My top 10 souvenir recommendations, little keepsakes that I enjoy taking home for my friends – and a few things I like to buy myself! All of these gifts are made or finished off 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!"

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.