Tyrol, its alpine chalets, snow-capped peaks and folk traditions… these are the clichés we all have of this beautiful region. But is there nothing else to see in Tyrol? Behind these images there are of course other things to explore in this lovely corner of Austria. Tyrol is also a land of innovation in the service of nature. You can soar there like an eagle flying above the peaks, hurtle down the mountains by mountain bike or go-kart, or even eat in a gourmet restaurant in the mountains. Let's discover together the 10 essential visits to do in Tyrol.
Excite your taste buds in an altitude restaurant
The discovery of a foreign country necessarily passes through its gastronomy. Tyrol also offers the possibility of tasting its specialties while enjoying a magnificent natural setting. Perched on top of the mountains, you have the choice between a traditional inn and a gourmet restaurant. Cheese spätzles, bacon balls or Apfelstrudel can only be better at 2 m altitude. There are not only things to see in Tyrol, there are also things to savor!
An inn in Mayrhofen
Marvel at Swarovski crystals
The “Swarovski Crystal Worlds” site is a magical visit where young and old will be amazed. This grandiose exhibition, located in Wattens, transports visitors to a totally unreal and magical universe with dazzlingly beautiful creations. Jewelry enthusiasts may well fall in love with this museum, which is both fanciful and poetic.
The Swarovski Museum
Buller at Lake Achensee
If you are looking for a restful and rejuvenating place, why not spend a few days on the shores of Lake Achensee? Nicknamed "the Tyrolean Sea", this vast expanse of water offers the possibility of practicing nautical activities., but also to enjoy the softness of its turquoise waters. Swimming, relaxation, steamboat trips, well-being… There are many things to do in Tyrol, but above all, take the time!
Achensee lake
Play tightrope walkers on the Holzgau suspension bridge
Tyrol is a land of hiking. Beyond its breathtaking landscapes, the territory invests in impressive structures, at the service of the discovery of nature. If you are into walking, one thing to do in Tyrol is to walk the suspension bridge over the Höhenbach Gorge. Will you have the courage to cross this 200-meter-long footbridge suspended 105 meters above the void?
The Holzgau suspension bridge
Explore Schwaz's silver mines
If you are traveling with your family, here is a site to do in Tyrol with children. About thirty kilometers from Innsbruck, you descend 800 meters aboard a train to discover the silver mines. These have been exploited since the end of the Middle Ages. A totally timeless visit!
La mine d'argent de Schwaz
Think of yourself as Sissi at the Imperial Palace in Innsbruck
Who does not know Sissi, the famous empress of Austria? The Imperial Palace in Innsbruck houses an apartment specially designed for her and her husband. You can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the time and take advantage, during the visit, of the splendor of yesteryear.
The Imperial Palace in Innsbruck
Climb the 700 steps of the Stuibenfall waterfall
When modern techniques allow access to sublime sites without distorting them, we ask for more! The Stuibenfall waterfall is the highest in Tyrol at 159 meters. To see it up close, a huge staircase of 700 steps has been created. If you are wondering what to do in Tyrol, this site is a must!
The Stuibenfall waterfall
Hit the slopes of the Nordkette on a mountain bike
Are you a fan of mountain biking? Tyrol is for you! In summer, cable cars and ski lifts remain open and allow the more athletic to hit the slopes. From the center of Innsbruck, you can thus access the peaks of the Nordkette chain located to the north of the city.
Nordkette
Hiking along the Rosengartenschlucht Gorge
In your list of sublime natural sites to see and do in Tyrol, don't forget the Rosengartenschlucht Gorge. The path that runs along the most beautiful gorges in Austria consists of tunnels carved into the rock, stone stairs, troglodyte passages. An atypical and bubbling spectacle!
Rose Garden Gorge
Discover alpine fauna at Innsbruck Zoo
Whether for families with children or for adults, Innsbruck Zoo is one of the iconic sites to do in Tyrol. Located in the heart of the Alps, the animals that have found refuge there evolve in their natural space. The zoo thus contributes to the preservation of sometimes endangered species and their reintroduction into nature. The opportunity to meet animals that you will not see elsewhere!
The Innsbruck Zoo
Useful information
Finally, here is some information that will help you organize your stay in Austrian Tyrol:
- Formalities: Austria being part of the European Union, only a valid passport or identity card is required.
- Health : no formalities to accomplish. You can bring your European health insurance card.
- Cash : Austria joined the euro area in 1999.
- Tourist Office of Tyrol : you will find all the information you need on the official Tyrolean tourist office.
- Getting to Tyrol: from Paris by car, it takes around 10 hours to drive to Innsbruck. The Tyrolean capital also has an airport that is usually reached by making stopovers, with Lufthansa or Austrian Airlines. A good compromise is also to reach Munich by plane, and then continue by rental car (2 hours drive) or train. This formula is faster than landing in Vienna which is a 5 hour drive from Innsbruck.
WHEN TO GO To find out when is the right season to travel to Tyrol, check our month-by-month climate forecast.
The must-sees in Tyrol… and after?
A stay in Tyrol is a great experience, but if you want to experience the grandeur of the country's riches, don't hesitate to plan a trip through Austria. If you don't have time to explore the whole country, plan a getaway to Vienna. You will discover a more cultural facet of the country and will be surprised by its opulence. So, nature or culture? What do you prefer ?
