After spending the summer months grazing on high pastures, September is the month when cows are driven back down into the valley wearing traditional headdresses made of flowers to celebrate a season without injury or accident.
Tirol may be known for its action and adventure, but sometimes it’s nice to just relax. Our region is home to a whole host of spa hotels where you can swim and sauna to your heart’s content while enjoying spectacular mountain views.
Hiking to the top of a mountain is an experience in itself, but have you ever enjoyed a sum-mit sunrise? If not then we definitely recommend it – well worth a super-early start in the morning.
Autumn is probably the best time of year for hiking. Clear air means you can see for many kilometres, while the cooler temperatures make for a more pleasant experience than in summer. Oh, and the trails are normally much quieter than during peak season.
Warm sunshine, snow-capped peaks and total peace and quiet – autumn is a great time for a hiking holiday in Tirol, not least thanks to the incredible reds, browns and yellows of the trees A real highlight you won’t want to miss out on.
While most huts tend to close in September, we have managed to find a few which continue the season through until October – a great place for a late-season stay with hearty food and fabulous views.
Our autumn festivals are, in fact, much more about slow food than fast food, offering visi-tors a selection of traditional hand-made produce. Bon appétit, or as we say here in Tirol: Mahlzeit!
Gravel biking may be all the rage right now, but here in Tirol we have been doing it for years. The region’s trails are perfect for this mix of road biking and mountain biking, with plenty of steep climbs and speedy descents. Oh, and many of the routes lead past at least one mountain hut.
Tirol is home to many towns, including the smallest town anywhere in Austria in the form of tiny Rattenberg home to just 459 inhabitants. When it comes to cities there is just one: Innsbruck with its 130,000 citizens and many cultural attractions.
Autumn is a great time of year not only for hiking but also for rock climbing. Many of the most popular rock climbing areas in the region are south-facing, meaning climbers can be found enjoying the challenge right through until the end of autumn.
Autumn in Tyrol is the perfect time for a range of outdoor activities. Autumn hikes through colourful landscapes, panoramic hikes, bike rides in the valley, gravel bike rides or even rock climbing in sunny areas are among the most enjoyable activities. Culinary delights are served up in autumn at various autumn events, where you can try traditional Tyrolean delicacies such as dumplings, Kirchtagskrapfen, Kaiserschmarren, Kiachl and much more.
The best autumn hikes in Tyrol lead along south-facing slopes and sun-drenched panoramic trails that remain snow-free until late in the season. Tours at lower altitudes are particularly suitable, combining warm autumn colours with impressive views. There are many sunny autumn hikes in Tyrol that are ideal for clear autumn days. Due to their orientation, these trails allow for extended hikes with pleasant temperatures and an optimal light experience.
The highlights of Tyrolean nature in autumn include the golden larch forests, the sun-drenched southern slopes and the clear panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The colourful alpine meadows and reflective mountain lakes that glow in the autumn light are particularly attractive. The cattle drives, when the decorated cattle return to the valley, are also a special highlight. This period combines impressive landscapes with cultural traditions and offers ideal conditions for hikes and nature experiences in the clear autumn air.
Autumn is ideal for a holiday in Tyrol, as the clear air allows for spectacular panoramic views and the colourful nature invites you to hike on sunny southern slopes. With fewer crowds on the trails, regions at lower altitudes offer relaxed experiences. Traditional cattle drives and autumn festivals provide an insight into Tyrolean culture, while regional specialities such as game dishes round off the enjoyment. Pleasant temperatures and snow-free trails make this time of year perfect for outdoor activities and quiet time-outs.
Tyrol is usually blessed with many sunny days in autumn, and the temperatures in the valley are still mild. However, it can get quite cold up on the mountains in autumn. For hikes and bike rides that take you up high, you should definitely pack a warm layer of clothing.
Tyrol offers a variety of culinary specialities in autumn. Game dishes such as venison stew or roast venison, accompanied by seasonal side dishes such as mushrooms and cranberries, are particularly popular. Pumpkin dishes and hearty dumpling variations are also typical of this time of year. Regional products such as fresh bread, Alpine cheese and Tyrolean bacon round off the autumnal culinary experience. Not forgetting traditional desserts such as Kiachl or apple strudel, which are perfect for the cooler season. Autumn festivals and markets also offer a great opportunity to sample regional delicacies first hand.
Yes, there are special offers for autumn holidaymakers in Tyrol. Many accommodations offer autumn packages with guided hikes, wellness offers or culinary highlights such as game weeks. Regions such as the Zillertal or Ötztal organise autumn festivals and cattle drives that combine tradition and nature. Some mountain railways also operate into the autumn to make panoramic trails accessible. For families, there are often discounts or child-friendly activities such as nature trails and playgrounds at this time of year. Further information can be found on the respective regional portals.
In our monthly newsletter we reveal the best holiday tips for Tyrol.
