Top 15 Attractions in Tirol

Golden Roof in Innsbruck, © TVB Innsbruck / Christof Lackner

While Tirol has its share of stunning natural attractions, it is also rich in culture. We have therefore put together a list of the region's top cultural attractions. Don't forget to check some of them out next time you visit the Heart of the Alps!

Sure, Tirol's mighty mountains and alpine landscapes are without a doubt its most eye-catching asset. But what would the region be without its history, culture and architecture? Visitors wishing to learn more about the 800-year-old history of Tirol should pay a visit for example to Kufstein Castle, the silver mine in Schwaz or the James Bond Adventure World on Gaislachkogel Mountain. Families will love the sparking Chambers of Wonder at the Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens. Scroll down to see all of our top recommendations.

Sure, Tirol's mighty mountains and alpine landscapes are without a doubt its most eye-catching asset. But what would the region be without its…

1
Swarovski Crystal Worlds

Wattens The Giant's Kingdom

A visit to Tirol would not be complete without a visit to Wattens-based Swarovski Crystal Worlds, Western Austria's most visited attraction. Since its inception in 1995, Swarovski Crystal Worlds has astonished and amused its viewers. Built as a subterranean labyrinth of caves hidden under a park, playground, and garden, visitors enter through a giant's head to the main hall.

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© Swarovski Kristallwelten / Werner Elmer

© Swarovski Kristallwelten / Christian Vorhofer

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2
Historic Old Town of Innsbruck

Innsbruck From the Imperial Palace to the Golden Roof

Architectural gems like the famous Golden Roof, the Innsbruck City Tower, the Court Curch and the Imperial Court Palace lurk around every corner of the old town. Starting at the Golden Roof, sroll through the quaint alleys and streets to take in the atmosphere of this magical medieval city centre, and you will find a host of exciting historical landmarks, parks and gardens, inviting sidewalk cafés and restaurants, and world-class shopping opportunities.

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Sabine Schöffauer's shop is close to the city cathedral, © Tirol Werbung/Bert Heinzlmeier

Hofkirche (Court Church) Innsbruck, © Alexander Haiden

Volkskunstmuseum (Museum of Tirolean Regional Heritage) in Innsbruck, © Volkskunstmuseum Innsbruck

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Highline179, © Strabag/Naturparkregion Reutte

3
Highline179

Reutte Bridge into the Middle Ages

114 metres high, 406 metres long and just 1.20 metres wide – the record breaking suspension footbridge Highline179 connecting the remarkable Ehrenberg Castle to the remains of the 17th-century Roman Fortress Claudia in the market town of Reutte is not for the faint-hearted! Those who dare step out into the abyss are rewarded with majestic views.

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4
Kufstein Fortress

Kufstein 800 Years of History

Mighty Kufstein Fortress towers high above the charming small town of the same name and is definitely worth visiting. Attractions include the world’s largest outdoor organ and the interactive Fortress Museum.

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Kufstein Fortress, © Kufsteinerland - Lolin

Johann Berger playing the Heldenorgel organ at Kufstein Fortress, © Tirol Werbung/Lisa Hörterer

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Schwaz Silver Mine, © Tirol Werbung/Bernhard Aichner

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Schwaz Silver Mine

Schwaz Underworld Full of Secrets

The historic Schwaz Silver Mine is an unmatched "underground adventure": enjoy an exhilarating time travel to the world of medieval miners. History and modern technology are the key elements of the 90-minute tour, creating an unforgettable and fascinating experience.

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Schwaz Silver Mine, © Tirol Werbung/Frank Bauer

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6
Tirol Farmstead Museum

Kramsach Between the Village Blacksmith and the Local Mill

Tour the unique Tirol Farmstead Museum in Kramsach and see what living in a historic farmhouse and farming on the mountains of Tirol was like. The 14 authentic farmhouses from all parts and valleys of Tirol have been meticulously preserved and restored for future generations to enjoy.

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Tirol Farmstead Museum, © Alpbachtal Tourismus

Tirol Farmstead Museum, © Alpbachtal Tourismus/Gabriele Grießenböck

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7
Kaunertal Glacier Road

Kaunertal 29 Switchbacks to the Edge of the Glacier

From the village of Feichten in the Kaunertal Valley there is a high alpine road with 29 switchback corners winding its way up 1,500 vertical metres to the edge of what is Austria's second-largest glacier. The Kaunertal Glacier Road leads from the low altitude vegitation of the valley floor all the way up to a world of permanent ice and snow high in the Ötztal Alps. A fascinating experience not to be missed!

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Gepatschstausee reservoir, © Tirol Werbung/Tobias Madörin

Kaunertal Glacier, © Tirol Werbung/Tobias Madörin

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8
Alpinarium Galtür

Galtür Avalanche Protection, Memorial and Archive in One Building

In February 1999 the alpine village of Galtür at the end of the Paznaun Valley was struck by a huge avalanche, killing 31 people. The Alpinarium Galtür is a building which today serves not only as a memorial to those who lost their lives but also as an avalance protection wall and a museum warning of the dangers inherent to life in the mountains.

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007 Elements - James Bond Adventure World on Gaislachkogel mountain, © Ötztal Tourismus

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007 Elements

Sölden James Bond Adventure World on Gaislachkogel Mountain

Perched high in the stunning Ötztal Alps at over 3,000 metres above sea level, the 007 Elements James Bond adventure world is a dream come true for fans of the world's most famous secret agent. It was here on Gaislachkogel mountain that several scenes were filmed for the blockbuster hit Spectre. Now, to honour 007's visit to Tirol, a huge underground centre has been created inside the mountain featuring exhibits, installations and breathtaking views.

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007 Elements - James Bond Adventure World on Gaislachkogel mountain, © Tirol Werbung

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The medieval oldtown of Hall in Tirol, © TVB Wattens

10
Hall in Tirol

Hall in Tirol One of Austria's Most Beautiful Medieval Oldtowns

The medieval oldtown of Hall in Tirol is one of the most beautiful in Austria. Lined with centuries-old buildings lovingly restored to their former glory, it bears witness to the rich history of this town to the east of Innsbruck. Many centuries ago, Hall in Tirol was one of the most important economic hubs in Austria thanks to its salt-mining industry. It was during this period that the iconic Hasegg Castle with its eye-catching tower, the symbol of Hall in Tirol, was built.

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The medieval oldtown of Hall in Tirol, © Verena Kathrein

The medieval oldtown of Hall in Tirol, © Rosanna Batisti

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Exploring Lake Achensee by boat, © Achensee Tourismus

11
Sightseeing by Boat on Lake Achensee

Pertisau am Achensee Crossing the "Sea of Tirol"

With its turquoise waters and stunning mountain backdrop, it is little wonder that Lake Achensee to the north of Jenbach is one of the most popular swimming lakes in Tirol. Indeed, so large is the "Sea of Tirol", as it is playfully known, that there are ships which criss-cross the lake and transport locals and visitors alike between the largest settlements on the shore.

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12
Tratzberg Castle

Jenbach Renaissance Jewel among Austria's Castles

Mighty and majestic, Tratzberg Castle between Jenbach and Schwaz is one of the finest Renaissance fortresses anywhere in Austria. It was built in the 16th century and famous for its Habsburg Hall, King's Room and many wall frescos. Take a tour in the company of an experienced guide and be ready to discover the odd hidden door or two!

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Traditional "Fuggerstube" room, © Schloss Tratzberg

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Hexenwasser Söll, © Peter von Felbert / Daniel Reiterer

13
Hexenwasser Söll

Söll Hohe Salve: Adventure Play Area in the Mountains

The Hexenwasser Söll is a water adventure play area high in the mountains. It can be accessed via a cable car and has no fewer than 24 interactive stations ranging from a bee house to a camp fire, stone mill and barefoot adventure trail.

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Handmade cheese, © ErlebnisSennerei Zillertal

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ErlebnisSennerei Zillertal

Mayrhofen, Zillertal Discover the Secrets of an Alpine Dairy

Where does cheese come from? The ErlebnisSennerei Zillertal answers this and many more questions. It is a working dairy farm which gives visitors of all ages the chance to discover the secrets behind how cheese, milk, yoghurt and many other dairy products are made. A range of delicious homemade produce is available to buy from the farm shop.

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Working dairy farm open to visitors, © ErlebnisSennerei Zillertal

ErlebnisSennerei Zillertal, © ErlebnisSennerei Zillertal

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Hohe Tauern National Park, © Tirol Werbung/Bert Heinzlmeier

15
Hohe Tauern National Park

Matrei in Osttirol Ancient Landscape in the Largest National Park in the Alps

Majestic mountains, snow-covered glaciers, rushing rivers, natural forests and a huge variety of fauna and flora await visitors to the Hohe Tauern National Park. Covering a total area of more than 1,800 square kilometres, it is the largest park of its kind anywhere in the Alps and the largest nature reserve in Central Europe. An absolute must for any visit to Tirol.

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