Tirol’s Tourism Offices Tell Us What You Have To See In Tirol!

Tirol’s tourism offices, formerly the foreign travel bureau, have an important task. They are the main point of contact for guests seeking rooms. They perform strategic planning in the local region and are responsible for guest programs. Their tasks differ a lot from region to region. The once 254 tourism offices in 1996 have since been consolidated to 34. Internal collaboration occurred due to these mergers.

As “Touristicals” who grew up around tourism and the internet, we wanted to find out more about the tourism offices. This is why we asked the 34 tourism offices a few questions and want to compare and contrast their answers.

We present the following answers in part 1 of our series “Tirol’s Tourism Offices”:

What should you see when you holiday here?

The answers were varied and interesting and we also discovered many new things that we too, would like to see. We looked for three answers, which we will present to you in the coming weeks. The numbering system we have used is completely random and in no way a ranking; we used a random number generator. 14 tourism offices responded and the list consists of one answer per region:

1. Achensee: The Tiroler Steinöl ®

After a long day on snow, what better way to unwind than to relax in a wellness center in a hotel? And with authentic healing remedies? In Achensee, and only in Achensee, the tried and tested Tirolean Steinöl is obtained and processed to make care products. The creams, massage oils, ointments, lotions and shampoos are characterised not only by a high content of naturally bound sulfur, but also by special active substances, which originate from early marine animals and plants and thus from the time when the entire continent was under water. Throughout the entire year, visitors to the Vitalberg Visitor Centre in Pertisau can learn about the 100+ year history of the “Steinölbrenner”. Those who wish to test the products have ample opportunity in many of the wellness centres within Achensee hotels.

2. Finkenberg-Tux: Hintertuxer Glacier

The Hintertuxer Gletscher in the Finkenberg-Tux region is the only ski area in Austria that is open 365 days of the year. In addition to winter sports, the Natural Ice Palace, the Spannagelhöhle and the Mehlerhaus can be visited. The Mehlerhaus includes a museum that has interesting exhibits about the valley, such as the magnesite mine Tux and the Olperer’s first ascent.

3. St. Anton am Arlberg: Der weiße Rausch

The legendary alpine ski race, „Der Weisse Rausch“, attracts thousands of winter sport enthusiasts from all over the world to St. Anton am Arlberg every year. Everyone is allowed to participate but many know from experience: this race is not for everyone. The right starting position at the mass start can provide deciding seconds later. The real challenge, however, follows shortly after at the “Schmerzensberg“ (pain mountain): those who rush up the 150 meter long ascent too quickly have burning lungs when they get to the top. But, if you take it too easy then you will fall behind. In addition to this, the unprepared slopes demand skill and ability from the skiers. The record time was set in 2011 by Paul Schwarzacher with a time of 8 minutes and 14 seconds. Since then it is a matter of beating this time. 11-18 minutes is a good average. However, this often of lesser priority towards the end of the race as then the main goal is to make it to the finish. Spectators can observe some shrill-clad competitors that are only allowed in after half an hour. Then, at the latest, it will become clear that the fun of the race is not left on the course.

4. Paznaun-Ischgl: Freeriding

On days after a new snowfall, everyone in Paznaun can easily find a line just for themselves. Paznaun offers exactly what makes powder fans’ hearts beat faster: snow guarantee from the end of November until the beginning of May, wide powder runs, countless amounts of runs with more than 1000 vertical meter altitude difference and awesome events for freeride junkies such as the Freeride Festival in Kappl. Paznaun is considered to be a secret tip within the freeride scene. No alpine sportsmen should miss out on the Piz Val Gronda in Ischgl.

5. Pillerseetal: Steinplatte

In the Pillerseetal region, the Steinplatte is something that should definitely be seen. In addition to winter sports, the viewing platform is also open in Summer. Today it is still possible to see traces of the ancient sea of Tethys and on the way to the summit you may come across some fossil corals.

6. Hall-Wattens: Swarovski Crystal World

Millions of guests from all over the world visit the wonders André Heller who created the world-famous Swarovski Crystal World in the Hall-Wattens region, which leads to a wonderful universe of polished crystals. Cultural programs such as „Musik im Riesen“ or offers such as „RiesenKinderSpiel“ for the smallest visitors makes the crystal world a lively centre.

Also: The Sommerfestival takes place until the 31 August.

7. Alpbachtal Seenland: Alpbach – the most beautiful village in Austria

8. The first holiday region Zillertal: Spieljoch

In the First Skiing Area Zillertal, the Spieljoch Mountain Experience is definitely worth one, if not several, visits. In addition to winter sports, there are many opportunities to experience new activities in the summer such as climbing, hiking, paragliding, barefoot trails and a Flying Fox.

9. Osttirol (East Tirol): Ice climbing park Tauernhaus

The largest artificial ice climbing park in Austria makes the sporting heart beat faster. In addition to numerous icefalls, which benefit from high and partly shadowy valleys throughout Osttirol, the 2016 park offers the best conditions for every climbing enthusiast!

The artificial icefalls, produced by fine spraying from pipelines, offer (after completion) an icy wall with around 50 possible routes with different degrees of difficulty. The ice safety in particular in the Eispark Osttirol, are clearly drawn from similar projects.

10. Olympic region Seefeld: Nordic Competence Center and Ski WC 2019

After 1985, the Olympic Region Seefeld has been awarded the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships for 2019 and is looking forward to seeing the nordic track in Seefeld again! The competitions are held around the Nordic Competence Centre.

11. Tirol West: Zammer Lochputz

Water and the gold of the new millennium can be experienced in all its glory in Zammer Lochputz. From one of the oldest power stations in Tirol, steps and tunnels lead to the natural jewel Lötzklamm.

In the Tirol West region, you should not miss this mystical gorge.

12. Kufsteinerland: Festung Kufstein und Riedelglas

The Festung Kufstein is a year-round attraction in the Kufsteinerland. Whether at events, with children or on special guided tours, this imposing defense system is always an experience. After, you should look at the „SINNfonie“, the Riedel glass multi-media slide show. In the factory in Kuftstein, the glassmakers still use the ancient methods to make the world famous Riedel glasses that are hand-blown and hand-made with great care and precision.

13. Wipptal: Naviser Almenrunde

The Navistal is known for its magnificent and varied alpine flora. The „Naviser Almenrunde“ is a special highlight for connoisseurs, a hiking and cycling tour from Alm to Alm in the back of Navistal, where no culinary wish goes unanswered. As an alternative to mountain biking, the tour can be explored comfortably with an e-bike – there is a rental shop on site!

14. Stubai: Stubaier Glacier

In Austria’s largest glacier ski area in Stubai, there are 26 cable cars and lifts operational from October to June. Guests from all over the world can reach one of the most fascinating mountian areas in Tirol, Stubaier Gletscher, in just 45 minutes by car from Innsbruck.

Have fun experiencing this list, or have you already seen everything? Tell us in the comments where you have been or where you want to go.

Our thanks to Tirol’s tourist associations, especially those who answered our questions in a timely manner: Hall-Wattens, Kufsteinerland, Osttirol, Paznaun-Ischgl, St. Anton am Arlberg, Pillerseetal, Tirol West, Erste Ferienregion Zillertal, Finkenberg-Tux, Olympiaregion Seefeld, Stubai, Alpbachtal, Achensee.