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!"

Young chef Thomas Penz puts a culinary spin on traditional Tirol staples. His innovative style of cooking uses fresh and local ingredients and an inventive twist on classic favourites. The result is a spectacular menu of dishes you won’t soon forget, from Tirolean Grey Cheese Soup over Vegetable Groestl to Apple Fritters. Try these recipes if you want to get the wow factor into your cooking!

Near the town of Wörgl, in the east of Tirol, the main road branches off south into a side valley. The visitor is immediately struck by the lush meadows and dense forests stretching out across the valley floor. And the flowers, the flowers! Everywhere you look you see dashes of vibrant colour decorating the balconies of the traditional wooden farmhouses. Those are my first unforgettable impressions of the Wildschönau region. For people unfamiliar with the local geography, the valley is divided up into four “church villages”: Niederau, Oberau, Auffach and Thierbach. Here are my personal top tips for anyone visiting the beautiful Wildschönau region.

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.