These four valleys to see in Tyrol

In Tyrol there are many valleys that are worth a visit and a stay. In fact, I have written a dedicated article for most of them. These are famous valleys like the Stubaital., the Ötztal or Zillertal for example. But there are four Alpine valleys to see in Tyrol that I wanted to group together because they have the particularity of being more peripheral, often close to the big valleys and for reasons of choice or time available to tourists, they do not stop there.

These four alpine valleys to see in Tyrol are:

• La Paznaun Valley
• La Pitztal
• La Tannheimertal
• THEAlpbachtal

For very different reasons, these valleys are all worth a stay.

Paznauntal, a sporty and dynamic valley in Tyrol

Let's start with the Paznaun Valley, an important tourist destination, especially in winter. And for good reason, if the name of the valley does not mean anything specific to you, it is nevertheless here that you will find the very festive ski resort of Ischgl, one of the main destinations for winter tourism in the Tyrol.

But let's discover the Paznaun Valley, starting from the Trisannabrücke, the bridge that crosses the torrent that descends from the Paznauntal before flowing into the Inn near Wiesberg.

Entering the valley of the Paznaun, nestled in the Tyrol, one is immediately enveloped by the majesty of the Alps. This valley stretches for about 40 kilometers, bordered to the north by the Verwall massif and to the south by the Samnaun and Silvretta. The Trisanna River winds gracefully along the valley, connecting the picturesque villages that dot this alpine landscape. The first village you come across is See, located at an altitude of 1 metres. This charming village is a haven for families and nature lovers. In summer, See offers a multitude of hiking trails through flowery meadows and dense forests. Cyclists will also find what they are looking for on the dedicated trails. In winter, the See ski area offers varied slopes suitable for all levels, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience for skiers and snowboarders, on 056 km of trails and up to 40 metres above sea level.

Continuing our journey through the valley, we arrive at Kappl, perched on a hillside at an altitude of 1 metres. This authentic village charms with its traditional atmosphere and warm hospitality. The summer months transform Kappl into a paradise for hikers and mountain bikers, with routes offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. In winter, Kappl unveils its family-friendly ski area, ideal for those looking for a quieter atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the big resorts.

Continuing our journey, we reach Ischgl, often referred to as the pearl of Paznaun. Situated at an altitude of 1 metres, Ischgl is world-renowned for its festive atmosphere and its first-class skiing area. In winter, the Silvretta Arena offers over 238 kilometres of impeccably groomed slopes, stretching all the way to Samnaun in Switzerland. Skiers and snowboarders from all over flock here to enjoy the guaranteed snow and modern facilities. But there’s more to Ischgl than just its slopes. The resort is also famous for its open-air concerts, attracting internationally renowned artists, and its lively nightlife with a multitude of bars, restaurants and clubs. Summer in Ischgl is just as captivating. The surrounding mountains become a playground for hikers, climbers and cyclists. Well-marked trails lead to crystal-clear lakes, lush alpine pastures and welcoming huts where you can sample Tyrolean specialities. The village offers a mixture of old, in the small streets of the village centre below the church, where the facades of the buildings are often decorated, and more modern buildings which bear witness to the tourist importance of the resort, renowned internationally.

It is a completely different atmosphere that we discover, continuing the journey towards the bottom of the valley. We thus arrive at Galtur, the highest village in Paznaun, at 1 metres. Galtür is a true Alpine gem, offering a peaceful atmosphere and breathtaking scenery. In winter, the Galtür Silvapark offers around 584 kilometres of varied trails, divided into six themed areas suitable for all ages and levels. Families particularly appreciate the areas dedicated to children and beginners, while freeriders find untouched terrain to express their passion. In summer, Galtür transforms into a paradise for nature lovers. More than 40 kilometres of hiking trails invite you to explore, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Mountain bikers have 250 marked routes in the Silvretta Mountainbike Arena. In addition, the village offers activities such as rock climbing on natural walls, outdoor tennis and beach volleyball. Galtür is also rich in culture and history. The village is home to theAlpine garden, a unique museum dedicated to mountain life and the memory of the 1999 avalanche disaster. The centre offers interactive exhibitions, an indoor climbing hall and a café with stunning mountain views. Galtür is a village suitable for a holiday in which you want to alternate between periods of rest in the silence and the typical Austrian mountain atmosphere, and moments of high-altitude sports that allow you to discover magnificent landscapes.

Higher up, at the Stauseekops, a magnificent reservoir, located at an altitude of 1800 meters, we are completely immersed in Nature in a landscape that increasingly resembles that of the nearby Engadine. Continuing our exploration, we discover that the Paznaun is crossed by the Silvretta High Alpine Road, a scenic Alpine road from Galtür to ​​Montafon in Vorarlberg. The road, open from June to October, offers spectacular views of snow-capped peaks and lush green valleys. Motorcyclists, cyclists and car drivers particularly appreciate this route for its scenic beauty, especially near the Silvrettasee and Vermuntsee, two lakes, two Alpine pearls.

Whether in summer or winter, the Paznaun Valley offers a multitude of activities for all tastes. The villages of See, Kappl, Ischgl and Galtür, each with its own distinct character, invite visitors to discover the cultural and natural wealth of this exceptional region of Tyrol, on the historical and linguistic border shared with the Graubünden in Switzerland

Pitztal, at the top of Tyrol and Austria

We enter the valley of Pitztal, near Imst, an important town in Tyrol western, at the crossroads of the roads that cross the Alps from Austria to Switzerland and from Italy to Germany, as an alternative to the Brenner.

The valley of the Pitztal, nestled in the Tyrol, stretches for about 40 kilometers, offering visitors a deep immersion in alpine beauty. Entering the valley from the Inntal, the first village encountered is Arzl in the Pitztal, located at an altitude of 880 metres. This charming village is famous for the Benni-Raich-Brücke, one of the highest suspension bridges in Europe, offering breathtaking views of the Pitzenklamm gorge. Arzl also serves as a starting point for various outdoor activities, including hiking and mountain biking.

Continuing on our way, we reach Ifs, perched at 962 metres. This picturesque village is characterised by its historic parish church and traditional Tyrolean houses. Wenns is also the administrative centre of the region and offers visitors an authentic insight into Tyrolean rural life. The village is set on a wide, sunny balcony at the intersection of the road that enters the Pitztal and the road that joins the upper Inn Valley towards the ski resorts of Ladis-Fiss-Serfaus, then Nauders and Upper Engadine or South Tyrol Italian. Its location is ideal for exploring this corner of Tyrol and in particular the nearby Kaunertal, narrow and wild. Visitors can explore the Kaunergrat Nature Park, which extends partly over the Pitztal region, offering educational trails on alpine biodiversity and panoramic viewpoints.

Further away, at an altitude of 1 meters, is Jerzens. This village is the gateway to the Hochzeiger ski area, which in winter offers 40 kilometres of varied slopes suitable for all levels. In summer, the trails lead through flower-filled alpine pastures to viewpoints offering breathtaking views of the surrounding Alps.

Continuing our journey, we arrive at St. Leonhard in the Pitztal, extending over a vast area with altitudes ranging from 1 to 366 metres. This municipality encompasses several hamlets and is the beating heart of tourism in the valley. In winter, ski enthusiasts flock to the Pitztal Glacier and the Rifflsee ski area, offering exceptional snow conditions and modern infrastructure. The Pitztal Glacier, At 3 metres, it is Austria’s highest ski area, guaranteeing quality snow from September to May. Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy well-groomed slopes, while freeriders find untouched terrain for unforgettable descents. In summer, the area around Sankt Leonhard becomes an ideal location for mountaineers and hikers. Lake Rifflsee, at 440 metres, is the largest natural lake in Tyrol and offers scenic trails around its banks, ideal for leisurely strolls or family picnics. The surrounding peaks, such as the Wildspitze, Austria’s second highest peak at 2 metres, attract climbers looking for a challenge.

At the very bottom of the valley, we reach the hamlets of Mandarfen and Mittelberg, located at 1 and 675 metres above sea level respectively. These villages serve as gateways to the glacial domains. The Mittelberg funicular takes visitors into the heart of the glacier, first to its upper station at 1 metres above sea level, then by gondola lift to 736 metres above sea level, the highest point reachable by ski lift in Austria. A café with a futuristic look, perched on a dizzying ridge, awaits you to enjoy panoramic views. They are breathtaking over the snow-capped peaks and glacial valleys. By this link, you access the webcam and admire the panorama. In winter, these areas are popular for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and even ice climbing. In summer, hiking trails allow you to explore unspoiled alpine landscapes.

The Pitztal Valley is not only a destination for sports enthusiasts. It also offers a rich cultural palette. The villages regularly host traditional festivals, where visitors can experience Tyrolean folk music, traditional dances and taste local culinary specialties such as "Kaiserschmarrn" or "Speck". Local craftsmen perpetuate age-old skills, such as wood carving and making traditional costumes, offering tourists an authentic immersion in Tyrolean culture. The fauna and flora of the valley are also remarkable. The dense forests are home to deer, chamois and a multitude of bird species. The alpine pastures, in summer, are adorned with colorful wildflowers, offering an enchanting visual spectacle. In terms of accessibility, the valley is well connected.

From the city ofImst, a scenic drive winds through the valley, offering stunning views at every turn. Regular bus services connect the villages, making it easy for visitors without a car to get around. In addition, many accommodations offer shuttles to the main points of interest, ensuring a stress-free experience. In conclusion, the valley of Pitztal is a destination that appeals in all seasons. Whether you want to ski down snowy slopes in winter, hike through lush green landscapes in summer, or simply immerse yourself in Tyrolean culture and tranquility, there is something for everyone. Authentic villages, breathtaking Alpine views and the warm hospitality of the locals make the Pitztal a must-see for mountain and nature lovers.

Tannheimertal, between Tyrol and Bavaria

A whole different environment awaits you in the Tannheimertal, in the mountains on the border between Tyrol and Bavaria. Nestled at around 1 metres above sea level in the Allgäu Alps, the Tannheim Valley, or Tannheimertal, is often referred to as “Europe’s most beautiful high valley”. This Austrian valley stretches for around 100 kilometres and is renowned for its unspoilt Alpine scenery, picturesque villages and a rich range of activities in all seasons.

To locate the valley, it is located in the region of reutte, this large village which occupies a wide valley in the northern part of Tyrol. From this region one can visit the Zugspitze region, Tyrolean side and German side at Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the Ammergau Alps which contain, on the Bavarian side, these romantic jewels that are the castles of Louis II, in the surroundings of Füssen, and the Allgäu Alps whose center is the resort of Oberstdorf. A beautiful region which allows you to discover both the gentler landscapes of Tyrol and the Bavarian Alps to the jagged peaks. Finally, it provides access to the Lechtal, which in summer leads to Vorarlberg and Lake Constance and in winter allows skiing on the Arlberg slopes from the ski resorts of Warth and Schröcken.

Access to the Tannheimertal is mainly via the B199 road, which crosses the Gaichtpass from Weißenbach am Lech, when coming from Phones et from Innsbruck, or via the Oberjoch Pass from neighbouring Germany. As soon as you enter the valley, you are greeted by breathtaking views of rugged mountains and lush green meadows.

The first village we come across is Nesselwangle, located to the east of the valley. This charming hamlet offers direct access to the lake Haldensee, a popular place for swimming, windsurfing and fishing in the summer. In winter, the surrounding slopes are transformed into a ski area popular with families and beginners. The cross-country ski trails are also magnificent.

Continuing west, we arrive at Green, a picturesque village with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Grän is the ideal starting point for summer hikes, including to the summit of Füssener Jöchle, which can be reached by gondola lift. In winter, the well-groomed ski slopes attract ski enthusiasts of all levels.

The village of Tannheim, the heart of the valley, is famous for its parish church of St. Nicholas, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. Tannheim also serves as a starting point for excursions to the lake Vilsalpsee, a nature reserve home to diverse flora and fauna. The trails around the lake offer breathtaking panoramas, particularly appreciated by photographers and nature lovers.

Further west, the villages of Zöblen et Schattwald are distinguished by their authenticity and tranquility. These locations are ideal for those looking for a peaceful getaway, with opportunities for hiking in summer and skiing in winter on less frequented slopes.

In summer, the Tannheimertal becomes a paradise for hikers and cyclists. Well-marked trails, suitable for all levels, lead through varied landscapes, from flowering alpine pastures to dense forests. The Haldensee lake, with its crystal-clear waters, is perfect for swimming and water sports. The Nesselwängle rope park offers a high-altitude adventure for families and thrill seekers.

Winter transforms the valley into a welcoming ski area, with around 55 kilometres of slopes served by 20 lifts. Cross-country skiers can enjoy 140 kilometres of prepared trails, while winter hiking trails and toboggan runs offer alternatives for all ages. Events, such as the International Hot Air Balloon Festival, add a festive touch to the cold season.

The Tannheimertal is also rich in cultural traditions. The villages regularly host folk festivals, craft markets and open-air concerts, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture. Tyrolean gastronomy is in the spotlight in the inns and restaurants, offering specialties such as Kaiserschmarrn and Knödel.

This valley is a little-known gem in the heart of a magical Alpine landscape on the border with Germany. Your stay there will be all the more unforgettable as you can take the opportunity to walk in the nearby Bavarian Alps.

Alpbachtal and its wooden chalets

Let us now move to the east of Innsbruck, near the mouth of the Zillertal.Alpbachtal, nestled in the heart of Tyrol, is a picturesque valley that stretches for approximately 16 kilometres, offering visitors a harmonious blend of Alpine traditions and breathtaking natural landscapes. Entering the valley from Brixlegg, the first locality that we encounter is Reith in the Alpbachtal. This charming village, located at an altitude of 637 metres, is famous for its lake, the Reither See, a natural body of water ideal for swimming in summer. Hikers will enjoy the trails leading to the Reither Kogel, which peaks at 1 metres and offers breathtaking views of the valley. In winter, Reith offers a friendly ski area, particularly suitable for families and beginners, with a modern gondola lift making it easy to access the slopes. As always, in Tyrol, small ski resorts allow everyone to enjoy the pleasure of skiing without having to travel miles by car.

Continuing on our way, we arrive at Alpbach, often referred to as the "most beautiful village in Austria". Perched at an altitude of 975 metres, Alpbach seduced by its traditional architecture, characterized by wooden chalets adorned with flower-filled balconies. Each summer, the village hosts the European Forum Alpbach, bringing together thinkers and leaders from around the world for enriching discussions. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the 2-metre Wiedersberger Horn, accessible via ski lift, offering hiking trails in summer and ski slopes in winter.

Beyond Alpbach, the hamlet of Inneralpbach marks the end of the valley. This peaceful place is the starting point for many hikes to peaks such as the Große Galtenberg, at 2 metres, the highest point in the region. The surrounding alpine pastures, such as the Lueger Graben and the Greiter Graben, offer bucolic landscapes conducive to relaxation and contemplation.

Back in the Inn Valley, not far from Brixlegg, the historic town of Rattenberg is worth a visit. With only 400 inhabitants and an area of ​​10 hectares, it is the smallest town in Austria. Rattenberg is renowned for its glass craftsmanship, with many shops and workshops continuing this centuries-old tradition. Its medieval alleys and historic buildings offer a fascinating insight into Tyrolean past.

The Alpbachtal is clearly a popular destination for outdoor activities. The surrounding mountains, such as the Schatzberg (1 metres) and the Gratlspitze (898 metres), offer varied hiking trails, suitable for all levels. Cyclists will find challenging routes through unspoiled alpine landscapes. In winter, the Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau ski area offers over 1 kilometres of slopes, satisfying skiers and snowboarders of all backgrounds.

The cultural richness of the valley is also evident in its picturesque churches, traditional festivals and local gastronomy. Visitors can enjoy Tyrolean specialties in local inns, while enjoying the warm hospitality of the locals. Easily accessible, unique in its kind with its chalets built entirely of wood, and surrounded by generous and green nature, the Alpbachtal is a lovely destination to discover Tyrol between Innsbruck and Kitzbühel.

So here are four valleys that are less talked about in guides and articles in specialist magazines. And yet, each for different reasons, they all allow you to discover typical facets of Tyrol. My favourite? The Tannheimertal. With its strategic position for visiting the castles of Bavaria, it reflects this mix of nature and culture that the Alps know how to offer their visitors.

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