On Christmas Eve 1818, a song was born that would wing its way into the hearts of people throughout the world. Now translated into hundreds of languages, “Silent Night! Holy Night!” is sung by untold millions every December – but how did this particular tune come to achieve such popularity? Here are ten surprising (and some weird) facts about the world’s most ubiquitous Christmas carol that celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2018.

One last night of partying with your friends – that is what stag nights and hen dos are all about. Located in the heart of the Austrian Alps, Tirol is a great destination for all kinds of fun, action and adventure. Check out our tips for the ultimate final fling before tying the knot.

Eigentlich ist die Tiroler Küche ziemlich deftig: Die Klassiker sind Kaiserschmarren, Speck- oder Kasknödel, gekocht wird mit viel Fleisch und Milchprodukten. Immer mehr Restaurants und Hotels zeigen aber, dass es anders geht und haben sich auf pflanzliche Küche spezialisiert. Wir haben uns umgeschaut und eine Auswahl an veganen Lieblingsorten im ganzen Land entdeckt.

A town that has been praised in song, a historic fortress, frescoed facades, centuries old inns and restaurants and one of the last one-passenger chair lifts in the country: Steeped in history and character, the small town of Kufstein was hotly contested through the ages.

A blend of historic and modern architecture, finest glass art, jaw-dropping views and mouth-watering cakes and pastries: Rattenberg may be smallest town in Austria, but there is nothing small about its charming allure.

The positive characteristics of the wood known as “Zirbe”, Austrian stone pine, Arolla pine or just stone pine, have been valued and used in Tirol for centuries. Three Tirol-based companies enable the traditionally rustic high Alpine timber to make the move into today’s modern interiors—in the form of translucent lampshades, wooden ventilation systems and award-winning furniture.

An awe-inspiring celebration of war, glory and everything snow, the biggest contemporary live performance in the world is set to return to Sölden’s mighty Rettenbach Glacier again this year: HANNIBAL.

What is today a sleepy little town with pastel-washed houses and winding streets was once, believe it or not, the place where the richest and most powerful people of Europe lived, where an elephant took a rest, where famous physician and alchemist Paracelsus pursued his research and where a church stood the test of time. Schwaz offers surprises that stretch the traditional image of the town.

A few minutes by road east of Tirol’s capital Innsbruck is what many assert to be the most beautiful town in Tirol—ancient Hall, origin of the Dollar and where kestrels fly in and out of Hasegg Castle. And with a wonderfully preserved historic center actually larger than that of Innsbruck.

Is it a walk in the woods – or a therapy session? In Tirol visitors can try forest bathing with a trained guide. The idea? Reducing stress.