Tyrol

Tyrol in Austria is a area of outstanding beauty. Snow capped mountains, flowing meadows of long grass, streams shimmering in the sunlight along the mountain passes. The Tyrol region is covered mostly by the Alps. The summit of the tallest mountain,

Wildspitze, is 3.347 metres above sea level. North and East Tyrol is owned by Austria and the southern half belongs to Italy.

Tyrol is definitely a place for travellers who love hiking and spending time out in the open enjoying all that nature has to offer them. There are plenty of pathways and camp-sites. Not forgetting that the scenery is just breathtaking!

For those of you who enjoy a faster pace in life, visit in the winter months as the Tyrol is excellent for skiing. Glide down the mountain sides or for a little variation why not try the cross country skiing. Some of the famous ski resorts in the Alps include Kitzbühel and Wilder Kaiser. Winter visitors can also enjoy the Christmas Markets.

Tyrolean cuisine is delicious! Traditional dishes include Gröatl which is pan fried onion cured ham and potato or why not try the Tiroler Knödeln which as dumplings containing small pieces of ham. There are many villages dotted about the Tyrolnese mountains and many boast their own local specialities or variations on traditional dishes- be sure to try the Schnapps- guaranteed to warm you though after a long day in the winter snow!

There is very little light pollution in this region so it offers an excellent opportunity for star gazers when the night skies are clear.

Innsbruck is the Tyrolean capital. It is a compact city surrounded by mountains. Innsbruck is an internationally renowned sports centre and hosted the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics.

There are plenty of historic museums and buildings to visit too- the famous Golden Roof building is definitely one to visit. Museums include the Tiroler Landesmuseum and the Tiroler Volkskunstmuseum. There are also the beautiful Botanical Gardens of the university of Innsbruck.