Summer in the Tirol
16th May 2022
Last modified on June 29th, 2022
Winter is fast becoming a distant memory as our attentions at PlanetSKI turn to summer in the mountains. First up we look at what is on offer in one of our favourite winter destinations and where we were based for part of last winter: The Tirol in Austria.
Focusing on connection, outdoor activities, and sustainability, the Austrian Tirol has brand-new trails, climbing routes, and accommodation on offer this summer.
Keen walkers can explore more than 24,000 kilometres of hiking paths connected by 170 mountain huts run by the Austrian Alpine Club.
Summer in the Tirol. Image © PlanetSKI
Mountain bikers can discover more than 6,000 km of signposted tracks spanning the length and width of the region.
Summer in the Tirol. Image © PlanetSKI
Plus, there are many climbing opportunities, multiple natural lakes to swim in, and plenty of local events enjoy.
Summer in the Tirol. Image © PlanetSKI
And after being almost destroyed by fire in early 2021, the renowned TOP Mountain Motorcycle Museum in Hochgurgl/Obergurgl is back – bigger and better than before.
We visited the museum last winter:
Top of the Mountain Motorcycle Museum. Image © PlanetSKI
Top of the Mountain Motorcycle Museum. Image © PlanetSKI
We have posted elsewhere on PlanetSKI about another attraction in the Tirol:
New activities
Schtirggar Line and Mountainbike Skills Centre in Ötztal Valley
The Bike Republic Sölden has launched a new trail this summer.
Measuring 1.2 km in length and descending 100 vertical metres from start to finish, the Schtirggar Line is ideal for beginners and children.
In addition, a new Mountainbike Skills Centre in Umhausen – in the same valley – has opened.
Here, mountain bikers can work on their handling skills in a fun and safe setting.
For more information: www.oetztal.com/summer/biking-cycling/bike-routes/mountainbike-tours.html
Mountain bike routes in PillerseeTal
Two new mountain bike routes are getting ready to open this summer.
The Hoametzl Ride in Hochfilzen is 8.5 km long and climbs 280 vertical metres from the village of Hochfilzen up to the Hoametzl-Hütte.
Alternatively, try the ride up to the Hochhörndler Hütte in Fieberbrunn, which is an adventurous bike and hike trail.
Keen hikers can dismount at Hochhörndler Hütte, pull on their hiking boots, and complete the final push up to the Wildseelodersee lake (around 2,000 metres altitude) by foot.
Overall, the ride is 10.8 km long and the hike ascends 950 vertical metres.
For more information: www.kitzbueheler-alpen.com/en/pital/pillerseetal.html
More options for cyclists in Imst
A new Trailcenter Gurgltal and series of gravel bike routes have opened in Imst.
The Trailcenter Gurgltal is aimed at children and beginners who are keen to discover trail riding in an enjoyable and safe environment.
There are more than four kilometres of tracks to explore.
Imst has also focused on gravel routes, which are growing in popularity.
The four new gravel bike paths are ideal for people wanting a leisurely off-road experience, and wind through some of the most beautiful spots in the region.
For more information: www.imst.at/en/
For more information: www.imst.at/urlaubserlebnisse/sommer/biken/gravel
Summer in the Tirol. Image © PlanetSKI
Via ferrata on the Glungezer mountain
Translating as ‘iron path’, a via ferrata uses metal rungs, ladders, or permanently fixed safety wire as a means of crossing tricky and steep rocky terrain more easily.
The route on the Glungezer mountain has recently been inspected, modernised, and extended by the Austrian Alpine Club.
Aimed at beginners and families, the route will re-open in June 2022 and offers incredible views of the sweeping Inn Valley and surrounding mountains.
Beginning above Zirbensee Lake, the climbing way snakes to the Glungezerhütte.
Keep an eye out for the information stations telling the intriguing and exciting story behind the legendary Glungezer Giant.
For more information: https://www.hall-wattens.at/en/tours/glungezer-via-ferrata.html
Rock climbing in Wipptal Valley
In the village of St. Jodok in Wipptal Valley, which is one of the Tirol’s official mountaineering villages, a sunny rock-climbing area known as the Stafflacher Wand can be found.
In recent months, work has been carried out to create several new multi-pitch climbs that will open this summer.
Graded between three and seven on the Austrian difficulty rating scale, the longest comprises 11 pitches.
All the new routes begin approx. 300 metres to the east of the bottom of the Peter Kofler Klettersteig, and the longest two finish near the summit of the famous mountain.
For more information: www.wipptal.at/en/
Longest ball run in the Kitzbühel Alps
For something a little different, head to the Alpinolino Westendorf, an outdoor adventure park on Talkaser mountain where action and adventure await.
One of the main highlights includes an even longer version of the Spoggolino ball run – a twisting and turning wooden track where visitors drop in a wooden ball and chase it from start to finish (think giant marble run).
The Spoggolino is now the longest such ball run in the Kitzbühel Alps and is sure to get families and friends involved.
For more information: www.kitzbueheler-alpen.com/en/bri/tours/spoggolino.html
Keep an eye out for wild animals in the Karwendel Nature Park
The Hinterhornalm and the Walderalm are two popular huts in the mountains above Hall in Tirol connected by a short walking trail.
This summer, a new animal-watching spot will open on this route allowing visitors to observe the many animals native to the Karwendel Nature Park such as chamois, marmots, and golden eagles.
Information boards with details of the national park, plus a Swarovski Optics telescope to see even the smallest mammals and impressive birds, is also available.
For more information: www.tyrol.com/things-to-do/attractions/nature-parks/nature-park-karwendel
New accommodation
Coolnest
Opening on 26 May 2022, the cool and creative Coolnest is in Zillertal Valley and run by the same people who own the stylish Kristallhütte.
The Coolnest has modern rooms, stunning views, fine food, and a rooftop pool – all in the village of Ramsau.
The rooms, known as nests, feature their own terrace or garden overlooking Mayrhofen and the beautiful Zillertal Valley.
As each exhilarating day draws to a close, relax in the spa before dining at Restaurant Tweets.
Serving Austrian and international cuisine, guests can tuck into delicious food while enjoying the mountain views.
A week’s stay costs from €1,529 total for two adults sharing a nest.
For more information: https://coolnest.at
AlpenParks Hotel & Apartment Montana
Alpine meets urban in the town of Matrei in East Tirol with the opening of AlpenParks Hotel & Apartment Montana.
Sitting on the edge of the Hohe Tauern National Park – the ideal place for hiking, biking, and climbing – the hotel rooms feature wood and warm colours while the holiday apartments are spacious, and some cases have a private sauna.
Dine at Restaurant Alte Mühle next door, which serves a mixture of local and Mediterranean cuisine.
Alternatively walk to the village centre – only 100 metres away – and buy supplies to cook in the accommodation.
A week’s stay costs from €756 total for two adults sharing a studio apartment.
For more information: www.alpenparks.at/en/hotel-apartment-montana-matrei/
Bergler Hoamat
Nestled in the heart of a forest in the Wipptal Valley, the Bergler Hoamat is an ideal place for guests wanting to get back into nature.
Spread over two floors, the holiday home has three bedrooms (sleeping up to eight people), one bathroom, a separate toilet, and a fully equipped kitchen.
Step out the front door and start walking or riding into the surrounding mountains.
Or fire up the barbeque, crack open a beer, and relax in the beautiful garden.
A week’s stay costs from €840 total for two people staying on a self-catered basis.
For more information: https://www.bergler-hoamat.at
Summer in the Tirol. Image © PlanetSKI
