Deep blue lakes, rolling green hills, soaring white peaks – Austrian Tyrol is an Alpine idyll. Come for the ski resorts and the sublime outdoor lifestyle in St Anton am Arlberg and Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis. Discover the tiny villages and ancient churches – and luxury lodges – tucked away across the mountains. Or pair a country escape with city break style on a visit to Innsbruck.
SKI
Stretching from the Swiss to the German borders, Tyrol is definitive ski country. Hugely popular with snowsports enthusiasts, Paznauntal is a beautiful, secluded valley below the Silvretta Mountains. If you’re looking for lively après-ski, Ischgl will fit the bill. Glide down world-famous slopes in Kitzbuhel, in the east. Or go off-piste and discover the wild side of Tyrol with a guided cross-country ski tour from pretty St. Anton or Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis.
DAY TRIPS
Just over an hour’s drive from Fiss – Tyrolean ski country – is Innsbruck. Baroque architecture and the beautiful Habsburg palace lend the capital of Tyrol a fairytale look. Visit the glittering Goldenes Dachl, marvel at the Gothic Hofkirche and step inside the magnificent Cathedral. As you meander through the pretty streets, listen out for the sound of traditional Tyrolean folk music.
NATURE
The crème de la crème of this region’s natural beauty is in Hohe Tauern National Park – part of which lies within Tyrol. Escape inside to see spectacular glaciers, ravines, waterfalls and a glimpse of Austria’s tallest mountain, the Grossglockner. It’s also home to a huge variety of wildlife, from Bearded Vultures and Golden Eagles to chamoix and ibex.
Tyrol may be known for its quintessential Alpine scenery, but it’s also the birthplace of a world-renowned jewellery brand. Visit Swarovski Crystal Worlds for a dazzling look into this iconic name.