From interpretive walks and short, family friendly strolls on wide paths to more advanced hikes to lakes, glaciers and Alpine meadows; the Heart of the Alps has a hike available for every level of experience. Walking, hiking, mountaineering or trekking tours—all of these add up to more than 24,000 kilometers of waymarked trails waiting to be explored. And Tirol’s 570 “Three Thousanders”, peaks that rise more than 3,000m above sea level, exert a magical attraction for peak baggers.
Walks can be guided or your clients can set off themselves, and we recommend they explore at least parts of our long distance hiking trails. Tirol’s premier long-distance trail is the “Eagle Walk” that runs through the whole length of the country, from east to west—from Kaiser Mountain Range to Arlberg in North Tirol and from Großvenediger Mountain to Großglockner Mountain in East Tirol.
The Eagle Walk ranks highly in the “Great Walks” league, together with five other impressive long-distance hiking trails. Selected by a jury of experts, these often challenging trails lead through high alpine terrain and can be quite arduous, for even the most experienced mountain hikers.
Culinary hikes also enjoy great popularity. Selected by thematic experts, these nine hikes focus entirely on culinary delights.
For an unforgettable escape, Tirol’s network of high mountain shelters and refuges lets your clients experience the supernatural, awe-inspiring mountain scenery on overnight backpacking trips. En route, hikers can gather new strength over hearty delicacies and refreshments served at countless Alpine pasture huts and on-mountain restaurants throughout Tirol.
Deeply rooted in tradition, Tirol’s “16 Mountaineering Villages” are all known as pioneers in Alpinism and inspire visitors to anchor their experience in nature.
Guided trips are available with 700 highly trained mountain guides and about 2,000 hiking guides. Professional guides bring with them a wealth of backcountry experience, incredible local knowledge, and an unrivalled passion for hiking.
To take in the Tirol summer in all of its glory, fresh mountain air and epic views, Tirol Summer Gondola Rides speed visitors up to their Alpine adventure. This option provides a less strenuous hike but is just as rewarding with the epic views and scenery (minus the sweat factor).
Key statistics "Hiking Holidays in Tirol"
• 7 out of 10 guests come to Tirol for a hiking/mountaineering holiday
• 90% of guests go hiking during their Tirolean holiday (for 7 out of 10, hiking is the main activity during their holiday)
• The average hiker is 51.8 years old
• Highly educated
• Couples form the largest percentage of guests, followed by families with children/young people
• High proportion of regular guests (60%)
• Hikers mainly become aware of a region through the Internet and recommendations from friends
• Most hikers book their accommodation direct
• The majority of overnight stays are in hotels / B&Bs, holiday apartements
• Sporting activities in addition to hiking: bathing/swimming, cycling, mountain biking, e-bike, mountaineering, climbing
• Additional activities: walks, food and drink, visits to places of interest, excursions and visits to natural attractions and national parks
Source: Tirol Werbung, T-Mona Summer 2022
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