Mention the Tirol, and most people would think of Ski Sunday, lederhosen - or even yodeling. But this natural adventure playground is now about a whole lot more besides. Making the most of the region's mountains, streams and wild, wild nature means rushes for the most dedicated adrenaline junkie mixed with moments for just marveling at the stunning alpine scenery. Family friendly and with a range of holidays for most heart rates, the Austrian Tirol is now pushing hard for recognition as a year-round action destination.
With long-distance hiking paths and mountain bike trails, chances to go rock hopping down canyons, rafting through rapids or soaring upwards with paragliders, it's easy to see why. And it's a lot closer than New Zealand! For those with a specialist interest in climbing, there are no fewer than 14 different dedicated climbing areas to choose from. These offer action in all the different disciplines rock climbing, fixed ropes, via ferratas and glacial ice climbing.
The relevant website is even dubbed `climbers paradise'. New for this season is a resort area that aims to concentrate many of these different elements in one lakeside `adrenaline filling station'. Area 47, due to open in May, features a `flying fox' high wire run, a huge water slide park, including the steepest chute in Europe, and a 27m-high cliff-diving jump. Awesome! After all that, there is the traditional carb-rich local cuisine to keep you going schnitzel, dumplings and strudel - as well as a wealth of farm fresh healthy eating options. And then, of course, there are the world famous beers and schnapps to help round off a memorable experience.
Photo credits; Mattheus Birtscher, Klettern, Eric Speiss, Rupert Herner, wolfgang Ehn
The Austrian Tirol
Forget the snow and the sound of cow bells, the hills and mountains of the Austrian Tirol are alive with a host of exciting adventure activities this spring and summer reports Hugh Davis.
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- Written by: Jim
