Camping in Tyrol

At the campsites in Tyrol, holidaymakers can relax against the backdrop of stunning Alpine peaks. If you feel like it, you can relax in the valleys on one of the wild riverbanks or by one of the crystal-clear lakes. Excursions take you high up to the snow-capped peaks. You can explore Austria's unique nature by cable car or on foot.

Special features of camping in Tyrol

The special thing about camping in Tyrol is of course the combination of valleys and mountains. Holidaymakers spend their time on a cosy campsite surrounded by rugged granite rocks and lush alpine meadows. Accordingly, excursions to the high altitudes are ideal. Numerous hiking trails lead through the landscapes of the Zillertal, the Hohe Tauern, the Samnaun group or the Kaiser Mountains, for example.

The range of campsites is quite varied. With Ferienparadies Natterer See, Tirol Camp Fieberbrunn in Pillerseetal, Camping Michelnhof and Kaunertal, Aktivcamping Prutz, TIROL CAMP Leutasch and Camping Sölden in Ötztal, there is already a wide range on offer, but it is even more extensive. Depending on the facilities, you can choose between a nature campsite with wonderful surroundings in the heart of the mountain landscape or a campsite with a sauna area in a wellness paradise.

How to get here

Tyrol is quick and easy to reach from Germany. The federal state is located in the west of Austria and borders directly on Bavaria. From the north, you cross the border at Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where the Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain, tempts you to make a stopover. Alternatively, you can travel via Tegernsee and Rosenheim. Just over the border, mountain formations such as the Wilder Kaiser await travellers. This route is also recommended for anyone travelling to the Zillertal.

Before you reach Austria, you can also take a look at Lake Chiemsee. Another attraction in the Allgäu is Neuschwanstein Castle near Füssen am Forggensee. A detour is definitely worthwhile for anyone travelling via the A7 motorway. The A7 motorway also offers a direct link from Schleswig-Holstein right across Germany to the Austrian border at Füssen. If you want to travel via Munich, take the A9 motorway from the north, which leads from Berlin to the Bavarian capital. From Munich, it is only 140 kilometres to Innsbruck in Tyrol. In Berlin, travellers are about 750 km from their destination.

Destinations in Tyrol

Rich valleys and national parks tempt you to enjoy an active holiday when travelling to Tyrol with camping. You can also experience plenty of culture in cities such as Innsbruck, Kitzbühel and Kufstein.

Zillertal

With its rich cultural life and picturesque landscapes, the Zillertal is one of the most beautiful destinations for camping holidays in Tyrol. A visit to Krimml and the waterfalls of the same name is well worthwhile. In the mountains, the summits of the three-thousand metre peaks are just as inspiring as the many glaciers in the region.

Kaiser Mountains

In the north of Tyrol, Kufstein, Elmau and St. Johann offer flat terrain for a holiday. The peaks of the Kaiser Mountains, which can be reached by cable car, rise up from the broad valley. The region is ideal for extensive hiking excursions with stops at one of the mountain huts. There, travellers can fortify themselves with fresh cow's milk and smoked ham.

Kitzbühel Alps

Kitzbühel fascinates with its down-to-earth rural culture as well as its many baroque church buildings. The small municipality is framed by the Kitzbühel Alps, in particular the almost 2,000 metre high Kitzbüheler Horn. One of the challenges par excellence on a camping holiday is the hike along the Saalachtaler Höhenweg between Leogang and Saalfelden.

Top 5 sights

• Swarovski Crystal Worlds: 15 kilometres east of Innsbruck, you can admire the crystal creations from Swarovski.
• Bergisel ski jump: The ski jump is one of Innsbruck's most famous sights and can be seen from afar.
• Grossglockner: Almost 4,000 metres high, the Grossglockner is the highest mountain in Austria and an absolute must for nature lovers in Tyrol.
• Kufstein Fortress: The medieval castle towers high above the River Inn and is now mainly used for concerts and knights' festivals.
• Grawa waterfall: In the rear Stubai Valley, the water of the Sulzaubach falls over 180 metres to the ground. Berry bushes and stone pines thrive along the cascades.

Activities and excursions

Tyrol is a real paradise for active holidaymakers who want to cycle along the region's many rivers, go hiking in the mountains or relax by one of the lakes during their camping holiday.

Cycling along the rivers of Tyrol

In the valleys, cyclists simply follow the rivers of Tyrol and can be sure of a flat altitude profile. The top cycle paths in the province include the Inn route, the Drau cycle path and the Via Claudia Augusta. The old Roman road leads over 700 kilometres across the Alps.

Hiking from castle to castle

Nature and cultural history can be combined on a hiking excursion between Landeck and the Reschen Pass. The 60-kilometre route guarantees fantastic impressions of the most important fortresses in the Alpine region. Entry is included with the Burgencard.

Bathing fun at the Tyrolean lakes

Many campsites in Tyrol are located directly on one of the bathing lakes. Against the backdrop of mighty granite rocks, travellers can refresh themselves with a dip in the cool water. The top destinations for swimming fun include Lake Achensee, Lake Brennersee, Lake Hintersteiner See and Lake Rifflsee.

Large selection of campsites

On closer inspection, Tyrol proves to be a true camping paradise with a wide range of campsites. The spectrum ranges from simple tent pitches and nature campsites to fully equipped facilities with sauna and wellness areas.

Recommended destinations include TIROL CAMP in Leutasch, Ferienparadies Natterer See, Tirol Camp Fieberbrunn in Pillerseetal, Camping Michelnhof and Kaunatal, Camping Tirol Wilder Kaiser in Kössen and Camping Sölden in Ötztal. Due to the natural location, winter camping is always an interesting option for many travellers. In Leutasch, Prutz, Sölden, Fieberbrunn and at the Michelnhof, suitable pitches are also available during the cold season.

Events

Classic folk festivals characterise the year in Tyrol, as do modern art exhibitions, concerts and more.

March

• Grass ringing: In the Lower Inn Valley, spring is heralded with the loud ringing of cowbells on 12 March.

June

• Johannesfeuer: On the summer solstice on 21 June, bonfires are lit in many Tyrolean communities. This is accompanied by beer, music and entertainment.

July

• Ambras Castle Concerts: Classical music awaits visitors to Ambras Castle on the outskirts of Innsbruck in July.

August

• Tyrolean folk theatre: The popular folk theatre plays take place in Telfs for almost an entire month. Hearty stage plays with plenty of humour are what make this event so appealing.
• Operetta summer: On the weekends in August, holidaymakers in Kufstein are drawn to the exciting operetta shows at the fortress.

Gastronomy

In Tyrol, the cuisine is characterised by the mountain farmers. Real gourmets like to head to the mountain inns and indulge in savoury food. Smoked bacon with dumplings is one of the many specialities from the high altitudes. It is also worth trying the tangy grey cheese. Another classic is Tiroler Gröstl, a pan-fried dish with beef or pork, onions, mushrooms and potatoes. In some regions, people like to eat Schlutzkrapfen, filled dumplings with veal, potatoes or spinach. Sweet and savoury desserts are served for dessert in Tyrol. Fried doughnuts, Kaiserschmarrn, Kiachl lard pastries and Brandenberger Prügeltorte are a real treat for the palate.

Best time to travel

Most holidaymakers go camping in Tyrol between May and October. During this period, the temperatures are pleasantly warm and ideal for outdoor excursions. In mid-spring, temperatures of 20 degrees Celsius tempt you to go hiking and cycling. You can also admire the blossoming alpine meadows. Temperatures continue to rise in midsummer. 25 degrees Celsius are not uncommon in July. At night, the mercury drops to as low as ten degrees Celsius. Campers can expect the lowest chances of rainfall in May, July and August. September is also characterised by little rainfall. Temperatures are around 20 degrees Celsius.