Tirol - PICTURES

Majestic mountain peaks, picturesque valleys, steep rock faces, soft alpine meadows, sparkling mountain lakes and breathtaking glaciers -- the scenery of Tirol, the "country of mountains", is truly stunning, attracting visitors from all over the world both in summer and winter. Impressive mountain ranges are the major characteristic of the five main Tirolean regions: Außerfern, the uplands, the lowlands, Innsbruck and its surroundings, and East Tirol.

The Tirolean mountains boast about 15,000 kilometers of signposted mountaineering- and hiking trails, plus 160 mountain huts and 140 Alpine inns offering shelter to the weary hiker. More than 1,000 mountain railways and lift facilities ensure comfortable access, the experienced mountain guides from our 50 mountaineering schools will accompany you on your hikes, making sure that you´re getting to the mountain peaks safely.

On foot is not the only way to conquer the Tirolean peaks -- you can also get there on bicycle. There are now 4,000 kilometers of mountain bike trails criss-crossing the entire country. Moreover, 6,000 kilometers of bicycle trails, along the Inn, for instance, lead to historic sights and stunning vantage points.

The Tirolean mountains have preserved an aura of the mysterious and unconquerable. If you are looking for this kind of adventure, you will find it: climbing steep faces, white-water rafting on Tirol´s rivers, or canyoning in the deep ravines. Did you ever experience a sense of unlimited freedom? That´s what you might find on a hangglider or paragliding flight.

There´s lots to be experienced and discovered for families with children: from the wide alpine meadows to the dense forests to the crystal-clear mountain lakes, Tirol is one giant playground. Children in particular are fond of the cows, sheep, pigs, dogs, kittens and rabbits on our farms, and, of course, of the special children´s entertainment programs offered by various hotels and resorts.

Nature, sports, and love of animals: all this can be found on the back of a horse. Down-to-earth haflingers, precious Lipizzaners and other horses are waiting in Tirol´s 115 riding stables. The ultimately restful way to experience the mountains: fishing. Some of Tirol´s fishings grounds are located as high as 2000 meters above sea level; they contain a wide variety of fish, presenting ever new challenges to the fisherman.

Tirol, the heart of the Alps, has a soft spot for the soft sport on the green: a golf vacation turns into a true expedition of discovery, what with the 14 fine golf courses, each with its own, idiosyncratic atmosphere. Tirol´s marvellous scenery, its cultural events and its well-groomed golf courses have made the region a major player in the golf world.

There is a study by the Department of Tourism, Travelling and High-Altitude Medicine that confirms the positive effects of the mountain climate and the Tirolean herbs. Apart from these benefits, Tirolean wellness hotels add a wide-ranging offer of invigorating massages, soothing baths and beauty treatments, beneficial to the body and the mind!

Wheelchair users and disabled persons enjoy an active summer holiday, too: 12 handbike routes and 19 hiking trails, all tested by wheelchair users and rated according to level of difficulty. After a great trip on one of these trails, refresh in Tirol´s crystal-clear lakes, such as the Innsbruck Baggersee, the Seefeld lake or the Achensee lake, which all offer facilities for the disabled.