Welcome to the heart of the Alps, in the land of Empress Sissi! Tyrol, with its sumptuous peaks and deep valleys, nature parks, mountain lakes and glaciers, is a spectacular destination. Ideal for skiing in winter and hiking in summer, this territory offers splendid scenery in every season. Whether you prefer big, glamorous ski resorts or small, friendly ones, maple or larch forests, torrents or streams, chalets or cosy inns, flower-filled meadows or cows on the mountain pasture, Tyrol has it all. It's a region full of tenderness and romance, with its edelweiss, its folk music and dances in costume, and its typical songs. So, what's there to do and see in Tyrol, Austria? Discover our top 17 most beautiful places!
1. Visit Innsbruck, capital of Tyrol, Austria
The capital of Tyrol, Innsbruck is a dynamic economic and cultural center reminiscent of Grenoble, where mountains are omnipresent around every corner. The peaks surrounding the city exceed 2,500 meters in altitude. So it's not surprising that Innsbruck is renowned for its sporting character, with over 500 km of ski slopes nearby. In addition to its proximity to the mountains, Innsbruck boasts a magnificent heritage of Baroque and Classical architecture. You'll find an impressive number of museums (second only to Vienna in Austria!). Innsbruck is also known for its bold modern architecture, which harmoniously integrates metal and glass with its historic heritage.
Petit Futé tip: the Innsbruck Card, which you can book here is a card that gives you free access to public transport, as well as free entry to the city's museums and certain cable cars and tours.
Good to know: Mountain lovers, spend the festive season in Innsbruck! From November 15 onwards, Tyrol's largest city transports you into its Christmas enchantment with its market, one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, it offers a timeless spectacle that's well worth the detour.
2. What to do in Tyrol, Austria A visit to the Swarovski Museum
It's an enchanting visit for young and old alike! Located in Wattens, the Swarovski Kristallwelten transports visitors to a totally unreal, magical world of dazzlingly beautiful creations. In this whimsical and poetic museum, water, perfume, music and temporary works by renowned artists such as Salvador Dali, Keith Haring and Niki de Saint Phalle, to name but a few, stand side by side. For families, the playground is ideal for children and offers a beautiful view of the surrounding Alps.
Good to know: A shuttle bus, free for holders of the Innsbruck Card which you can purchase here, runs every two hours from the center of Innsbruck.
Book your ticket: Take advantage of our partner's rates and enter a fantastic world that has fascinated millions of visitors by booking your your ticket to the Swarovski Kristallwelten.
3. Alpbach: the idyllic image of an Austrian village
Nestled around the steeple of St. Oswald's church, its large wooden chalets, adorned with red, white or pink ivy geraniums spilling over the balconies, earned Alpbach the title of"most beautiful village in Austria" in 1983 and the award for"most beautiful flower village in Europe" ten years later. In summer, Alpbach's magnificent scenery can be explored on foot, mountain bike or paraglider. In winter, snow enthusiasts can choose between downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, dog-sledding, snowshoeing, curling or ice skating. The resort is particularly family-friendly, with many activities and facilities adapted to younger guests.
The article to read: What to do in Austria The 19 most beautiful places to visit
4. Sankt Anton: Austria's largest ski area
The birthplace of downhill skiing, Sankt Anton is the largest ski area in Austria and the fifth largest in the world. This chic resort alternates between beautiful chalets and cosy, luxurious hotels. It is also home to the country's largest and oldest ski school, attracting lovers of gliding and powder. Wondering what to do in Tyrol, Austria? In winter, you can marvel at the Adventsauber (four weeks before Christmas) and the "ski show" every Wednesday. The more athletic can venture out on the Run of Fame, an 85 km circuit that takes you around the entire Arlberg region on skis. In summer, Tyrolean evenings are held every Tuesday in the Arlberg Saal, while Wednesdays feature Tyrolean concerts.
Good to know: if you're visiting Sankt Anton in fine weather, take time toadmire the village's central traffic circle. Here, environmental artist Paul Volker creates pebble stacks that are as amusing as they are admirable.
Related article: Where to ski in Austria? The 12 biggest resorts
5. Hall In Tirol: a small medieval town well worth a visit
Just 10 km from Innsbruck, Hall In Tirol is a picturesque medieval town that was Tyrol's most important city in the Middle Ages. Prosperous thanks to the salt trade, it also had the privilege of minting coins. Its picturesque alleyways are home to numerous medieval buildings, making the old center one of the best-preserved historic sites in the country. Hall's nativity scene artisans are among the most admired and talented in the region. You can visit the Mint Tower, where Maximilian I's wedding was celebrated, and take part in the Palm Sunday procession, during which a life-size statue of Christ is carried through the old streets on a donkey. A moment of religious fervor and typical Tyrolean folk festival for those wondering what to do in Tyrol!
Good to know: Hall in Tyrol is an ideal base camp for discovering the region's natural riches, going on excursions along the hiking trails or reaching the winter sports resorts.
6. Volders and its Church of St. Charles (Karlskirche)
Volders is famous for its Church of St. Charles (Karlskirche), whose steeple can be seen from the freeway, offering views all the way to the Bavarian border. Volders' heritage also includes the castles of Friedberg and Aschach, testimony to the eventful history of this area, which has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The area is home to Himmelreich, one of Tyrol's most important archaeological sites, revealing the life of villagers over 2,000 years ago. Wondering what to do in Tyrol, Austria? A 10 km circuit allows you to explore these historic sites on foot. Volders is also renowned as a starting point for ski tours and the nearby Volderberg toboggan run.
7. Ischgl: one of Tyrol's must-see ski resorts
A village with a fascinating geographical location, Ischgl is surrounded by imposing mountains and lies just down the road from Silvretta. It is one of Tyrol's most renowned ski resorts, thanks to its extensive ski area and well-developed hotel infrastructure. Although the village has only 1,600 year-round inhabitants, it attracts some 200,000 winter sports enthusiasts every season. Every effort is made to offer visitors an exceptional stay, with 238 km of slopes, concerts and a lively après-ski.
8. Discover Ötzi the Iceman in Umhausen
Umhausen is a particularly well-kept and charming village, made famous by the discovery of the 5,300-year-old Hibernatus, or Ötzi, the Iceman. Ötzi's mummy was discovered by two German hikers in 1991. Its excellent state of preservation has enabled scientists to better understand the lifestyles of hunter-gatherers in the Alps during the Neolithic period. If you're wondering what to do in Tyrol, Austria, don't miss the village museum of Ötzi Dorf, which invites you to discover the life of the "hibernatus" in the Neolithic period. You'll see the reconstruction of a dwelling hut, a bread oven and more. There are plenty of activities for young and old alike.
9. Matrei am Brenner, famous for its painted houses
Located just 17 kilometers south of Innsbruck, Matrei am Brenner is a small community perched at an altitude of 992 meters, famous for its houses decorated with Lüftl paintings, typical of the Tyrol. Its exceptional natural setting offers a variety of activities all year round: in summer, enjoy the Wipptal cycle path along the River Sill, or explore the path leading to the pilgrimage site of Maria Waldrast, the highest monastery in Central Europe. In winter, this path is transformed into a cross-country ski trail.
Good to know: Be careful not to confuse Matrei am Brenner with the other Matrei in Osttirol, 180 kilometers to the east, in East Tyrol.
10. Mayrhofen: one of Austria's favorite places to stay in Tyrol
Wondering what to do in Austria's Tyrol? Among the resorts of the Ziller Valley, Mayrhofen, nestled at the foot of the mountains, is a vibrant Alpine village and one of the Austrians' favorite places to stay in Tyrol. Once a simple hamlet attached to the municipality of Brandberg, Mayrhofen has grown over the years to become a major resort, well-equipped with reception facilities, hotels and restaurants. The ski area comprises 57 lifts and 136 km of pistes, including the famous Harakiri, reputed to be the steepest in the country with a gradient of 78%. The highest point of the Penken massif, at 2,250 m, also offers glacier skiing.
11. Igls: a sporting and cultural destination in Tyrol
A spa and ski resort, this charming village on a sunny plateau is a sporting and cultural destination that combines Baroque and Gothic architecture. Nestled at the foot of the Patscherkofel and close to the Lansersee lake, it's just a 15-minute drive from Innsbruck. If you want to take full advantage of the scenery, streetcar line 6 is ideal. Departing from the town center, just a stone's throw from the tourist information center, you can take the half-hour uphill route through woods and pastures, against a backdrop of peaks and the town of Innsbruck. An enchanting, bucolic itinerary.
12. Enjoy Lake Heiterwang
Heiterwang is the gateway to the region, close to the ski resorts and the lake of the same name. In summer, the main reason for stopping off in this community is to visit the lake. This small mountain lake of almost 1.5 km² is particularly renowned for the abundant fishing it offers. It is even said that Emperor Maximilian I of Austria used to fish here. Small leisure centres have been set up on the lake's shores. In addition to fishing, boat trips are also available . The surrounding area is also ideal for hiking and jogging. Diving is even permitted (only in certain areas of the lake) and is very popular.
13. Matrei In Osttirol: a particularly family-friendly destination
What to do in Tyrol, Austria Located in the center of the Isel Valley, on the scenic Felbertauernstrasse, Matrei is a mountain village that has preserved its authenticity. Here you'll find a beautiful church surrounded by a romantic cemetery. Matrei in Osttirol is dominated by the Grossvenediger massif, the second-highest peak in the Hohe Tauern after the Grossglockner (3,662 m), giving it an alpine ambience appreciated by hikers and high-mountain enthusiasts alike. In summer or winter, Matrei is the starting point for numerous hikes and excursions. In winter, the Kals-Matrei ski area, with its 110 km of pistes, offers excellent conditions for skiers and snowboarders.
The article to read: Where to go on family vacations in 2024? 15 top destinations!
14. Sölden: location for the James Bond film Spectre
Famous for having hosted the filming of the James Bond movie Spectre, Sölden is home to numerous hotels, restaurants and sports stores. Leaving the crowded areas, you'll find more confidential guesthouses and hotels, as well as magnificent hikes to the glaciers and unspoilt natural areas. Cross the bridge and pass the Hotel Central to reach one of the resort's unspoilt areas, with its beautiful farms, cows and wooded surroundings. The resort is dominated by the Gaislacher Kogel (3,058 m), accessible by road and path, or directly by cable car.
15. What to do in Tyrol, Austria Stroll on the Mieming Plateau
People come from Innsbruck and beyond to enjoy the vast expanses that make up the charm of the Sonnenplateau Mieming & Tirol Mitte. Just a forty-minute drive from Innsbruck, the Mieminger Plateau combines the softness of larch forests with the dynamism of an Alpine setting. With around 2,000 hours of sunshine a year, this immense mountain-fringed plateau is home to picturesque towns offering a multitude of leisure activities, summer and winter alike. There are 80 km of cross-country ski trails, numerous hiking and mountain biking trails, a golf course overlooking the Inn valley and a romantic lake.
16. Descend into the silver mines of Schwaz
Schwaz was once considered the world's largest mining metropolis, thanks to the importance of its silver mines, the remains of which you can visit. Underground, the old mine offers a particularly spectacular sound and light show that reveals the working conditions of the miners and the workings of a mining operation.
We also recommend a stroll through the old quarter, along the main Franz-Josef-Strasse, which has retained its medieval character. Here you'll discover beautiful wrought-iron signs, patinated frescoes, old mansions with oriel windows and others painted in the Alsatian style.
Good to know: Every year in September, the Klangspuren Schwaz festival (Resonance) festival features a series of concerts by internationally renowned composers and musicians.
17. What to do in Tyrol, Austria Fresh air at Lake Achense
TheAchensee region is home to numerous villages built on the shores of the lake of the same name. This lake, the largest in the Tyrol, also known as the "Tyrolean Sea", is ideal for relaxing or active holidays. If you're looking for a place to relax and recharge your batteries, why not spend a few days here? This vast expanse of water is ideal for water sports activities and for enjoying the turquoise waters. Swimming, lounging, steamboat rides, wellness... The region also offers 500 km of hiking trails, 250 cycling circuits, 200 km of cross-country ski trails, as well as activities such as kitesurfing, swimming and diving.
Good to know: Issued by local hotels during your stay, the Achenseecard gives you free access to public transport and numerous discounts at local tourist attractions.
18. The Pitztal Valley, one of Central Europe's most impressive mountain areas
Located in western Austria, the Pitztal Valley is the highest point in the Tyrol. This area is a delight for mountain lovers, whatever the season. In winter, skiing, snowshoeing and climbing are on the agenda, while in summer, hiking, mountain biking, swimming and thrilling activities such as via ferrata take over. There's something for every taste and every member of the family! The Pitztal Valley strives to welcome holidaymakers in the best possible conditions and guarantees them memorable experiences.
The article to read: 5 reasons to discover the Pitztal Valley in Tyrol, Austria
When is the best time to visit Tyrol?
Wondering what to do in Austria's Tyrol? The Tyrol offers a variety of attractions, depending on the season :
- in winter, the mountains are covered in a blanket of powdery snow, offering magnificent scenery and activities such as snowshoe trekking and various sliding sports.
- In summer, alpine meadows are carpeted with alpine flowers, and numerous trails invite you to picnic by the lakes. Local cultural and artistic events are also plentiful, making every season an opportunity for discovery.
Austria's climate is predominantly alpine. The average annual temperature in the country is 8°C. In Vienna, temperatures can drop to -15°C in autumn and winter, and rise to 30°C in summer. Tyrol enjoys a warm, temperate climate with relatively frequent precipitation. At higher altitudes, winters are particularly harsh.
What to see in Tyrol in 3 days?
What to do in Tyrol, Austria Visiting the Tyrol in three days allows you to discover a variety of landscapes and activities. Here's a suggested itinerary to maximize your time.
Day 1: Innsbruck and surroundings
Morning:
- Innsbruck: Start your day with a tour of Tyrol's capital. Explore the historic center with its Baroque and Gothic buildings, including the Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof), the Hofkirche church and Ambras Castle.
- City tour: take time to stroll through the picturesque alleyways and visit the Tyrolean Museum.
Afternoon:
- Nordkette: Take the cable car up to the Nordkette for panoramic views of Innsbruck and the surrounding mountains. You can also take a short hike to admire the alpine scenery.
Evening:
- Dinner in Innsbruck: Enjoy the local gastronomic scene with dinner at one of the many restaurants in the city center.
Day 2: Ziller Valley and Mayrhofen
Morning:
- Mayrhofen: Set off early for the Ziller Valley and visit Mayrhofen, a vibrant Alpine village. Explore the town center and enjoy the many stores and cafés.
Afternoon:
- Hiking or skiing: Depending on the season, take a hike in the surrounding mountains or enjoy the ski slopes. Don't miss the famous Harakiri piste if you're an experienced skier.
Evening:
- Après-ski in Mayrhofen: Enjoy the festive atmosphere of Mayrhofen with its lively bars and restaurants.
Day 3: Hall in Tirol and Alpbach
Morning:
- Hall in Tirol: Visit this charming medieval town near Innsbruck. Explore the historic center, the Mint Tower and medieval buildings.
Afternoon:
- Alpbach: Head to Alpbach, often considered Austria's most beautiful village. Stroll through the picturesque lanes and admire the flower-filled chalets. Depending on the season, take a hike or a dogsled ride.
Evening:
- Dinner in Alpbach: End your day with dinner in one of the local restaurants, where you can sample Tyrolean specialities.
This itinerary allows you to discover Tyrol's main attractions in just three days, combining culture, nature and outdoor activities.
What to visit in Tyrol in summer
Tyrol offers a multitude of activities and sites to visit in summer, combining nature, culture and adventure. Here are a few suggestions for making the most of your summer stay in this magnificent region:
- Innsbruck
Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, is an excellent starting point for your trip. Explore the historic center with its Baroque and Gothic buildings, including the Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof), the Hofkirche church and Ambras Castle. Take the cable car up to the Nordkette for panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. Don't miss a visit to the Tyrol Museum and the Museum of Modern Art.
- Alpbach
Alpbach is often considered Austria's most beautiful village. Stroll through the picturesque lanes and admire the flower-filled chalets. Go hiking in the surrounding mountains or take a dogsled ride.
- Hall in Tirol
Hall in Tirol is a charming medieval town near Innsbruck. Explore the historic center, the Mint Tower and medieval buildings. Enjoy local markets and craft stores.
- Ziller Valley and Mayrhofen
Mayrhofen is a lively Alpine village in the Ziller Valley. Explore its stores and cafés, and enjoy the many hiking and mountain bike trails in the valley.
- Achensee
Lake Achensee offers a wide range of water sports, including sailing, kayaking and swimming. You can also go hiking around the lake.
