20 SEPT 2024
We can explore Tyrol and experience the beauty of this region of Austria at any time of the year with our Ducato Motorhome. We can discover natural landscapes, historic towns, and unique attractions. One such attraction is the world’s longest suspension bridge, called Highline179, which has earned a spot in the Guinness World Records. It stretches 406 metres across the Fernpassstraße B179 road at a height of 114 metres, guaranteeing thrills galore and a breathtaking view. An equally stunning view can be enjoyed from the top of the Bergisel ski jump, rebuilt in 2002 based on a design by renowned architect Zaha Hadid. The ski jump hosts ski jumping competitions, but it is also open to the public, and ascending to its panoramic terrace is an unforgettable experience. The ski jump is located on a hill above Innsbruck, the capital of Austrian Tyrol, one of the must-see destinations on our motorhome trip.
Innsbruck is a modern city, offering all types of services, yet it is not too big, making it a great place to live in. It is crossed by the Inn River and sits in a wide valley surrounded by the Alps. In the heart of Innsbruck, you can stroll along the beautiful Maria-Theresien-Strasse, admire the grand 18th-century Imperial Palace (Hofburg Innsbruck), and reach the famous Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof), a 16th-century loggia whose roof, covered entirely with gilded copper tiles, stands out in the cityscape. The Ambras Castle, perched above the city, is unmissable. It is considered the world's first museum and houses collections of art, weapons, armour, as well as musical and scientific instruments. From Innsbruck, you can quickly reach high altitudes thanks to the Nordkette cable cars, which take you 2,300 metres up to the summit of the Hafelekar, which boasts a panoramic terrace known as Top of Innsbruck.
Leaving Innsbruck in our Ducato Motorhome, it doesn’t take long to reach Wattens, where we can visit the incredible Swarovski Kristallwelten (Swarovski Crystal Worlds). This unique attraction offers sensory experiences in a multi-space layout, using large and small crystals, artworks, wonder rooms, design objects, and much more. Another must-visit location near Innsbruck is Hall in Tirol, an ancient medieval city with a well-preserved historic centre and picturesque views. Continuing north along the Inn Valley, we can stop at Schwaz, once the world's most important mining centre for silver extraction. Today, the mines are safely accessible via a small train. Not far from Schwaz is Tratzberg Castle, one of Tyrol’s main landmarks, famous for its decorated courtyard, frescoed rooms, and weapons collections. Following the Inn valley as far as the German border, we encounter the Fortress of Kufstein, which towers over the town of the same name. Once used to monitor the surrounding territory, it is now open to the public and features a spectacular outdoor organ, the Heldenorgen (Heroes' Organ), which is played daily at noon.
In Tyrol, you can fully immerse yourself in nature, exploring over 24,000 kilometres of trails that wind through the Alps and valleys. The most famous is the Eagle's Trail, which stretches 413 kilometres and is served by various mountain huts. In addition to Carinthia and Salzburg, the Hohe Tauern National Park extends into East Tyrol and is one of Europe's largest nature reserves. It is home to around 10,000 animal species and is surrounded by Austria’s highest peaks, such as the Großglockner. Tyrol is also rich in alpine lakes, the largest being Achensee, renowned for its excellent water quality. It is suitable for swimming in summer and offers various water sports, while in winter it provides stunning scenic views. With the arrival of the colder season, Tyrol offers countless opportunities for fun, starting with its ski slopes and cross-country trails. One of its many renowned winter sports destinations is Kitzbühel, part of the Ski World Cup circuit and famous for the Hahnenkamm race on the challenging Streif downhill course.
Wild camping with a motorhome is officially prohibited in Austrian Tyrol, but there are plenty of parking spots on the outskirts of the cities and near the major attractions. For overnight stays, you can choose from nearly 90 campsites, and there are also several dedicated motorhome parking areas. To travel on Austrian highways, you’ll need the Vignette, a toll sticker that must be placed on your windscreen. In addition to the annual option, there are versions valid for 10 days and 2 months.
With the help of our Ducato Motorhome, we can explore Tyrol, one of Austria's most beloved regions. It will appeal to both young and old, thanks to its stunning landscapes, historic cities, and numerous attractions that are sure to amaze everyone.