Keeping an eye on the forecast in the days leading up to a vacation or to the weekend is often a nerve wracking experience. You’ve spent months planning your trip and the prospect of it being scuppered by poor weather is not something you want to deal with. How do you make the most of your trip if rain threatens to spoil your plans? Well, as you’ll find out, rainy days does not mean there isn’t anything to do in and around Tirol - there are plenty of dry options—and even a couple of not so dry outdoor pursuits.

As you arrive in the Alps, the seemingly infinite array of peaks spread out before you will most likely grab your immediate attention. I’ve been playing the name-the-mountain game on hikes for many years, trying to identify as many of the surrounding summits as possible. However, that's sometimes been at the cost of the wonderful flora right at my feet. Bursts of colour from hundreds of wildflower species are one of Tirol’s simplest joys. For years I have wanted to identify at least the most commonly found alpine flowers of Tirol, but I have been postponing it from hiking season to hiking season. This year, finally, I have created my very own Alpine Wildflower Guide. Most of the pictures were taken in East Tirol (Virgental Valley) and the Karwendel Mountains.

After a full day of play on a Tirol getaway, there’s nothing more important than to relax in accommodations that fit your style. However, with so many things to do in the ‘Heart of the Alps’ — and even more places to stay — choosing might be the hardest part. Throughout the country, there are outstanding bed and breakfasts, apartments and hotels that offer unique amenities sure to make for an unforgettable getaway. These ten only-in-Tirol places to stay are a start to get your imagination going. Plus, to make things even better, most of them offer lodging at surprisingly affordable rates.

We have put together a list of the top 16 things to buy during your time in Tirol – either for yourself or as gifts for friends and family. All the items in our list are either made or finished right here in Tirol.

Think of Kitzbühel and you conjure up ski pioneers, cat-suited ski racers and designer and fur-clad celebrities. A legend in its own right, Kitzbühel is the playground of the Rich and Famous, set against a backdrop of jagged and rugged mountains. It is where majestic mountain scenery can mean anything from glorious peaks to beautiful people and larger-than-life characters.

As a long-time resident of Innsbruck and lover of the city, I’d like to share my very personal selection of favourite attractions with you. I’ve also put together some ideas on the city’s most intriguing shops but, first, let me tell you about the city sights which never fail to impress me, even after all these years.

As the days get warmer, pollen levels are also on the rise. Hay-fever sufferers will be pleased to know that there are lots of places in the mountains of Tirol where they can enjoy a symptom-free summer holiday thanks to the clean alpine air.

Autumn is the time of year in Tirol when preparations are in full swing at local distilleries to turn local fruit and turnips into schnapps. As winter arrives, the distilling process begins. When it comes to drinking these fine, fruity and formidable creations, however, there is no special season. Anytime is good! Just remember one thing: if you are invited to a local person's house and offered a glass of schnapps, it is considered impolite to decline. Scroll down to find out about some of the best schnapps from the region. "Cheers!", or as we say here in Tirol: "Prost!"