Known worldwide as "THE" winter sports sanctuary, Tyrol is also an exceptional summer destination. Its high mountain landscapes are among the most important parts of Europe's natural heritage. They are made of majestic alpine valleys topped by giant peaks, while its picturesque villages give it a unique character. A plethora of outdoor sports, top-class facilities, delicious cuisine, a strong cultural identity, exciting events... Tyrol seduces with its inimitable combination of tradition and modernity, harmoniously combining its former Baroque churches with the latest sports facilities. Among its mythical valleys, here is our summer selection.
The Alpbachtal and its preserved villages
Just a stone's throw from the regional capital Innsbruck, in the heart of the Kitzbühel Alps, which is home to the most chic of Austrian resorts, the Alpbach Valley is a particularly well-preserved mountain region, where "people from above" live in perfect harmony with nature. Hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, the offer of sports activities in this wonderful valley is great. The village of Alpbach, with its chalets nestled in the middle of the green mountain pastures and at the foot of the slender peaks, is perhaps one of the most beautiful in Austria. Its unique traditional architecture has earned it a fine reputation. An idyllic place in summer, whether for sport or rest... and ideal for families: Lauserland is an exciting playground and adventure destination! The other villages in the valley all have their charm: Reith im Alpbachtal, with its flower gardens, lake and amusement park; Rattenberg, Austria's smallest town known for its adorable shops and glassblowers... And nearby: Lake Achensee, the largest in Tyrol, where you can sail and kite.
Olympiaregion Seefeld: a temple of open-air sports
About twenty minutes drive northwest of Innsbruck, the Seefeld Valley occupies a magnificent location. Olympic site during the Innsbruck Olympic Games, a winter sports paradise, the Seefeld Alpine territory shows its ambitions by renaming itself today Olympiaregion Seefeld. While offering an impressive array of winter sports facilities, Seefeld can also boast an incredible history of summer and winter resorts. For example, in 2016, Hotel Klosterbräu celebrated its 500th anniversary and as many years of excellence in a dream setting! With its tradition of hospitality, its gastronomic and hotel establishments, the chic resort enjoys a sunny climate (as many hours of annual sunshine as Grenoble or Alpe d'Huez) and offers a privileged setting to enjoy the natural beauty of Tyrol.
The Ötztal between Hibernatus and eagle nests
Of all the valleys in Tyrol, Ötztal is one of the province's jewels. Montagnard, purely alpine, the high valley with its waves fed by glaciers and their waterfalls, is a true natural spectacle. Stuibenfall Falls, with its 159 metres, is the highest in Austria. Between May and October, they are illuminated and offer a fascinating sound and light. The hiking routes will take you to passes with ever grandiose panoramas. Lake Piburger See, particularly warm, offers you paradisiacal swimming. You will also discover the "Austrian Hibernatus village", Ötzidorf, an archaeological park built near the site where this prehistoric man was found, preserved in the ice for 5,300 years. As for Sölden, it is one of the most popular spots in the Alps for mountaineering and hiking. Its cable cars will take you to dizzying heights: the 3,058 m of the Gaislacher Kogel. With the family, you can enjoy Area 47 water park where you can climb, canyon, raft and do water activities. Finally, Sautens is a small village at the end of the valley that excites mountain sports fans with its enchanting hiking and mountain bike routes, climbing sites and rafting spots. Moreover, the charms of its narrow streets also invite you to rest and relax!
Stubaital: breathtaking landscapes
If what you are looking for is the quintessence of the Austrian mountain, with its breathtaking slopes, crystal clear peaks and picturesque villages with baroque bell towers, the Stubaital is perfect. It is no coincidence that the French football team chose Neustift, one of its most beautiful resorts, to train in the summer of 2016. An altitude train that takes you to more than 3,000 metres; at the very end, the majestic Stubai glacier. The Stubaital Valley alone contains one of the largest glacier ski areas in Europe; in summer it is an idyllic base for walking or mountain biking. You can climb on the platform often called "Top of Tyrol", a stunning panoramic platform in the glacier area.
Smart info
When? When? In winter, of course, Tyrol is a winter sports giant with the best infrastructure in the world. But in summer for outdoor activities and mountain sports, stays in typical villages and swimming in high altitude lakes
Getting there. Count at least 3h20 between Paris and Innsbruck, with a stopover in Vienna, the Austrian capital.
Find your flight at the best price - Compare
Useful. To prepare your trip as well as possible, the tourist office offers summer passes, for a fee, which give you discounts in many places if you combine visits. Almost every valley in Tyrol has one.
TYROL TOURISM OFFICE - More information on the website
Book your hotel at the best conditions - Compare
Find a cultural or sporting activity - Find
