Innsbruck and Tirol

Innsbruck and Tirol Travel Guide

The Tirol region is so different from the rest of Austria that you might think you've crossed a border. In a way, you have. The frontier between the provinces of Salzburg and Tirol is defined by mountains; four passes make traffic possible.

As small, relatively, as the province is, Tirol is virtually the shop window of Austria. Its very name conjures up visions of great chains of never-ending snowcapped mountains; remote, winding Alpine valleys; rushing mountain torrents; and spectacular glaciers that rise out of the depths like brilliant, icy diamonds. In winter you'll find masses of deep, sparkling powder snow; unrivaled skiing and tobogganing; and bizarre winter carnivals with grotesquely masked mummers. Come summer, you'll find picture-postcard Alpine scenery, cool mountain lakes, and rambles through forests; and throughout the year, there are villagers in lederhosen and broad-brimmed feathered hats, yodeling and zither music, and, of course, the sounds of those distinctive cowbells.