Austria Guide
Tyrol
A spectacular alpine playground filled with craggy peaks, verdant pastures, frothy mountain rivers and onion-domed hilltop chapels, Tyrol (Tirol in German) is picture-postcard Austria at its most vivid. Apart from a few tiny pockets of industrialization, hardly a square centimetre of the province is anything but extremely attractive. Although the mountains naturally take centre stage, there's a surprising amount of urban tourism to be savoured too: the Tyrolean capital, Innsbruck, is a worthy focal point – a lively and attractive place that combines urban thrills with a wide range of alpine pursuits. Around it, the historic Inn Valley towns of Stams, Hall and Schwaz all reward visits, while the resort village of Seefeld and the Stubaital both give easy access to glorious landscapes and the great outdoors.
Highlights
1 Innsbruck Capital of the Tyrol, this fantastically outdoorsy city offers a tempting mix of mountain pursuits and high culture, all set around its medieval city centre.
2 Paragliding One of the most exhilarating ways to see the stunning Zillertal valley.
3 Auracher Löchl Weinhaus One of the most atmospheric old inns in the Tyrol, hidden away in Kufstein's medieval streets.
4 Kitzbühel The poshest place to ski and be seen, with a unique blend of medieval buildings, designer boutiques and bars and a kudos that nowhere else in Austria can match.
5 Zugspitze Germany's highest mountain, straddling the Austrian border, is scaled by one of the scariest cable-car rides you're ever likely to take.
6 St Anton Unrivalled off-piste skiing and a reputation for hedonistic nightlife make this one of Austria's most tempting winter destinations for snow-freaks and party animals alike.