South Tyrol - the atmosphere of Austria! Ski resorts in Tyrol, Austria Mountaineering and mountain tourism

Basic moments

The main territory of Tyrol is located in Austria, on a narrow strip of the Alpine mountain range that borders Germany and Switzerland. A small part of it is wedged at an angle into the lands that make up Italy and is called South Tyrol.

Tyrol is one of the 9 federal states of Austria, it is divided into 8 districts: Landeck, Reutte, Imst, Innsbruck, Schwaz, Kufstein, Kitzbühel and East Tyrol. The latter is separated from the rest of the areas, and can only be reached through Salzburg or South Tyrol, overcoming mountain passes.

This historical region includes the valleys of the upper and lower reaches of the Inn River with the valleys of the rivers flowing into it, as well as part of the floodplain of the Lech River. In practice, the relief of Tyrol is composed of mountain ranges separated from each other by plateaus or narrow gorges. A good third of this land is covered with forests. Spruces, firs, larches, pines, and cedars grow here. As in ancient times, Tyrol is a native and cozy home for wild animals - deer, roe deer, chamois, stone goats, marmots and many other inhabitants.

Tyrol is considered the cradle of Alpine skiing. Here, at the beginning of the last century, enthusiasts improved the classic Scandinavian skiing technique, designed for flat terrain, adapting it to steep alpine slopes. The first downhill skiing lessons were taught by the legendary Hans Schneider, the founder of modern downhill skiing technology, who at one time was considered the best downhill skier in the world.

Training for extreme sports enthusiasts began in 1907 near the village of St. Anton, which later turned into a first-class resort. And Tyrol itself quite naturally and deservedly acquired the fame of the most famous ski center in Austria.

Although Tyrol is most often associated with winter sports, you can have a great time here at any time of the year. Magnificent views, ancient towns where everything breathes peace and tranquility, the opportunity to engage in any active recreation, from hiking to hang gliding, friendly people, excellent food and impeccable service are additional reasons to visit this wonderful corner of the planet.

History of Tyrol

The first traces of human settlement in Tyrol were discovered in the Tischofer Cave in the Kaiser Mountains. The oldest finds date back to the Early Paleolithic.

In the 4th century BC. e. The Celts settled here - during this period, agriculture flourished on Tyrolean soil, crossings through the Alpine passes were established and defensive structures surrounded by ramparts were built.

In 15 BC. e. The Tyrolean lands became part of the Roman Empire, but for some time the Celts retained autonomy with the primacy of their own elite.

In the second century AD. e. Tyrol began to be subject to attacks by the Germans, and, in the end, by the 6th century, most of it came under the rule of the Bavarians, becoming part of the Duchy of Bavaria. The Bavarians founded new settlements here and mixed with the indigenous inhabitants. Since then, the cultural traditions of the Bavarians and Tyroleans have become so intertwined that only ethnographers can accurately indicate the difference between Bavarian and Tyrolean folklore.

By the 10th century, Tyrol, which, in general, managed to preserve its territorial designation and national identity, was in the power of local church feudal lords, who received broad powers from the German throne. But gradually they were supplanted by the secular feudal elite, and from the beginning of the 13th century. The Counts of Tyrol established power over most of Tyrol, becoming allies of the powerful Habsburgs, the rulers of Austria.

In 1363, Margaretha Maultasch, daughter of the ruler of the Tyrol, Henry II, having become a widow and having lost an heir, transferred the lands under her control to the Habsburgs. Since then, despite the constant claims of the Bavarians, sometimes temporarily successful, Tyrol has been an integral part of Austria.

Austria lost the southern region of Tyrol in 1919, transferring it to Italy, according to the Treaty of Saint-Germain, signed after the First World War between the Entente countries and Austria, which became a republic.

Traditions and holidays

Most of the traditions of the Tyrolean calendar originate from pre-Christian cults, which only over time managed to get along with Christian rituals. This applies, first of all, to “fasching” (carnival) - a holiday with traditional plots, attire and characters established over the course of centuries. A special role here is played by skillfully carved masks and original folk costumes, as well as dancing and theatrical competitions. The holiday begins with a solemn carnival procession, which is opened by “sweepers”. They clear the way for the following participants: "shellers", "rollers" and "mayevs" in charming masks and ornate headdresses. The festival is held in February, on the eve of Lent, every four to five years.

The main processions take place in Imst - "Schleicherlaufen", Axams - "Wampelleraiten", Thaur - "Mullerlaufen", Nessereit - "Schellerlaufen".

The old spirits of Tyrol also appear at other times of the year: in the spring, at the “ringing” of the grass, when boys with bells walk through the fields to awaken the earth after a long winter, or during Christmas, when the spirits in their scary masks and shaggy robes visit houses, to drive out evil.

In June, on the Feast of Corpus Christi, solemn processions take place. On this day, Tyrolean riflemen march in their embroidered leather trousers and red and green jackets, with bird feathers on their felt hats. The action looks very picturesque, although some of the peace-loving vacationers are alarmed by the exorbitant pride of the marching Tyroleans and the brilliance of their weapons. However, for local residents, these arrows are a memory of the right granted to them many centuries ago to defend their country.

Back in 1511, Emperor Maximilian I obliged residents to independently defend the country from outside attacks, in return they received guarantees that would forever exempt them from military service outside their country and on the side of another state. Maximilian gave them the corresponding “letter of guarantee” with the seal “Landlibell”, which all subsequent rulers re-confirmed with an oath. As a result, the Tyroleans began to create in each community a company of men fit for military service, and selected from their ranks a commander and officers who conducted military training.

Over the centuries, they had to fight quite often as their neighbors turned out to be restless, especially the Bavarians. At the beginning of the 19th century, when, as a result of Napoleonic campaigns, the Tyrol went to Bavaria, the Tyroleans, led by Andreas Hofer, rebelled. They were outraged, first of all, by the attempt of the Bavarian rulers to abolish the Landlibell in order to force them to enter the war against Austria on the side of the French.

It is worth noting that both the illustrious Emperor Maximilian and the simple innkeeper Andreas Hofer are the most revered persons in Tyrol.

Tyrol is also famous for its yodelling. Here you can still hear these authentic shepherd songs in the open air. The best place for singing is considered to be where there is a mountain echo. Music festivals where yodeling is performed are held everywhere, including in the Tyrol capital Innsbruck (July-August).

The musical creativity of the Tyroleans is not limited to yodeling. For example, Tyrolean carols sung at Christmas and Epiphany are recognized as an intangible heritage by UNESCO.

Tyrolean cuisine

Potatoes and sauerkraut, impressively sized Grestl eggs, and the occasional piece of smoked meat once formed the basis of rural Tyrolean cuisine. The main part of any meal still remains flour products in a thousand variations. Large, round dumplings the size of a man's fist are made from wheat and potato flour with smoked lard or cheese; minced meat or cracklings are also used for fillings. Miniature dumplings with blueberries and blueberries are no less popular.

The demands of mass tourism have made the menus of Tyrolean restaurants and cafes international. Today, hunter's schnitzel, gypsy schnitzel, Wiener schnitzel and deep-fried potatoes as a side dish are the main dishes of many menus. True, excellent roast pork or Tyrolean liver can still be found almost everywhere, but you’ll have to look for kidneys in sour sauce, veal’s head or tripe soup according to old recipes.

Tourists enjoy cold dishes served for second breakfast or afternoon tea - salad with sausage, soft cheese, vinegar and vegetable oil, or aromatic sandwiches with uncooked smoked delicacies. They are offered light, light beer or dry wine: Lower Austrian, Styrian, South Tyrolean.

Tyrolean fruit vodkas are popular. They are made from apples, pears, plums, apricots, and especially delicious ones - from elderberry or rowan. In a good restaurant there will always be a strong “homemade” drink.

Leisure

Tyrol is located in the zone of influence of the Alpine climate: winter here, to the delight of skiers, is long and snowy, with a slight frost. The average temperature is about 4 degrees below zero. In summer, it’s usually a little over +20 °C, but you need to be prepared for the fact that at this time the mild, warm weather may give way to heat or an unexpected thunderstorm, followed by a sharp change in temperature.

In autumn the weather is warm and stable. During this period, the mountains amaze with their special beauty, acquiring multi-colored decoration. The forests are painted in dark red, the valleys with numerous vineyards are yellow and orange, and the mountain peaks are already covered with snow in some places. All this natural splendor is bathed in a very special light, which makes the colors brighter and the visibility sharper. This is the ideal time for mountain trips, cycling and hang gliding.

skiing

In the winter season, you can ski, snowboard, or snowbike (now a fashionable trend: skis with a saddle and handlebars) in Tyrol almost everywhere. In settlements not located directly in the ski area, as a rule, there are centers from where buses transport everyone along certain routes.

About 1,200 cable cars and lifts facilitate the development of ever new ski areas. The largest of them is located between the Brixental and Elmauer Tal valleys.

The grandiose ski complex “Olympic Ski World Innsbruck”, created to host the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympic Games, is deservedly popular. It includes six ski resorts - Igls, Mutters, Tulfes, Axamer, Litzum, Stubaier-Gletscher. These ski centers are within a 15-60 minute drive from the center of Innsbruck. They are connected by free bus routes, starting from the main hotels in the city. Almost everywhere there are installations that produce artificial snow.

Most skiers arriving at Tyrol resorts purchase a single pass, the price of which includes transfers and lift services.

Prices vary depending on the category of resorts, but it’s easy to find your way around.

A two-day subscription will cost approximately:

• for adults – 120 €;
• for teenagers – 100 €;
• for children – 55 €.

A weekly subscription will cost:

• for adults – 280 €;
• for teenagers – 225 €;
• for children – 127 €.

There are elite passes - this includes transfer and a day of skiing at high-category resorts, including Kitzbühel, Lech, St. Anton. Their cost is higher (the price depends on the distance to luxury facilities).

The legendary St. Anton, located in the Arlberg mountains, is considered by many to be the best skiing destination in the world. There are about 300 km of ski slopes here. The resort is located at an altitude of 1304 m, the ski season lasts from December to April.

The other side of the coin is that St. Anton is inaccessible to most ski lovers. Prices for accommodation and food here are sky-high, and in addition, there is a rush during the season: it’s cramped even for the world’s elite, so most tourists who want to join the iconic resort prefer to settle in its surroundings. St. Anton is easily accessible by car and train. The railway runs through the center of the resort, and the station is located almost right next to the ski track.

There are ski rental shops and ski schools everywhere in Tyrol, some with children's corners. Prices for a six-day training course vary depending on the time spent: 2 hours a day - from 140 €, 4 hours a day - from 175 €.

The trails are marked according to the level of difficulty of the route and are marked: blue – easy, red – medium difficulty, black – difficult.

Most Tyrolean ski areas have lifeguards called "white angels".

Trails for cross-country skiing are available in almost every locality. Skiing is mostly free. In January, a folk cross-country ski race is held in Tyrol, in which everyone can take part.

The distance is 33 km from Kitzbühel to Kössen, and 60 km from Kitzbühel to St. Johann.

Mountaineering and mountain tourism

For lovers of mountain tourism in Tyrol, there are routes of varying degrees of difficulty. The trails are marked identically to the ski trails (by color).

Climbing and high-altitude tours should only be undertaken if you have sufficient stamina and appropriate equipment - first of all, mountain boots and waterproof jackets. It is also necessary to take with you a decent supply of food and water.

For serious climbs and hikes, experienced professional guides are available to tourists, knowledgeable about the intricacies of various routes. The price of their services depends on the length and complexity of the route and can range from several hundred euros (per person) to an amount exceeding a thousand.

There is an alpine school in Innsbruck, where you can not only get detailed information about mountain climbing, but also take courses of varying degrees of difficulty. As a rule, training begins in indoor areas, followed by forays into the mountains. The basic course will cost about 50 €.

For simple walking tours, passes are sold directly at the hotels. In addition, there are funiculars everywhere, which can take you to the mountain heights you are interested in.

Bicycle rides

Those wishing to travel by bicycle must be in good physical condition, since not a single route in Tyrol is complete without mountain sections. The exception is the bicycle route (150 km) along the Inna Valley from Landeck to Kufstein, which runs mainly on asphalt paths, on which there are almost no vehicles.

Every bookstall in Tyrol sells literature that describes cycling routes in detail. Many sports stores rent regular and mountain bikes.

Paragliding and hang gliding

Air sports are becoming increasingly popular in Tyrol, so in the more or less wide valleys there are many clubs that provide take-off and landing sites for those interested, and also organize corresponding courses.

Rafting

Special sports schools offer tourists hikes along mountain streams on large inflatable boats. An experienced pilot, after a brief briefing, leads a group of up to ten people along a stormy mountain river.

Rafting is organized on the rivers Inn (through the Imsta gorge, respectively from Imsta to Haiming), Lech and Ötzthaler Ache.

Difficult and extremely difficult sections of rocky rivers for kayaking and canoeing are located on the Inna, Leche, Isar, as well as on their tributaries.

Harmony of nature and art

Tyrol, located in the center of Europe and the Alps, has long been culturally influenced by Germany, Switzerland, Italy and neighboring areas of Austria. This is reflected not only in the customs and traditions of the Tyroleans, but also in their art and amazing architecture.

In Innsbruck, the administrative center of Tyrol, the attractiveness of a ski resort and the sophistication of one of the most beautiful cities in the world are harmoniously intertwined.

5 km from the place where Innsbruck is located today, a stone bridge was erected 800 years ago - the first on the Inn River. A large city gradually grew up next to it. Its name is derived from the name of the Inn River and the word “brücke”, which translates as “bridge”.

Residents of Innsbruck are perhaps more connected to nature than most major cities in the world. Indeed, where else can you soar in a car to a height of 2000 m during your lunch break and ski down the mountain slope within the city limits with the breeze?

A tour of Innsbruck is a walk that introduces history: from the Middle Ages to the 21st century. The main historical street of the city, Maria Theresien Strasse, is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. It owes its splendor to the majestic Baroque palaces erected here, which were built for themselves by the most famous dynasties of Tyrol.

The emblem of the city is the Golden Roof, an elaborately decorated loggia attached to the ancient castle that served as the first residence of the Habsburgs. The extension was created by order of Emperor Maximilian I: from here he loved to watch the tournaments taking place on the castle square. Slender columns and pillars, frescoes and slabs with reliefs - masterpieces of stonemasons' art - decorate the loggia, covered with 3,000 gilded metal roofing sheets. The building itself houses the Olympic Museum.

Other most famous attractions in Innsbruck include:

• the city tower is a symbol of the freedom of the Tyroleans;
• the Church of St. James, whose main treasure is the image of St. Mary, painted by Lucas Cranas the Elder;
• Hofburg Palace;
• Hofgarten - a luxurious park with the Tyrolean Art Pavilion, a rock garden and a “palm garden”;
• Hofkirche, or "Black People's Church", built 1553-1563. by order of Emperor Ferdinand I as the burial place and memorial of his legendary grandfather Emperor Maximilian. On both sides of the tomb there are 28 bronze figures taller than human height - “black people”. The emperor himself, however, is not buried here, but the great Tyrolean Andreas Hofe and his most faithful companions found peace in the church.

It is worth visiting the ancient castle in Ambras, near Innsbruck. Built in the 14th-15th centuries, it is considered a masterpiece of the Austrian Renaissance. A unique collection of weapons is presented here, and in the portrait gallery you can admire the works of Titian, Van Dyck, Rubens, Cranach.

A 15-minute drive from Innsbruck is Igls, a ski and balneological resort where architectural creations in the Baroque and Gothic styles delight the eye.

10 km from Innsbruck, near the resort of Tulfes, Hall is located - a beautiful city rich in historical monuments. In the Middle Ages, it was the largest Tyrolean city. Its town hall is recognized as the most beautiful in Tyrol. It is also worth visiting the Coin Tower, where the wedding of Emperor Maximilian was celebrated.

The town of Imst, located in the valley of the Inn River, is known as a city of arts. The most ancient evidence of the origins of the Christian faith in Tyrol has been preserved here. In its surroundings you can admire magnificent scenery: the Otzthaler Gorge and clear lakes.

The Kufstein region, located in the north of Tyrol, is famous for its crystal clear reservoirs, forests and pastures, and there are also mysterious caves. In one of them, Tishofer, traces of people who lived in the Stone Age were discovered. The city of Kufstein itself was founded in the 12th century and is located at the foot of the fortress, which rises above the steep cliff of the Inn River. You should definitely explore its medieval center and stroll along the famous old Kirchgasse street.

East Tyrol is a mountainous region where Her Majesty nature reigns. Apart from the main city of the region, Lienz, there are no large cities here, but tourists have excellent conditions for skiing, hiking and cycling.

Lienz, located in the mountains, is the only city in the region founded by the ancient Romans. Among its attractions are Bruck Castle, built in the 13th century (today the Museum of Creativity and Traditions of East Tyrol is located here), the Church of St. Andrew, the city hall, the Franciscan church and monastery, and the Dominican monastery.

Accommodation

In every corner of Tyrol, tourists have a wide choice of hotels and guesthouses of different categories. Rooms should be booked in advance, especially during the high winter season and in areas that traditionally see the largest influx of guests.

The most expensive resorts are those adjacent to the Alberg mountain: St. Anton, Lech, St. Christoph, Zurs and Stuben. A day's stay in the local hotels will cost at least 1000 €. It is incomparably cheaper to rent a modest one-bedroom apartment - it will cost approximately €1,500 per week. Renting a two-bedroom apartment with an area of ​​about 100 m² costs twice as much.

In other areas of Tyrol, prices are more affordable. A two-bedroom apartment in a cozy chalet in the spirit of a peasant house, nicely located next to a forest, a ski lift, and a restaurant, will cost an average of 700 € per week.

During hikes, climbers are offered many so-called shelters and huts, which are run by sections of the mountaineering club or belong to private owners. Living conditions vary, so athletes are always recommended to take a light cotton sleeping bag with them. During high season, it is better to reserve seats.

Fans of mountain tourism and just outdoor recreation can stay in campsites. There are more than eighty of them in Tyrol, and for the most part they are quite respectable. The average price is 35-45 € per day.

How to get to Tyrol

Tourists flock to Tyrol by plane, train, bus, rental car and private car.

If the destination of your trip is Tyrol itself, it is better to use air travel. Innsbruck Airport is an excellent starting point for tours to any corner of Tyrol. From the airport to the center of Innsbruck itself is 10 minutes, and 20 minutes from the airport is the main station, from where you can go anywhere in Tyrol by train or bus.

If you are a Schengen visa holder and intend to tour the Alpine countries, and Tyrol is only part of your trip, rent a car in one of the cities of Austria, Germany, Switzerland or Italy.

By contacting a world-famous rental company, you don’t have to worry: here you will be provided with exactly the type and class of car that best suits the season and your chosen travel route, taking into account the fact that one way or another you will have to overcome mountain passes of varying degrees of difficulty . The cost of renting a non-luxury, but decent and reliable car for three days is about 100 €, for a week – 170 €.

If you decide to save money and are seduced by the discount option offered by fly-by-night companies, read the contract carefully and be prepared for unexpected financial losses.

But first things first. You can start your trip to Tyrol from Vienna to feel the royal spirit of Austria and see the contrast between the country's urban and rural atmosphere.

Ceremonial Vienna looks like a court lady - majestic and a little mysterious.

You want to spend your day in Vienna like a real aristocrat: after breakfast at the luxurious Grand Hotel Wien, go for a leisurely walk (the hotel is very conveniently located in the very heart of Vienna, close to all the main attractions), go to the museum, where most likely some interesting exhibition is taking place.

But don’t rush - it’s still impossible to visit all the museums in Vienna in one trip. So you can relax, order a coffee with Sacher or strudel and watch the city life in full swing around you.

In the evening, after visiting parks, palaces, cafes, return to the hotel and, after changing clothes, visit the opera or the Vienna Konzerthaus, the largest center of classical music in Austria. After all, Vienna is one of the main capitals of music in the world.

I would like to say right away that a trip to South Tyrol should be well planned (at least several months in advance) in order to avoid wasting money. This is especially true for hot seasons (in winter: from December to March; in summer from late June to September). In the text below you will find information on how to save a decent amount.)

One of the most convenient options to get to South Tyrol is by train to Bolzano/Merano or by Flixbus (unless of course you are driving your own car). Whatever city you fly to (in the North of Italy or in Austria), you can get to South Tyrol by bus.

We flew to Bergamo and from there, with a transfer in Verona (or without it), we drove to Bolzano. You can buy tickets to Verona from 5 €, from Verona to Bolzano also from 5 €.

Prices for a direct bus to Bolzano from 10 €, if you book a month in advance, you can get to Bolzano from Bergamo airport (Orio al Serio aeroporto) for a minimum cost of 10-15 € (there are often promotions where tickets can be bought for 5 €) , but as a rule, less than 14 € is rare.

If you book a week or two in advance, the prices will increase by about 1.5-2 times (about 30-40 €) + at different departure times the prices are different (the most convenient, of course, costs the most). But this is not always the case, sometimes the day before the trip you can snatch cheap tickets.

It takes 3.5 hours to get to Bolzano by bus. The bus travels in this direction about 8-9 times a day. It won’t be very difficult to find the time you need, especially considering that there is a chic shopping center opposite the airport, where you definitely won’t get bored.

About the train. Everything is very simple here. There is a website trenitalia.com where you can buy a ticket, but I usually buy it at the station, there is no problem with that. Just please don't forget to validate your ticket. For those who didn’t know about this and the information about trains is new, I’ll tell you. This rule applies throughout Italy.

When purchasing a ticket at a ticket office (or a machine), the ticket will only be valid if you validate it at the station in a special machine (there are a lot of them everywhere); this cannot be done on the train itself. A non-validated ticket will be invalid and if checked, you will pay a fine. There are checks here on almost every train (9 out of 10). If you buy a ticket online for a specific date, you do not need to validate it, since the number is already written there. Don't forget this. Since the controllers do not make concessions to tourists. At most, you may be lucky, in the case of a non-validated ticket - you will be offered to buy a new ticket on the train with a commission (not very large), and you can return the non-validated ticket (80% of the ticket price will be returned to you) or you can travel on it again (don’t forget to compost). But you shouldn’t count on this; it’s much easier to do everything right and enjoy your vacation.

You can get from Bergamo to 18 €, but the journey takes 4.5 hours and 2 transfers. Therefore, I advise you to travel by bus.

Further, in South Tyrol itself, you can travel by commuter buses and trains (again, only to Merano), and of course by car, but I will not consider this option, since I am not very familiar with it)

Perhaps one of the most important cities in South Tyrol. This is an amazing place that is definitely worth visiting, strolling along the picturesque embankment, and then laying out a blanket and enjoying the delicious cheese bought a couple of hours ago at the local market in the center of the old town and watching the cheerful Tyroleans. But this is of course if you come in the warm season.

In May it is already quite warm and the sun is so hot that if you forget to take sunscreen, your nose will certainly become redder and peel off)) Therefore, a piece of advice - do not forget to take sunscreen sprays and creams to the mountains!

Be sure to visit the ski lifts. The most beautiful views open from, but I will make a separate post about this. The photo above is from there!

Second must-see: Alpine resort - Merano, with its famous thermal springs!

The Mediterranean town, in the heart of the Tyrolean Alps, will not leave anyone indifferent. It is incredibly green and picturesque. You simply can’t cross it out of your itinerary. Just look at the small alpine village with its centuries-old history and castles.

The city is famous for its thermal springs. I believe that visiting the thermal baths is an important (although not the main) point when planning a trip. You will relax and have a 100% rest, especially after an eventful walk through this amazingly green city. I’ll definitely tell you more about the thermal baths and give advice in a post about Merano, because there’s a lot to talk about there)

Castelrotto, Siusi, Fie allo Sciliar, Ortisei, Santa Maddalena, Cortina d'Ampezzo... The list of cities is endless.

The main thing you need to know is that there are excellent transport links between all cities. The only negative is that getting to the city (to the lake), which seems to be 20 km away, can be more difficult than to getting to the city which is 50 km away. Of course, it's all about the mountains, not all roads are equipped with tunnels, and of course you have to go around many mountains. For this reason, we could not get to the famous lakes Braies (Lago di Braies) and Dobbiaco (Lago Di Dobbiaco) from the village where we lived for 5 days. It takes 4 hours to travel one way, it was such a pity to waste a whole day. that we decided to leave them for later. Therefore, keep the “range” in mind and do not forget about the time.

But in the nature park (which is located quite close to the main road of South Tyrol) there is another wonderful lake - which is visited by tourists much less often. To be more precise, there are two lakes here, in the photo there is a lake for fishing. Wonderful place and wonderful town.

Buses in South Tyrol run very frequently and on schedule. Don't forget that South Tyrol is more Austria than Italy. Therefore, you can forget about delays in public transport. In any tourist center you can find a book with the schedule of all buses in your region. You will need it.

How to save a decent amount of money? You can buy a transport pass, it will make moving around easier and cheaper. You can buy it at any information center, it’s called Mobilecard. Gives you the right to travel throughout the region for free on buses and trains (check some directions), for example Bolzano-Merano-Bolzano, as well as visiting museums or using a bicycle (your choice) for 1,3 and 7 days. For 7 days it costs about 35 €. Read more on the Mobilecard website!

Buses stop running after 8 (later in large cities), and then only hitchhikers will help you, which of course is very risky. Although I will say that the people here are friendly (during the non-tourist season), and if something happens to you or you get lost, you can always contact them and they will be happy to help you.

Now I want to tell you a little more about hotels.

South Tyrol is very expensive - and it is almost impossible to find something cheaper than 50 €, and it is generally impossible to find something good for less than 50 €. If you raise the bar to 100 €, then you can relax. There will be options, although not as many as you would like. From 100 to 200 € is already more interesting, and, accordingly, above 200 € there are luxury 4* and 5* hotels.

South Tyrol is like a big village - there are not very many luxury hotels here (although there are some very chic ones), mostly these are hotels with a cozy homely environment and with an owner who inherited this house)

For example, the hotel where we lived in Bolzano. Beautiful Villa - Villa Anita Rooms. Villa Anita is located in a quiet area of ​​Bolzano, 600 meters from the historic center and the Renon and San Genesio cable car stations. There are many more excellent options, but this one is good because it is close to both the city and nature. We highly recommend this hotel)

Parkhotel Laurin is a very pleasant hotel in the heart of Bolzano, 200 meters from the cathedral, surrounded by a beautiful park where you can dine on a warm summer evening.

Or maybe you want to live in a 15th century castle? Hotel Schloss Englar is a Gothic castle surrounded by vineyards and orchards on a hillside in Appiano sulla Strada del Vino, 23 km from Merano. The hotel even features a Rittersaal common room with an open fireplace, and a garden with an outdoor pool and terrace. Amazing place.

A cozy hotel Hotel Rosalpina Dolomites in the ski resort of Plancios, 20 km from the city of Bressanone. It offers panoramic views of the Dolomites, and there is a wellness center and restaurant on site.

Or maybe you are a golf fan? Although no, it doesn’t matter that you don’t have to love it to live in such an amazing hotel. Golfhotel Sonne is located 1 km from the village of Siusi allo Sciliar, in the heart of the Dolomites. Which I will tell you about very soon! By the way, the prices for rooms in this hotel are very small for this region.

And Hotel Valentinerhof, surrounded by the Dolomites, is a very cozy place in Siusi.

I prefer to book all hotels on Booking.com; it’s convenient and there’s almost always the option to cancel in case of an unexpected emergency. The second option is on Airbnb.com. And if you are not registered on it yet, then get a discount on your first booking. There is also a cancellation option, but as a rule it is not always convenient.

I really hope that you liked my post and that you will use at least some of my advice. If you liked it, don't forget to like it. If you have any questions, you can always leave a comment)

Have a nice day and see you soon))!

The Tyrol region of Austria is considered the highest mountain region, and therefore is of great interest to both skiers and snowboarders. Here everyone will find something - for a wild holiday - the resorts of Tyrol offer many discos and disco bars, for lovers of good food - there are many different restaurants and cafes in the territories, and for proper relaxation - Tyrol offers more than 800 ski slopes. The resorts also offer sports activities – tennis, swimming pools, SPA centers, fitness clubs.

Popular resorts in Tyrol: Mayrnhofen, Sölden (Ötztal Valley), Elmau, Seefeld, Neustift, Fulpmes, St. Anton (Arlberg), Fiss (Oberinntal Ski-6).

How to get to Tyrol?

Innsbruck Airport is located close to the resorts of Tyrol (about 100 km), but there are not many flights here, and therefore you will not be able to buy a cheap ticket, and even more so there will be a mandatory flight with transfers. The next airport close to the resorts of Tyrol is Germany's Friedrichshafen Airport - from there you can easily reach it by rail. The third closest airport is located in Switzerland - Zurich Airport - accessible by rail to the resorts of Tyrol.

The cheapest flights can be purchased to Munich Strauss Airport, since it is a fairly developed airport in terms of routes, but the distance to Tyrol will be 197 km.

Vienna Airport should be considered last, since the airport is located quite far from the Tyrol ski resort area (495 km).

From Moscow and St. Petersburg By plane you can get to Munich, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Vienna, Friedrichshafen

Today's cheapest ticket from Moscow (St. Petersburg):

• To Munich in December 2016 costs 11,233 rubles (11,422 rubles in January 2017) round trip
• To Zurich 13197 rub. (RUB 11,572 October 2016) round trip in October
• To Vienna 8,488 rubles (11,679 rubles December 2016) round trip in September
• To Innsbruck in January 2017 11861 rub. (RUB 17,244 in January 2017)
• To Salzburg in January 2017 11935 rub. (RUB 17,145 December 2016)

Using our calendar you can choose the cheapest air ticket for all airlines in the world, just enter your city of departure and arrival

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You can get to the resorts of Tyrol in the following ways:

• Tour operator transfer
• Taxi
• Car rent
• Public transport

About the resorts of Tyrol in more detail:

• Most ski resort hotels (cottages) require bookings only from Saturday to Saturday.
• The operating hours of the lifts are from 8:30 to 16:00 (some slopes offer the possibility of skiing in the evening).
• Be sure to shop and visit the Swarovski Crystal Museum in Tirol (opening hours from 9 to 18-30)
• In the village of Terfens, which is located from Innsbruck, visit the house where everything is upside down
• The most difficult ski slopes in Mayrhofen are located on the Hintertux glacier
• Mayrhofen is popular for holidays with children, because you can send your child to ski school.
• Mayrhofen can be considered for youth recreation, as there are cinemas, nightclubs, restaurants, bars and cafes
• The resort of Sölden opens in November and ends the season in May. Vacationers can immediately take advantage of three mountain peaks, the height of which is more than three meters.
• The Serfaus resort should be considered for holidays with children, because the famous ski parks Kinderland Fiss-Ladis and Kinderschnealm with an amusement park are open on the territory

What expenses are required for a holiday at ski resorts:

1. Purchasing a tour from a tour operator with an air ticket, special medical insurance for sports and a hotel (breakfast is possible)
2. When planning a holiday in the mountains of Austria on your own - the cost of an air ticket, a taxi from the airport, medical insurance for sports (about a week 20-30 euros), booking a hotel/chalet/cottage.
3. ski-pass cost from 40 euros per day per person
4. If you are bringing your own ski equipment, be sure to check with the airline when purchasing a ticket about the procedure for transporting this luggage - many airlines include the allowance in free luggage
5. if you are going to rent, then a ski set (boots, skis, poles) will cost you between 70-230 euros for seven days, a snowboard - from 60 to 170 euros.
6. Skating lessons with a professional instructor for beginners and children
7. Meals in an inexpensive cafe will cost 10-15 euros per person.

SCHEME OF TYROLIAN RESORTS IN AUSTRIA, LOCATION ON THE MAP

Tyrol is a very beautiful area that belongs to Austria, but at the same time borders on three European countries: Germany, Switzerland and France. These lands are often referred to as the “heart of the Alps.”

It should be noted that Tyrol covers a decent area, and in one trip you can only cover a small minimum of what this place has. If your husband is a skiing fan, then it is unlikely that you will be able to devote much time to excursions around the region.

If you still manage to escape, you can visit such an interesting place as the Gatlür rock garden, which is located in the Tyrolean Alps in the small, cozy resort of Galtür, where you can ski, go hiking and simply admire the beautiful natural landscapes.

The rock garden is a unique place that you are unlikely to see anywhere else. This place gives tourists the opportunity to learn more about the mountains, about snow, watch an interesting film in a local cinema, and visit various exhibitions. You can explore this museum complex on your own, but it is better to do it with a professional guide, from whom you can learn a lot of interesting information.

In the Zillertal Valley there is a beautiful thermal spa complex, Erlebnistherme Zillertal, which offers various thermal and water treatments. This place has excellent conditions for visitors of different ages, there are different pools (including wave pools), and a huge open-air pool operates from May to September. For visitors there is a water trampoline, a circular shower, a sauna and other opportunities for relaxation and relaxation.

Not far from the city of Schwaz is Tratzberg Castle, built in 1500 for defensive purposes. There is archival evidence that a castle existed in this place back in 1296, but was subsequently destroyed by fire. In addition to its majestic and powerful appearance, the castle can delight you with an impressive collection of weapons, various portraits, and the royal room is perfectly preserved. Tourists are impressed by the carved ceiling, elegant paneling and other interior items that have survived to this day almost in their original form. During the Napoleonic Wars, the castle was looted and fell into disrepair, but over time it was restored and is now open to visitors.

In Tyrol, namely in the capital of this federal state - Innsbruck, at an altitude of 727 meters above sea level, the highest altitude zoo in Europe is located. The zoo is home to about 150 species of animals, with a total number of more than two thousand. To fully get acquainted with the zoo and its inhabitants, it is advisable to allocate at least three to four hours, and in the summer, visitors spend the whole day here. The main emphasis of the zoo is on animals that are characteristic of the Alpine region. The popularity of the zoo is facilitated by the fact that the principle of keeping animals without cages is practiced here. Thanks to this, more than 300 thousand people visit it annually, and not every European zoo can boast of this figure. In winter, the zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and in summer an hour longer. The entrance ticket costs 10 euros.

You can admire the beauty of Innsbruck, as they say from a bird's eye view, from the top of Mount Hafelekar, which rises 2334 meters above sea level. Of great interest to tourists is the fact that you can get there using the Nordkette cable car, and in just a few minutes. The most stunning view opens from the top station of the funicular. In general, there are three stations along the route, each of which has observation decks where tourists have the opportunity to admire the beautiful views and sit in local cafes with a cup of coffee.

The first station along the route is called Hungerburg and it is located at an altitude of 300 meters and it is from here that the best panoramic view of Innsbruck opens. Unlike the other two stations, the advantage of this station is that it is almost never covered by clouds and it is from this place that the most beautiful photographs of the city are obtained.

The second station is called Seegrube and it is located at a more decent altitude - 1900 meters. From this height, beautiful views open up to the mountain peaks of the Zillertal region, the Intal and Aiptal valleys, as well as the Stubai Glacier.

You can go up to the first two stations by cable car and go back down on foot. From each of these stations there are a sufficient number of walking routes of varying difficulty.

Well, the last third station of the cable car is directly the top of the mountain - 2334 meters. In good clear weather, the views from this station are breathtaking, but in bad weather it’s not even worth going up there, as you won’t be able to see anything. When climbing, you need to take care of warm things (even if it is warm and sunny below).

Each station has its own operating schedule, but if you want to visit all stations, it is better to come from 8.30 to 16.00. Depending on the station, lift prices range from 8 to 32 euros. It's quite expensive, but the panorama from the top is worth it.