copper tiles. The attraction was built for Emperor Maximillion I and was used to view festivals from the balcony that overlooks the square below.
Tirol Landscape
The mountain ranges and landscape that covers Tirol is an attraction in itself, especially as it is home to the highest mountain in Austria - Grossglockner, which stands at 12,461 feet. This, along with the less steep Kitzbüheler Alpen in the east, means that the landscape is ideal for hiking and cycling in the summer, and skiing in the winter. Lake Achen is another popular and romantic attraction in the north of Jenbach. It is the largest lake within the region and has a depth of 133 meters. Visitors can take part in watersports, or relax by the side of the lake.
Castles and Palaces
Within and around Tirol there are over 150 castles and palaces, one of the most impressive is the Kufstein Fortress. The main attraction of Kufstein has a history that dates back to 1205 and has acted as a prison in the past. The fortress sits on a hill giving impressive views of the town and the river. Visitors can either join a guided tour around the castle and grounds, or explore independently.
Activities
Skiing
In a mountainous region like Tirol, skiing is one of the most popular activities. During the ski season tourists come from all over the world to try out the slopes. Famous ski resorts include Kitzbühel, Zillertal, St. Anton am Arlberg, Sölden, and Pitztal.
Cycling
As the months get warmer the most popular summer sport to take part in, for locals and tourists alike, is cycling. Tirol’s mountainous landscape and winding paths make for challenging cycle routes including long distance cycle trips amounting to days of the road. For these trips there are many specialised cycling hotels which serve nutritious meals tailored towards long distance cycling.
Hang-Gliding and Paragliding
The steep slopes of Tirol’s landscape lends for the perfect scenery and conditions to try hang-gliding or paragliding. Companies across the region offer lessons to gain a licence, or a tandem experience to get the best views.
Events
Almost every winter sport has a tournament that takes place in Tirol from snowboarding to snow polo. The city of Innsbruck also holds cultural events including food and music festivals during the warmer summer months.
Four Hills Tournament
The prestigious Four Hills tournament takes place in Innsbruck annually from the 2nd - 3rd January. The tournament includes the 134-meter ski jump and attracts enthusiastic tourists from all around Europe, as well as millions viewers. There are also sporting events that take place during the summer months including cross country running, mountain biking, and climbing. These take place several times throughout the season and dates change annually.
The Hahnenkammrennen
The Hahnenkammrennen is an Alpine Ski Race which takes place in Kitzbühel. The prestigious race has taken place since 1931 and is part of the FIS World Cup. The most famous downhill track is called "Streif" and belongs to the fastest tracks during the World Cup. Dates in 2016 are from 19th - 24th January.
The International Balloon Festival
Tannheim is host of the International Balloon Festival which takes place annually over twenty-two days in January. Visitors arrive early to see the illuminated hot air balloons hover across the winter's landscape.
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