Exploring Tirol, Austria: The Ultimate Sightseeing Guide

Nestled in the Austrian Alps, Tirol is known for its stunning natural attractions and rich culture. From its mighty mountains and alpine landscapes to its medieval old towns and castles, there is something for everyone in this beautiful region. Here is a list of must-see attractions in Tirol, Austria:

- Innsbruck Old Town: Stroll through the quaint alleys and streets of this magical medieval city, taking in architectural gems like the Golden Roof, the Innsbruck City Tower, the Court Church, and the Imperial Court Palace.

- Swarovski Crystal Worlds: Explore the Chambers of Wonder at this unique crystal-themed attraction, set against the stunning Alpine backdrop in Wattens.

- Highline179: Dare to walk across this record-breaking suspension footbridge, connecting Ehrenberg Castle to the remains of the 17th-century Roman Fortress Claudia in Reutte.

- Kufstein Fortress: Visit the mighty Kufstein Fortress, which towers above the charming small town of Kufstein. Attractions include the world's largest outdoor organ and the interactive Fortress Museum.

- Schwaz Silver Mine: Take a journey back in time and learn about the history of medieval miners at this historic underground attraction.

- Tirol Farmstead Museum: Step into the past and discover what life was like in a historic farmhouse in Tirol by exploring the meticulously preserved and restored farmhouses in Kramsach.

- Kaunertal Glacier Road: Drive along this high alpine road with 29 hairpin bends, winding up 1,500 vertical meters to the edge of Austria's second-largest glacier.

- Alpinarium Galtür: Visit this unique building that serves as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the 1999 avalanche, as well as an avalanche protection wall and a museum.

- Hall in Tirol: Explore one of the most beautiful medieval old towns in Austria, with centuries-old buildings and a rich history dating back to its salt-mining past.

- Lake Achensee: Enjoy a boat ride on the Sea of Tirol, one of the most popular swimming lakes in the region, surrounded by turquoise waters and stunning mountain scenery.

- Hohe Tauern National Park: Discover majestic mountains, snow-covered glaciers, rushing rivers, natural forests, and a diverse range of flora and fauna in the largest national park in the Alps.

Innsbruck Old Town: A historic town with medieval buildings and Tyrolean architecture

Innsbruck Old Town, also known as Altstadt, is a journey through the centuries, from the medieval era to the present day. The Old Town is full of historic and architectural gems, with the famous Golden Roof at its centre. The Golden Roof, or Goldenes Dachl, is adorned with 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles and dates back to the 1500s when it was built by Emperor Maximilian I. It is the symbol of Innsbruck and a must-see for visitors.

The main street of the Old Town, Herzog-Friedrich-Straße, is characterised by richly decorated houses in the Baroque and Rococo styles, such as the Helblinghaus. In the 12th century, when the settlement was founded, only simple wooden houses stood in place of the magnificent buildings that line the streets today. Other notable buildings in the Old Town include the Imperial Palace (Hofburg), the Court Church (Hofkirche), and the City Tower (Stadtturm). The Imperial Palace was originally built by Archduke Sigmund the Rich in the mid-1400s and features beautifully painted ceilings and portraits of imperial personalities. The Court Church, built by Emperor Ferdinand I, is home to the famous Schwarze Mander (Black Men) statues and the tomb of Tyrol's national hero, Andreas Hofer. The City Tower, first mentioned in 1450, offers a 360-degree view of Innsbruck and the surrounding area from its viewing platform at the top of 148 stairs.

In addition to its historic buildings, the Old Town of Innsbruck also offers a variety of shopping and dining options. Family-run specialist shops, exclusive brands, and small souvenir shops line the streets, along with traditional handicrafts such as jewellery workshops and a locksmith's shop. The culinary scene is diverse, with options ranging from traditional Tyrolean inns to Asian and Italian specialties.

Swarovski Crystal Worlds: Chambers of Wonder and a spacious garden with a Crystal Cloud made of Swarovski crystals

Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens, Tyrol, Austria, is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the region. It is a crystal-themed attraction with interactive art exhibits and outdoor installations, set against the stunning backdrop of the Alps. The site was created by multimedia artist André Heller in 1995 to celebrate the hundredth anniversary of Swarovski. The artist developed the story of a Giant who set out to experience the world and all its wonders and then settled in Wattens/Tyrol, where he has watched over his Chambers of Wonder ever since.

The Chambers of Wonder are the heart of Swarovski Crystal Worlds, where internationally and nationally recognised artists, designers, and architects have interpreted crystal in their own unique ways. These artists have created concepts of space and experience from the sparkling material. Visitors enter the main hall through the Giant's head.

One of the most impressive installations within the Chambers of Wonder is 'El Sol' by Mexican star architect Fernando Romero. This artwork revolves around the relationship between humankind and the sun. A sphere composed of 2,880 custom-made Swarovski crystals, exactly one billionth the size of the centre of our solar system, is illuminated from the inside by a sphere of LEDs.

Another highlight of Swarovski Crystal Worlds is the garden of the Giant, where crystal becomes a holistic experience. The crowning piece of the garden is the Crystal Cloud, created by Andy Cao and Xavier Perrot. This monumental installation of more than 800,000 hand-mounted crystals floats above the black Mirror Pool, inviting visitors to pause and be inspired. The Crystal Cloud, with a surface area of around 1,400 square metres, is the largest work of its kind in the world.

Ehrenberg Castle: A castle ruin with a suspension bridge connecting to Fort Claudia

Ehrenberg Castle is a must-see destination in Tirol, Austria. Located in Reutte, the gothic castle was built around 1290 and has been home to many counts, princes, and kings over the centuries. Today, the ruins of this once-mighty fortress lie at the heart of the Burgenwelt Ehrenberg, a complex that includes the baroque Schlosskopf Fortress, the Ehrenberger Klause in the valley, and Fort Claudia. Together, they formed an imposing defence system that also served as an administrative building and customs station.

The Ehrenberg Castle itself offers a glimpse into the past, with 14 showrooms open to the public, allowing visitors to journey back to the Middle Ages and learn about the lives of knights and their followers. The castle is also a great attraction for families, with special highlights such as treasure hunts and an outdoor play area for children.

One of the most thrilling features of Ehrenberg Castle is the Highline179, a suspension bridge that connects the castle ruins to Fort Claudia. Completed in 2014, it is the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge, spanning a length of 1,322 feet (403 meters) and reaching a height of 360 feet (110 meters). The bridge offers majestic views of the surrounding area but is not for the faint-hearted!

Overall, Ehrenberg Castle, with its suspension bridge to Fort Claudia, is a fascinating destination that combines history, adventure, and stunning scenery, making it a must-see attraction in the Heart of the Alps.

The Golden Roof: A famous landmark and museum in Innsbruck, built by Emperor Maximilian I

The Golden Roof, or Goldenes Dachl, is a famous landmark and museum in Innsbruck, the capital of Tirol. Built between 1497 and 1500, it is a striking example of late Gothic architecture with a rich decorative façade. The building was commissioned by Emperor Maximilian I to commemorate his marriage to Bianca Maria Sforza. With its 2,657 gilded copper shingles, the Golden Roof is a distinctive feature of Innsbruck's old town and has become an iconic symbol of the city.

The Golden Roof is located in the heart of Innsbruck's historic neighbourhood, surrounded by quaint shops and eateries. The building's exterior boasts intricate relief carvings and frescoes attributed to Jörg Kölderer, the court painter of Emperor Maximilian I. The eighteen reliefs, crafted from sandstone, showcase the transition from late Gothic to early Renaissance styles and are considered important works of art in Tyrol. To preserve their beauty, the original reliefs were replaced with copies in 1952, and six of the originals can now be viewed up close in the museum.

The museum, known as the Goldenes Dachl Museum, offers visitors a unique perspective on this iconic landmark. Inside, visitors can admire the beautifully arched ceilings and learn about the history of Innsbruck and Emperor Maximilian I, a key figure in Tyrolean history. The museum is family-friendly, with entertaining children's stations and a puzzle rally to keep young visitors engaged.

The Golden Roof is a must-see attraction when visiting Tirol, Austria. Its gleaming golden roof stands out against the alpine backdrop, and it is surrounded by other architectural gems such as the Innsbruck City Tower, the Court Church, and the Imperial Court Palace.

Hohe Tauern National Park: One of the most impressive high mountain landscapes in the world, with guided tours available

Hohe Tauern National Park is a must-see destination in Tirol, Austria. Covering over 1,800 square kilometres, it is the largest park in the Alps and the largest nature reserve in Central Europe. The park offers a breathtaking natural landscape of majestic peaks, clear mountain lakes, and picturesque valleys. With its untouched beauty, it provides the perfect setting for hiking adventures, ranging from leisurely strolls to challenging mountain hikes.

The park's guided tours are an excellent way to explore the area and gain in-depth knowledge about the region. The tours are led by experienced rangers and mountain guides who are experts in the natural surroundings and mountain survival. They will take you to the loveliest parts of the region, created by water over millions of years, and provide insights into the unique animal species and natural processes.

One of the highlights of the park is the "Water's Journey", where you can follow the path of water through the stunning scenery. The impressive multimedia presentation at the beginning of the tour gives a glimpse of what awaits in the natural surroundings. The park also offers a variety of hiking trails, such as the Moharrunde for beginners and the more challenging Lonza and Elendrunde trails.

For those interested in conquering the highest peaks, joining a mountain guide is recommended. These experienced professionals can ensure a safe journey to the summit of the Großglockner, even on demanding tours like the Stüdlgrat or the Nordwand. The guided classics in the park include hikes to the Johannisberg, Freiwand crossing, and the Hoher Sonnblick, each offering unique views and experiences.

With its majestic mountains, snow-covered glaciers, rushing rivers, and natural forests, Hohe Tauern National Park is a true natural wonder. The guided tours provide a great opportunity to explore this impressive high mountain landscape and learn about its flora and fauna, making it a must-see destination for anyone visiting Tirol.

Frequently asked questions