Why choose to stay in Tyrol?
Sitting at the crossroads of Italy and Germany, Tyrol is an iconic region of the Austrian Alps. With its breathtaking mountain landscapes and magnificent panoramas, this region will surprise you in both winter and summer with its rich cultural and historical diversity, the warmth of its locals, and the endless activities on offer.
During these times when traveling abroad for holidays isn't always easy, Austria has been open to French nationals without any specific entry requirements since June 16th. For a getaway that feels like a real escape while remaining safe, Tyrol is definitely "the place to be"!
In fact, if you're looking to avoid crowded spots, Tyrol is perfect for you. You can peacefully enjoy the vast Alpine expanse without worrying about swarms of tourists. You can also unwind in the vibrant and iconic city of Innsbruck.
Innsbruck means bridge over the Inn, the river that runs through the city. The Tyrolean capital is famous for its many churches and its architecture, which blends Viennese and Alpine heritage. The colorful facades, featuring both modern and historic touches, are a real treat for the eyes.
Innsbruck and Tyrol aren't just for winter ski trips; the region is lively all year round, thanks in no small part to the 30,000 students living in Innsbruck. These holidays will satisfy everyone, from young to old, and from active adventurers to those who prefer a slower pace.
In short... Tyrol is truly an excellent choice for a vacation with family or friends.
How to get to Innsbruck and Tyrol?
The Austrian Alps are easily accessible. It is entirely possible to head there for just a long weekend or a short week. Most travelers head there for a "break" (a 4 to 5-day trip) to get a change of scenery and recharge without traveling too far. Of course, you can also stay for several weeks, which is actually what I recommend if you have the time. It’s the only way to truly grasp and explore the richness of Tyrolean culture in its entirety.
Innsbruck is located about 1,000 kilometers from Paris, and there are 3 ways to get there: by car, by train, and by plane.
Driving from the French capital takes about 11 hours. It’s not the fastest way to get there, but you can stop and admire the Alpine scenery at your own pace. And if you're up for it, why not organize a little mountain road trip?
The train is the fastest way to travel to western Austria. Unfortunately, there is no direct line between Paris and Innsbruck; you will need to change trains in Zurich. Plan for a total journey time of 6 to 7 hours starting from the Gare de Lyon in Paris.
Innsbruck also has a small airport. However, I don't recommend flying; layovers are usually quite long (often over ten hours in Vienna), and prices can sometimes be exorbitant depending on the season.
What language should you speak?
My last German lessons were back in middle school, is that a problem?
If your German classes are a distant memory or if, like me, you’ve never spoken the language, don't panic!
There aren't many French speakers in the region, but most of our Austrian friends have a good grasp of English. So, if you speak the language of Shakespeare, you're all set! If you only speak French, know that the Innsbruck Tourist Office offers many brochures in French, and some tour guides speak it as well. The tourist office is located at Burggraben 3, 6020 Innsbruck.
Where to stay and at what price?
There is no shortage of accommodation in Tyrol, especially in summer when there are fewer tourists than during the winter season. There is a wide range of options to suit your desires and needs.
Keep in mind that Austria is a country with an impeccable quality of life and a fairly high cost of living, which makes accommodation costs a bit pricey. Rates generally range from 50 to 200 euros per night.
Mountain chalets and huts
The most authentic accommodation is a chalet or a mountain hut. Prices vary greatly depending on the level of comfort and amenities. There are luxury chalets, but also very basic ones that generally serve just as a place for hikers to spend the night before heading out on their next leg.
Staying with locals
If you want to meet the locals, I highly recommend staying in a guesthouse or directly with a local family. You will be welcomed by Tyrolean families and can usually share some friendly moments during meals. Plus, the locals are the best people to give you the best tips and point out the most beautiful spots to see. They will also be delighted to share their culture with you. This type of accommodation costs between 100 and 150 euros per night but remains the best way to make connections and soak up the local atmosphere. Airbnb has, of course, arrived in Austria, but most of the time, the hosts won't be living with you.
Youth hostels
For smaller budgets, especially for young people, there are a few youth hostels in Innsbruck. Prices are a bit more affordable, with nights ranging around 50-70 euros. You do, of course, have to be comfortable with communal living and sharing a room with strangers. Personally, I really like youth hostels; I stayed in a few in Asia, and it allowed me to make unforgettable encounters and spend very lively evenings. Hostels are the go-to accommodation for backpackers traveling alone, as they make it easy to meet people.
Hotels
The hotel I really enjoyed in Innsbruck is the AC Hotel Innsbruck. It is a very comfortable 3-star hotel with unbeatable value for money! I only paid 90 euros a night, which is really low considering the location and the quality of the service. I highly recommend it!
Camping
However, if none of my accommodation suggestions convince you, it is always possible to camp, either in an establishment dedicated to this activity or on your own. That said, keep in mind that wild camping is prohibited in Austria and, if you don't know the mountains well, it can prove dangerous. Leave it to the regulars. The last possibility I can suggest is to ask Tyroleans who have a garden if you can camp there. Generally, you will always find someone willing to host you for a night.
Where to eat the best local specialties?
What would discovering a new country or region be without tasting the local cuisine?
To discover typical Tyrolean gastronomy, nothing beats a good traditional inn. In this case, I recommend Gasthof Gemse in the town of Zams. The inn has been run by the same family since the 18th century, and the food is typical of the region, everything is homemade with local produce. A real treat!
If you want to have lunch in a slightly more upscale establishment offering more sophisticated local and regional cuisine, I recommend Genießergasthaus Schulhaus. This gourmet restaurant is located 1 hour and 25 minutes from Innsbruck, in the town of Zellberg. The dishes are prepared by a chef recognized in the field of Austrian gastronomy, and it is a Michelin-starred restaurant.
For both of these addresses, it is better to play it safe and book ahead, as these restaurants are very popular! A little suggestion when ordering: Schnaps (a brandy made from local potatoes and local fruit/vegetable grains) as well as Surschnitzel (veal or pork cutlets cured in brine) are delicious!
Activities to do
Skiing
The activities you can do during a sports-focused trip depend heavily on the season. In winter, the altitude and cold temperatures are perfect for skiing. It's true that the Austrian Alps are renowned for their ski resorts and slopes. You can go cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, and for the most experienced, Innsbruck even has a ski jump for ski jumping.
Cycling
In summer, there are still plenty of activities to do and unusual places to discover. The climate is variable, and temperatures hover around 20°C.
Cycling is a staple of the Austrian lifestyle. There are many well-maintained bike paths, and you can easily rent a bike in most Tyrolean towns.
The Glacier Road (3 stars in the Michelin guide) can be cycled. However, this climb is reserved only for experienced cyclists. If that's not you, you can always discover this route by car or do part of the way on foot. The Glacier Road is located in the Karwendel mountain range. Just a stone's throw from Innsbruck, this range remains the best spot to enjoy the outdoors. A big plus is that it houses a good number of hiking and cycling trails for all levels and ages.
The highest point of the Karwendel range is the Hafelekarspitze, peaking at 2,334 meters in altitude. It is possible to reach the summit by taking a trail from Innsbruck. After the effort, the reward! At the top, a superb surprise awaits you: a breathtaking view of Innsbruck and the Alps!
Heritage tours
If you prefer history and culture over sports, Tyrol is also a region made for you. The history is very rich, as is the cultural heritage.
You will really appreciate the Kufstein Fortress, the Schwaz Silver Mine, the Museum of Tyrolean Regional Heritage... The region has a good number of castles and fortresses. A boon for lovers of old stones and medieval architecture!
Halfway between Italy and Germany, Innsbruck has been a prosperous city for over 500 years. Wanting to show the economic and commercial power of this city, Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor at the beginning of the 16th century, undertook major works. This includes the complete renovation of the Imperial Palace in a luxurious Baroque style, whereas initially, the building was a fortress used to defend the city. Among the works is also the famous Golden Roof of Innsbruck, built in 1500. It is composed of 2,657 gilded copper tiles.
Innsbruck is also famous for its forty or so churches; most of the bells were made by the famous Grassmayr Bell Foundry. I recommend climbing the bell towers to admire the view and see the bells up close.
The Innsbruck Alpine Zoo as well as the Swarovski Crystal Worlds exhibition are also places of interest.
Finally, if you feel like going up to the Hafelekarspitze without getting too tired, you can take a cable car and reach the summit in 20 minutes, although it is quite expensive.
To conclude, Innsbruck and Tyrol are a corner of Austria where life is good and where it is possible for everyone to thrive and have an unforgettable vacation.
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