In this article, you’ll get a comprehensive overview of the Tyrol region and its diverse offerings so you can plan your trip thoroughly and comprehensively. We’ve gathered the most important information about the region for you. You can navigate between sections of the article by clicking on the links in the table of contents:
- Tyrol Region – General Overview
- Recommended Accommodation Areas
- Recommended Places to Visit:
- Innsbruck, the Capital of Tyrol
- Exceptional Valleys
- Breathtaking Mountain Peaks
- Must-See Attractions and Activities
- Rushing Waterfalls
- Crystal-Clear Alpine Lakes
- Spa Complexes and Pools
- Exciting Mountain Coasters
- Castles and Fortresses
- Popular Ski Resorts
- Tips and Recommendations for Traveling in the Tyrol Region
Tyrol Region – General Overview
The Tyrol region is actually located in both Austria and Italy. The northern and eastern parts of Tyrol are in Austria, while the southern and western parts are in Italy. Austrian Tyrol is divided into two parts separated by a small strip of land seven kilometers wide. The larger part of Tyrol is called North Tyrol, and the smaller part is called East Tyrol. The region borders Vorarlberg to the west, Salzburg and Carinthia to the east, Bavaria to the north, and Italy and Switzerland to the south. In terms of area, Tyrol is the third largest region in the country, but only about 750,000 residents live there. The capital of the Tyrol region is Innsbruck.
The Tyrol region is right in the heart of the Eastern Alps, and on its border with Carinthia is Austria’s highest mountain – the Großglockner.
The Alpine mountain range in the Tyrol region makes it one of the most wonderful and beautiful areas in Austria. The landscapes of Tyrol are an amazing combination of snow-capped mountains, lush green hills, clear lakes, rushing rivers, picturesque villages, and a truly authentic Austrian atmosphere.
The attractions and activities in the Tyrol region are enough for an entire trip, so even if you’re visiting for a week or more, you can focus on Tyrol without traveling long distances to neighboring countries. Keep in mind that if you land at Vienna Airport, you’ll need to travel at least 5 hours to reach tourist areas in Tyrol.
The Amazing Tyrol Region!
To see as much as possible during your trip, it’s recommended to base yourself in towns or villages located near the highway or right in the heart of the region’s popular valleys.
Recommended Accommodation Areas in the Tyrol Region
The Tyrol region is not small at all, but if you base yourself in a central location not far from the highways, you can quickly get to all the popular attractions. You can read about accommodations in Tyrol that travelers recommend in the extended article we’ve prepared on accommodation in Tyrol.
Tip: If you stay in the central areas of the region, such as the Ötztal Valley, you can receive discount cards for local attractions. These cards are provided by most hosts recognized by the local tourism office. With these cards, you can enjoy free entry to attractions or discounts on admission tickets (depending on the attraction).
Recommended central places in the Tyrol region with accommodation:
- Seefeld
- Mösern
- Mayrhofen
- Innsbruck – Capital of the Tyrol region
- Stubaital Valley – Mieders / Neustift im Stubaital
- Uderns – Zillertal Valley
- Umhausen – Ötztal Valley
You can see in the map image that these places are scattered throughout the region. Of course, each place has its own charm. You can stay in the heart of the vast valleys and enjoy the tranquility, scenery, and activities within the valley.
Alternatively, you can stay in towns close to the highways, which will allow for easy movement to all parts of the region. The choice of accommodation definitely depends on the type of trip you want to have. A trip with many places to visit each day will require accommodation in a location that allows easy access to the highway. For a relaxed and light trip, staying in the heart of Tyrol’s valleys will be an exceptional and especially relaxing experience.
If you haven’t yet booked accommodation for your trip to Tyrol, it’s worth checking out the list we’ve prepared on recommended accommodations in Tyrol from traveler reviews.
The Most Recommended and Central Places in the Tyrol Region – A Full Overview
For planning your trip itinerary in Tyrol
Truly, every corner of the Tyrol region has amazing attractions and natural sites. Of course, you can’t see everything on one short trip. Therefore, we’ve prepared a very concentrated list for you with the main places in the region. The places are ranked by popularity (of course, the ranking is only our opinion, and we’d love to hear yours after your trip!).
The places include: cities and towns, valleys, lakes, mountains, waterfalls, spa resorts, attractions for children, hiking trails, mountain coasters, and more!
All the places listed below can be seen on the map in an organized way. Clicking on the map will allow you to see it enlarged.
More detailed and concise information about the places on the map:
Innsbruck – Tyrol’s Impressive and Ancient Capital
Innsbruck is the capital of the Tyrol region and the fifth-largest city in Austria. The city is located in the heart of a wide valley, the Inn Valley. The Inn River flows strongly along the valley, and on both sides are the high Alpine ranges, whose peaks reach over 2,000 meters. The meaning of the city’s name is “Inn Bridge” – the bridge that crosses the Inn River.
Image: A picturesque view of colorful houses lining the Inn River in Innsbruck, with majestic snow-capped mountains in the background under a dramatic sky.
A stroll through the streets of Innsbruck’s Old Town is truly a journey back in time to the city’s heyday during the Empire. The small streets, beautifully decorated ancient buildings, and numerous cafes create a unique atmosphere.
Recommended Attractions in Innsbruck
- The Old Town
- The Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl)
- Hofburg Palace and the Imperial Gardens
- Hofkirche (Court Church)
- Ambras Castle (Schloss Ambras)
- Alpine Zoo (Alpenzoo)
- Nordkette Cable Car (Nordkettenbahn) to the Nordkette Peak
All detailed information about the attractions in Innsbruck can be found in the comprehensive article we’ve prepared for visiting the city. Click here to go to the detailed article about Innsbruck.
Exceptional Valleys in the Tyrol Region
The valleys of the Tyrol region are undoubtedly one of the main attractions for tourists. Throughout the region, there are several wide valleys at the foot of the Alpine peaks. In the various valleys, you can enjoy a large number of attractions – marked hiking trails, cycling, amusement parks, spa complexes, extreme sports, mountain coasters, and more.
Recommended Valleys in the Tyrol Region
- Ötztal – One of the best destinations to visit in Tyrol. Lots of attractions for all ages alongside stunning landscapes.
- Zillertal – One of the largest valleys in Tyrol, offering a wonderful combination of great mountain scenery, lively rural music, hiking trails, and a bit of extreme adventure.
- Pitztal – The location of the highest cafe in all of Austria! At an altitude of 3,440 meters above sea level!
- Tuxertal – In the peaks surrounding this valley, there are several glaciers. This valley is actually a bifurcation from the larger Zillertal valley. The glaciers are frozen and snowy, and they are one of the only ski resorts in the world that operates 365 days a year.
Image: A modern glass structure with an Austrian flag perched on a green mountain slope, with snow-capped mountains and glaciers in the background.
- Stubaital – This valley also has a huge glacier with the possibility of summer skiing. In addition, you can visit the amazing Top of Tyrol observation deck, which was chosen as one of the 10 most beautiful observation decks in the world!
- Alpbachtal – Although this valley is slightly less popular compared to the valleys mentioned above, here too you can enjoy a variety of nature trails, cycling, and attractions for children. More information is available on the valley’s official website.
Breathtaking Mountain Peaks
The mountains in the Tyrol region are among the most beautiful in the entire area. Throughout the region, mountains rise to over 3,000 meters above sea level, and at their base are wonderful valleys full of activities. The highest mountain in Austria is partly located in the Tyrol region.
Most Recommended Mountains:
- Großglockner – The highest mountain in Austria (3,798 meters above sea level).
- Wildspitze – The second-highest peak in Austria. At its summit is the highest cafe in the country.
- Zugspitze – The highest mountain on the border of Austria and Germany.
- Serles – Part of the Stubai Alpine range. Clearly visible from the city of Innsbruck.
- Olperer – The peak of the Hintertux glacier area.
- Wilder Kaiser – A magnificent mountain range with jagged peaks.
- Großvenediger – The highest peak of the Hohe Tauern mountain range.
- Acherkogel – The peak adjacent to the Ötztal Valley.
9 Must-See Attractions and Activities!
Aside from the valleys and mountain peaks packed with attractions and activities, there are also other places where you can spend many hours, whether you’re traveling as a family, a couple, or alone. Some attractions are especially suitable for children, but most are enjoyable for all ages.
Most Popular Attractions in the Tyrol Region
- Swarovski Crystal Worlds (Swarovski Kristallwelten) – Without a doubt, Swarovski is the most popular crystal brand in the world. The company’s visitor center is very special, combining extraordinary art with an educational experience.
- Highline179 Suspension Bridge – Not for the faint of heart or those with a fear of heights. One of the highest suspension bridges in the world!
- Hexenwasser (Witches’ Water) – An experiential family park with about 60 stations of fun activities for young and old. Surrounded by wonderful mountain scenery.
- AREA 47 Adventure Park – One of the best water and extreme parks in Europe!
- Fiss Fun Park – Sixteen attractions await you at the amusement park in the village of Fiss. The park is at a high altitude, so even if you don’t ride the attractions, there’s still plenty to enjoy – the spectacular views, of course!
- AIRROFAN Alpine Coaster – Feel like eagles at an altitude of over 2000 meters.
- Innsbruck Alpine Zoo (Alpenzoo) – This zoo has about 2000 animals from 150 different species.
- Aurach Wildlife Park (Wildpark Aurach) – The largest wildlife park in Tyrol with about 200 different species.
- Schwaz Silver Mine – A journey back in time to the heart of the silver mine, which was one of the largest in the world and served as the empire’s main source of money.
Rushing Waterfalls
The high mountains and abundant water in Tyrol are the reason for the multitude of waterfalls in this region. Throughout Tyrol, you can see wonderful waterfalls, some of which are visible without needing a long hike through the mountains and hills.
Recommended Waterfalls in the Tyrol Region
- Stuibenfall – The highest waterfalls in Tyrol, falling powerfully from a height of 159 meters.
- Grawa Waterfalls in the Stubaital Valley
- Wolfsklamm Gorge
- Hintertux Waterfalls – A 4-kilometer hiking trail leads to these waterfalls, surrounded by mountains near the Zillertal Valley.
- Schleier Waterfall in the Zillertal Valley – A particularly interesting hiking trail for bird lovers.
- Bad Häring Waterfall
Crystal-Clear Alpine Lakes
The lakes scattered throughout Tyrol are characterized by incredibly clear water and a particularly cool temperature, as they are alpine lakes. In some lakes, the water is so clean that it is considered drinking water quality. Most of the lakes are located at the foot of impressive mountains, and together they create a particularly picturesque landscape. Whether you want to swim on a hot summer day or enjoy a light hike and picnic, it’s worth visiting at least one of Tyrol’s beautiful lakes.
Recommended Lakes in the Tyrol Region
- Achensee – The largest lake in the Tyrol region! Located about a 35-minute drive from Innsbruck in the heart of the mountains. A must-visit!
- Haldensee – Located between the peaks of the Tannheimer Valley at an altitude of 1124 meters above sea level. Information about the valley is available on its official website.
- Plansee – A large lake near the German border and the town of Reutte, which has a nice farmhouse for a relaxing stay.
- Thiersee – Located in the Kufstein area.
- Reintal – One of the warmest lakes in Tyrol.
- Seebensee – A stunning alpine lake at an altitude of 1657 meters above sea level, offering a light and enjoyable hiking trail.
Spa Complexes, Thermal Baths, and Pools
At the end of a busy day of touring, on rainy days, or during a relaxed day trip, you can unwind and enjoy one of Tyrol’s impressive spa complexes. Spa complexes include heated pools, children’s play areas, water slides, and more. Most spa complexes have both indoor and outdoor sections, making them suitable for visits in any weather. There are also a variety of regional swimming pools with slides and activities for children. The water in regional swimming pools is usually not heated.
Recommended Spa Complexes, Thermal Baths, and Pools in Tyrol
- Aqua Dome Spa – An exceptional spa in the heart of the Alps.
- Erlebnistherme Zillertal (Zillertal Adventure Thermal Spa)
- Alpentherme Ehrenberg – Located in northwest Tyrol, not far from the German border.
- Erlebniswelt Alpenbad Leutasch (Leutasch Alpine Bath Adventure World)
- Wörgler Wasser Welt – WAVE (Wörgl Water World)
- Olympiabad Seefeld (Seefeld Olympic Pool)
Exciting Mountain Coasters
The mountains and hills of the Tyrol region make this area ideal for exciting and extremely fast mountain coasters. These coasters are essentially chairs connected to a steel track that starts from the peak and reaches the bottom after several twists and turns.
- Imst Alpine Coaster – Tyrol’s longest and most winding mountain coaster.
- Arena Coaster – The mountain coaster in the Zillertal Valley.
- Fisser Flitzer – The mountain coaster at the Fiss Adventure Park.
- Biberwier Mountain Coaster (Bergbahnen Langes Lermoos/Biberwier)
- Mieders Mountain Coaster – Not far from the Stubaital Valley.
- Alpbachtaler Lauser-Sauser in Alpbachtal Valley.
Castles and Fortresses
Historical buildings are scattered throughout Tyrol and serve as beautiful reminders of the region’s past. Some of the castles and fortresses have been exceptionally preserved and now function as museums and activity centers for families. On rainy days, a visit to a castle or fortress can be an ideal solution.
Recommended Castles and Fortresses in the Tyrol Region:
- Kufstein Fortress – Among the most fortified strongholds in Tyrol. Located in a superb strategic position on a hill overlooking the entire area. The site features a museum and guided tours.
- Ambras Castle – A castle in the city of Innsbruck with a particularly impressive art museum.
- Ehrenberg Castle – A step back in time to the era of knights, combined with fun games for children.
- Tratzberg Castle – One of the best-preserved castles in Austria. A beautiful example of an Alpine castle style from the Imperial era.
Popular Ski Resorts in Tyrol
Ski lovers will not be disappointed by a winter visit to Tyrol. The ski resorts in this region are considered among the best and are popular with visitors from all over the area. There are many ski resorts suitable for all levels.
Most Recommended Ski Resorts:
Tips and Recommendations
The attractions mentioned so far are considered the most popular, but that certainly doesn’t mean that’s all the Tyrol region has to offer. It’s worth checking with your accommodation whether they provide guests with one of the benefit cards for Tyrol’s tourist areas. These cards are often given free to guests staying in the area, and with them, you can get discounts or free entry to a wide variety of local attractions.
Once you’re in the area, you can discover wonderful entertainment spots that are especially suitable for you. Even if you haven’t heard of these places in advance, through our website, our Facebook group, or travel guides, it’s worth checking and trying new places. You’ll often be pleasantly surprised!
Tip: The best way to get around Tyrol and reach all the different attractions is by rental car. You can read more about driving in Austria and recommended rental companies, and how to rent a car wisely to minimize expenses and surprises during or at the end of your trip. If you book the car in Austria, you are entitled to receive the vignette that allows driving on highways. If you arrive from outside Austria (Germany, Slovenia, Slovakia, etc.), you must purchase this permit separately.
To navigate easily (using Waze or Google Maps, which work great), it’s advisable to get a local SIM card. We recommend SIM cards from the Austrian company Hot, which are sold at Hofer supermarkets. The company’s website is https://www.hot.at.
Important to remember: The best accommodations in the areas we mentioned above tend to fill up quickly leading up to the summer season. It’s better to book your accommodation in advance. You can read here about a variety of accommodations in Tyrol that travelers recommend.
One more thing, it’s a good idea to come with diverse clothing. It’s important to dress in layers and be prepared for rain even in summer. The weather in the mountains is different from the valleys, and temperature differences can be significant. Always keep an umbrella and a coat in the car or with you.
In Conclusion:
The overview we’ve prepared in this article will help you plan the perfect trip itinerary. You can, of course, also include excellent attractions in places adjacent to the Tyrol region. To get a general overview of attractions in different parts of Austria, you can read the article we prepared on Austria for beginners. This article summarizes the most important information about all parts of Austria. It’s worth focusing on reading about attractions in Salzburg state, Carinthia, and of course, Austria’s capital – Vienna.
We’d be happy to help with any further questions. You can join our travelers’ group on Facebook or leave a comment on this article, and we’ll do our best to reply as soon as possible.
