East Tyrol: head in the clouds…

Those considering Austria holidays might want to take the East Tyrol region into consideration. The spelling of the area can be confusing as you may also see it written as East Tirol, but it is the same place and no matter how its name is spelt, it is one of the most attractive destinations in the world for those who enjoy walking holidays and cultural activities.

When thinking of Austrian holidays, your first thoughts may be of mountains, lakes and hundreds of square miles of unspoilt countryside and the East Tyrol region will not be a disappointment to you. Many people each year spend their holidays walking in Austria and this part of the Austria Alps is home to a vast mountain landscape, leaving you spoilt for choice.

When in the Austria Alps region you will find yourself surrounded by glacier-topped peaks, valleys filled with lush-green meadows and quaint villages and a general feeling of peace and tranquillity that you won’t want to leave behind. East Tyrol is the ideal destination for those who need to get away from it all for a while.

If you enjoy walking, hiking or rambling, Austria is the perfect destination. Many Austria holidays give you the opportunity to explore the area on foot and East Tyrol is no exception. One popular walk is the ‘Europe Panama Trail’, reached by taking the cable car from Matrei i. O.. You travel to a height of 7185 feet where you can take in views of around 60 different mountains. There are hundreds of miles of walking trails at all levels in East Tyrol and the only problem will be finding the time to try them all, but walking is not all that the region has to offer.

Paying a visit to the medieval town of Lienz will bring you face to face with the history of the region and the relaxed lifestyle of the inhabitants. East Tyrol has so far escaped mass tourism, so visitors who come here may be surprised how welcome they are made to feel by the locals. Close by is Bruck Castle, a structure dating back to the 13th century which is now a museum which chronicles life in the region since the area was first populated. If you like history you may also want to take in the Roman town of Aguntum, which was built on the site of a much earlier settlement. This is also close to Lienz, which makes the town an ideal starting point for exploring East Tyrol.

Coming to the region means that you are also ideally situated for exploring other parts of Austria, if you have the time. The city of Salzburg, for example, is perfect for those who like a mix of old and new attractions, with museums, theatres and plenty of shops for those essential souvenirs.

The East Tyrol region is perfect for those who are considering Austria holidays for the first time, but there is so much to see and do you may have to visit a second or third time just to fit it all in.

TouchingNature.co.uk, a travel destination website with many useful tools to help you plan (or at least dream…) about your next walking holiday or hiking vacation in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Italian Dolomites and South Tyrol. http://www.touchingnature.co.uk/