03 Apr 2023
As the snow melts, the flowers bloom, and the cows return to their lush-green pastures, the Austrian Tirol gets ready for a vibrant summer season.
From 6-10 June 2023, the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships will take place in Innsbruck and Stubai, making the Tirol the international centre for the mountain and trail running community.
Tirol expects to see around 1,400 athletes from more than 60 nations competing for the 16 titles and medals. Four challenging runs – along beautiful routes with spectacular views – will take place; these will range in altitude and length, giving all competitors a chance.
In addition, the Austrian Tirol is the ideal destination for numerous other sports, such as hiking, mountain biking, gravel biking, climbing, and wild swimming. And, for those still wanting to get their skiing fix, the glacier resort of Hintertux remains open for skiers and snowboarders 365 days a year.
This year, the region also has a wide range of new accommodation, plus shines a light on some incredible restaurants crafting wonders with local produce.
Read on to find out more...
New Accommodation
Wein Neururer in Pitztal
Stay in the modern apartments at Wein Neururer and taste wine from Pitztal Valley. Owners Fabian and Rabea Neururer have their own vineyard; guests can enjoy the hotel's own wine. Sample a wine flight in the WeinCafé, where hot and cold dishes can be eaten alongside; or guests can take that extra step and develop their own wine with the host. As evening falls, relax on the terrace and enjoy the mountain views.
www.wein-neururer.at
Stearawirt's Hauserei in Lech Valley
Located at 1,120 metres altitude, in the middle of the Tirolean Lech Valley nature park, the new Stearawirt's Hauserei combines tradition and family hospitality with down-to-earth luxury and lifestyle. Guests can relax in the rooms with natural materials, and in the sophisticated wellness area with far-reaching vistas. Plus, guests can also look forward to a unique taste experience and join workshops on the fascinating world of herbs. Prices from €135 / £119 per night total for up to four people sharing a suite.
www.hauserei.at
Alpenchalets Oberlaiming in Kitzbühel Alps
Opening in May 2023, stay at the new Alpenchalets Oberlaiming run by the Faistenauer family. Comprising 14 apartments, sleeping up to four people, across four chalet buildings, visitors can enjoy spectacular views, the smell of spruce, and plenty of comforts. Cool down in the picturesque swimming pond or try numerous outdoor activities in the valley surrounding the accommodation. Prices from €200 / £176 per night total for up to four people sharing an apartment.
www.alpenchalet-tirol.at/en/
Collis Hill in East Tirol
Inspired by American tipis, Collis Hill consists of three “tichia” chalets and five rooms in the main building. Nestled in Kals am Großglockner, in the heart of Hohe Tauern National Park, the tichias blend in with the stunning mountain peaks and inside, offer a sense of well-being with fabulous vistas. Guests can also make the most of the sun terrace, open fire, produce hut, meeting rooms, and cosy nooks. Tichia prices from €274 / £241 per night, and double room prices from €85 / £75 per night.
www.collishill.com
Boutiquelodge in Pillerseetal
For people who love Finnish design, the Boutiquelodge in Fieberbrunn is the place to be. The accommodation has been transformed into a stylish four-star home-suite-home. Comprising five double rooms and 10 completely renovated apartments for families, guests can enjoy the rooftop spa, outdoor pool, Finnish sauna, herbal sauna, wellness bar, and mesmerising views. Prices from €130 / £114 per night total for up to two people sharing a suite.
www.home-suite-home.at
Nova Moments in Achensee
Opening this summer, Nova Moments in Pertisau at Lake Achensee combines classic architecture and modern design. The wellness area has an infinity whirlpool with a view of the magnificent Rofan Mountains, plus the rooms are decked out with natural materials featuring wood, linen, stone and pine. Hosts, Manuela Bergmüller and Tobias Strauß are on hand to offer guests every comfort. Price on request.
www.novamoments.at
Greidlhof in Zillertal
Owned by the Sprenger family, the 100-year old Greidlhof is in the centre of Fügen and home to three new apartments (for two to six people). One of the main highlights is the homemade specialities that guests can tuck into, including fruit spreads, various cheeses, and many other local products. These are all created by Anni and sold in her farm shop on the ground floor. Fine brandies and liqueurs can also be purchased from the in-house distillery. Price on request.
www.greidlhof.at
Boutiquehotel in Alpbachtal
Hidden in the middle of the historical old town, Rattenburg, the Boutiquehotel has nine extravagant apartments and a penthouse with an atrium. Home to unique collectables, the accommodation also has two roof terraces with views of the Schlossberg and River Inn, and a private sauna. Prices from €190 / £167 per night total for up to two people sharing a room including breakfast.
www.rattenberg.com/en/
Hannesn Hof in Ötztal
This summer, Hannesn Hof, near Längerfeld, will offer fully equipped apartments for two to six people. The Egger family, who runs the apartments, is focusing on younger guests, and has come up with a variety of activities for little adventurers to discover with Wilma, Flori and Hannesn the rabbit. Plus, the family-friendly accommodation is wheelchair friendly, and pets are also welcome. Price on request.
www.oetztal.com/accommodations/apartments/hannesn-hof-familyapart.ad-9369.html
New Flavours
While everyone is well acquainted with the classics of Tirol, and knows their Kaiserschmarren from their Schlutzkrapfen, young chefs are bringing new twists to these much loved dishes using sustainable, vegetarian and even vegan produce.
Oniriq: Tuck into a delicious seven-course tasting menu that focuses on vegetarian cuisine at this four toque award winning restaurant Oniriq in Innsbruck. The chef, Christoph Bickel, has one dream: to bring Tirolean cuisine closer to the guest. He takes inspiration from the way his grandmother cooked, but then adds a slightly modern take. https://www.oniriq.at
The Unterwirt: Nestled in the small community of Ebbs in Kufsteinerland, The Unterwirt has been on the map since the end of the 15thcentury. Run by Sabrina, Maria and Katrin Steindl – who took over from their parents when it was called Die Unterwirtinnen – the now gourmet hotel focuses on Slow Food and has been awarded two toques. https://www.unterwirt.at
Die Wilderin: In the middle of Innsbruck's old town, try local, seasonal produce – that changes daily – at the Wilderin. Claudia Kogler and the two chefs, Christoph Zingerle and Thomas Michler, source all their produce from agricultural partners and their livestock, fields, lakes and gardens. Because of this passion (and quality) the Wilderin has been awarded a Gault & Millau toque. https://www.diewilderin.at
ENDS: 3 April 2023
How to get to the Austrian Tirol
From 27 May 2023, Jet2 will offer direct flights from Manchester, Bristol and Birmingham to Innsbruck. These flights will operate every Saturday up to, and including, 16 September 2023. For prices, and to book, please visit www.jet2.com
EasyJet also offers direct flights from London Gatwick to Innsbruck year round. These will operate on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays during the height of summer. For prices, and to book, please visit www.easyjet.com
For more information, please visit www.innsbruck-airport.com
Innsbruck can also be reached by train from London St Pancras (via Paris and Munich), Manchester (via London, Paris and Stuttgart) and from Birmingham (via London, Paris and Zurich). Train travel takes less than 14 hours from Manchester and Birmingham, and less than 11 hours from London. For more information, please visit: www.eurostar.com, www.thetrainline.com, and www.oebb.at/en/
For more information about the Austrian Tirol region, visit www.visittirol.co.uk. Alternatively, keep up to date on Facebook www.facebook.com/visittirol, Twitter @VisitTirol or Instagram @visittirol.