“Top of Tyrol” Viewing Platform, © Stubaier Gletscher / Andre Schönherr
“Top of Tyrol” Viewing Platform, © Stubaier Gletscher / Andre Schönherr

Tirol‘s most spectacular vantage points

A romantic dinner for two at 3,000m altitude, the view from inside the largest accessible mountain-top cross in the world, or a 360° panorama from an Eagle’s Nest – when it comes to vantage points, visitors to Tirol are truly spoilt for choice.

There are few feelings like climbing up above the clouds into a world of deep blue skies and dazzling sunshine. Visitors to Tirol can experience this high life without even boarding an airplane thanks to the region’s many spectacular vantage points offering wonderful panoramic views. At over 3,000m it is often possible to even see over the border into neighbouring Italy, Germany and Switzerland. And the best thing is that they are all accessible via cable car. Some also feature eating establishments such as the Café 3440 on the Pitztal Glacier, the highest café in Austria.

There are few feelings like climbing up above the clouds into a world of deep blue skies and dazzling sunshine. Visitors to Tirol can experience this…

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Big 3 Sölden, © Tirol Werbung/Aichner Bernhard

Big 3 in Sölden

Three viewing platforms at over 3,000m altitude

Visitors to glacier ski resort of Sölden looking for spectacular 360° views should head to the one of the Big 3 – three viewing platforms at over 3,000 metres above sea level. The highest of the three is the Naturplattform Schwarze Schneide at 3,340m. This circular platform made of larch wood has a towering obelisk in the middle and offers spectacular panoramic views from the Dolomites to the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain. The Panorama-Felssteg Tiefenbachkogel at 3,250m is one for those with a strong stomach. This glass construction juts 20m out from the rock face into thin air and is supported by steel ropes. Last but not least, the Plattform Gaislachkogel at 3,048m is the easiest of the three to access. It is located on the roof of a restaurant and provides wonderful views of the Ötztal Alps.

During the winter months the cable cars in Sölden are open daily from 9:00 until 16:00. The cable car operating hours are different in summer.

Sunrise at the top of the Zugspitze, © Tiroler Zugspitzbahn

Zugspitze

Summit restaurant with views as far as Munich

On clear days, visitors standing atop the Zugspitze can see the Großglockner and Piz Bernina peaks and even the famous TV tower in far-away Munich. At 2,962 metres above sea level the Zugspitze is the highest mountain in Germany and the highest point in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena. The border between Germany and Austria more or less bisects the mountain. From the viewing platform and restaurant at the summit visitors can see around 400 mountains in four different countries. There is a museum at the top of the cable car with an interesting exhibition about the history of the Zugpsitze and how the first cable cars up onto the mountain were built. The cable car regularly operates early-morning sunrise rides followed by breakfast on the mountain as well as sunset ascents followed by fondue evenings in the restaurant.

During the peak seasons the cable car is generally open daily from 8:40 until 16:40. Other operating hours apply outside the peak seasons.

View of three countries from the Kaunertal Glacier, © Daniel Zangerl

Kaunertal Glacier

One platform, three countries, many mountains over 3,000m

With one foot in Austria and the other in Italy, visitors standing atop this platform can admire views of the Kaunertal Glacier and many peaks over 3,000m, including some of the mightiest mountains in Italy, Austria and Switzerland . The wooden platform itself lies at 3,108m. On a clear day you can see legendary summits such as the Weißseespitze (3,518m) and the Weißkugel (3,712m) The platform is located next to the top of the Karlesjochbahn cable car and is also easily accessible for wheelchair users.

The cable car runs daily from 10:00 until 16:00.

Panoramic views from the Vallugaspitze, © St. Anton am Arlberg

Vallugaspitze in St. Anton am Arlberg

Panoramic views of the Eastern Alps

Be it on foot or via cable car, a trip to the top of the Vallugaspitze is well worth the effort. Visitors are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Lechtal and Allgäu Alps, the Verwall Mountains, the Ötztal Alp and even as far as the Swiss canton of Graubünden. The summit at 2,811m overlooks the Arlberg ski resort and many mountain peaks far beyond and is popular with ski touring enthusiasts in winter and hikers in summer. Those who prefer to take it easy can hop on the Galzigbahn cable car and then the Vallugabahn I und II, which takes them all the way to the top. A good place for a drink and a meal is the Vallugarestaurant, the highest table service restaurant in the Arlberg region.

During the summer months the Vallugabahn II cable car runs from 8:40 until 16:00 between Monday and Sunday. It is also open on Mondays and Tuesdays in September. In winter the cable car is open daily from 9:00 until 16:00.

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