Hiking in Tirol // 3

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1 Hiking in Tirol EN

2 // In the heart of the alps Hiking, running, Nordic walking or climbing whichever technique suits you, Tirol has the perfect terrain: around 15,000 km of managed, signposted hiking and mountain trails, which lead from gentle, mountain pastures right up to craggy high alpine peaks. Down in the valleys there is a cosy and friendly inn perched at just about every fork in the path, while up in the mountains quaint alpine inns and mountain huts assure a warm welcome. The air is intoxicating and healthy and there is an excellent network of cable cars and chair lifts to lighten your ascent or descent. The USP of a hiking holiday is of course your intimacy with nature. The scenery is so enchantingly beautiful and full of endless variety that your feet will not want to stop. Not a place for couch potatoes then, but a land for hiking-hungry people and those who want to discover its pleasures. Hiking in Tirol // 3

3 // Walking on the wings of an eagle Let your imagination soar. The most beautiful hiking trails lead where eagles dare. On Tirol s Eagle Walk, hikers can explore the whole province in 126 day stages on the 280 km long main trail and various regional side trails: from St. Johann in Tirol s lowlands up to St. Anton am Arlberg, deep into the picturesque side valleys and through the whole of Osttirol. Leisure ramblers can choose a less strenuous route while experienced hikers can try a challenging peak tour. The route is divided into day stages with suggestions for places to eat and stay, making tour planning easy. Whether you opt for a short excursion or a major hike with overnights in mountain huts, whichever route you choose, the eagle will show you the way! Selected one-, two- and three-day tours and the route of the main and regional trails can be found in the enclosed Eagle Walk folding map. 4 // Hiking in Tirol // 5

4 // Hassle free hiking Lighten the load with Tirolean hiking hotels. Tirolean hiking hotels are specialists in providing perfect holidays with their super hiking service, tailor-made holiday packages and qualified mountain guides. You will feel as if you have been given wings as you hike the Eagle Walk, where you can enjoy the scenery of the Tirol s most picturesque corners free from your holiday luggage. You just need a small day rucksack as you hike between Tirolean hiking hotels: everything else is transported by road and you can be sure of a warm welcome with soothing body treatments, delicious, hearty cuisine and genuine hospitality. Holiday packages with Tirolean hiking hotels along the Eagle Walk at // Fun Hiking Hiking with children. Tired and your feet hurt? There s plenty to keep your boots walking in Tirol! There are excursions to amuse kids and teenagers and childfriendly mountain inns and huts where the whole family feels at home. The route is an attraction in itself on the wide variety of themed rambling trails: The Marmot trail in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis is also suitable for pushchairs, the Three Hut tour in Imst-Gurgltal has a children s mountain learning trail and the prospect of a thrilling ride down the mountain on the Alpine Coaster, the longest roller coaster in the Alps. The family adventure trail in Tux offers eight kilometres of surprises and adventures in the fresh air while Bärenbachl water world in Steinach and Hexenwasser in Söll are popular destinations in high summer. Trails that lead through ravines and gorges, such as Zammer Lochputz, are especially exciting. Several sections of the Eagle Walk have great attractions along the way, such as the exhilarating AirRofan sky glider (Eagle Walk Main Route 08). More information on hiking with kids and themed paths at and 6 // Hiking in Tirol // 7

5 // Gourmet hiking: Tirolean gourmet trails Just follow your nose. Is it better to count steps or calories? Neither, because pleasure is the aim of the day on one of Tirol s gourmet trails. Discover the many culinary highlights of Tirol, such as Zillertal s hay-milk cheese, Wildschönau Krautinger schnapps (made from white turnips) or Brandenberg s Prügeltorte (a cake cooked on a spit over an open fire). You can also enjoy a treat for the taste buds in Galtür, where aromatic Paznaun Alpine cheese can be sampled at several places en route. And Osttirol s mountain lamb, reared on the finest herbs, is so tender that one would walk a lot further than the lovely route through the mountain pastures of Villgratental to try it. This speciality can be savoured in a variety of dishes as part of a gourmet ramble. Bon appétit! // Healthy hiking Sure steps to fitness. Hiking at moderate Alpine altitudes is good for you, that s a scientific fact. It stimulates your cardio-vascular system and is also a healing balm for the soul. The benefits of training at altitude can be enhanced in combination with cardio exercise such as Nordic walking, to achieve increased energy and generally better condition. There are many Nordic walking trails to discover, such as the Franziskus Trail in Wildschönau, which provides not only a physical workout but a feast for the eyes with organic sculptures that combine art and nature. On the Kneipp hydrotherapy course in Seefeld you can achieve health and fitness in a refreshing new way with water baths for your legs, breathing exercises and herbology. 8 // Hiking in Tirol // 9

6 // Peak hiking The pinnacle of mountain pleasures. If you want to see the top of the world, Tirol is the right place: High Alpine mountain adventure can be found on the slopes of 600 mighty three thousanders and countless other majestic peaks. Some mountain routes are easy, others a challenge even for climbers with considerable ability and mountain experience. But even less experienced mountaineers can reach the heady heights on a guided tour with a qualified mountain guide. Guided hikes and climbs are offered all over Tirol. With its 241 three thousanders, Osttirol is a paradise for mountaineers, and the Eagle Walk spreads its wings over the most southerly corners of the Tirol: between Großglockner and Großvenediger there are countless challenging high Alpine tours and gentle valley rambles to choose from. For a safe mountain experience it is always recommended to join a guided tour with qualified local mountain guides. Find out more about mountaineering in Osttirol and other Alpine sports along the Eagle Walk at Hiking in Tirol // 11

7 // Tirol s mountain inns and huts The rustic charms of mountain hospitality. You ve made it to the top - should you head right back down to the valley? Only if you really must. Because a night spent in an Alpine hut or in a romantic mountainside inn has charm all of its own. You spend a convivial evening in the company of other ramblers and mountaineers, gather tips for the next day and enjoy a simple but delicious dinner. Huts and inns have many different levels of facilities, from mountain inns with every comfort, and plenty of rustic ambience, to the basic simplicity of an Alpine refuge, where there is no power and just a kettle over an open fire. Holiday chalets in the mountains to rent at // Specialists Exciting journeys of discovery. Hiking means not just walking, but experiencing. There is plenty to discover in Tirol s nature reserves. Tirol s summer cable-car services provide an easy ascent or descent if you want to enjoy some high altitude walking - also suitable for pushchairs // Hiking in Tirol // 13

8 Tirol Werbung GmbH all rights reserved. All information is collated with utmost care, however details are subject to change and no liability will be assumed for the accuracy of content // Publisher and media proprietor: Tirol Werbung GmbH, Maria-Theresien-Str. 55, 6010 Innsbruck, Austria // Idea and concept: medialounge // Printed by: Alpinadruck.com // Photos: Tirol Werbung, Herbert J. Wackerle // Innsbruck, February 10

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