Late Summer in the Austrian Tirol
With summer nearly over before it has truly begun, there is still time to head off for a late summer break before the leaves start falling and the nights draw in
We’ve come up with 5 top reasons why the Tirol region of Austria is perfect for a late August or September break.
- Rural traditions – at the end of the summer the cattle return from the alpine pastures, during the ‘Almabtrieb’ festivals and celebrated with music, local delicacies. Click here to watch a video of the Almabtrieb in the Zillertal.
- Spectacular Scenery – the mountain landscape of the Austrian Tirol is a draw at any time of year but once the colours start to change, the sky takes on that deep blue hue and the air becomes crisp and clear.
- Indian Summer - in Austria they call it ‘Altweibersommer’, affectionately translated as the ‘Old Ladies’ Summer’, and in recent years September has been exceptionally warm and dry.
- Lack of crowds - once high season has passed and the children are back at school, popular tourist destinations offer a more tranquil pace.
- Fantastic value – travelling in September is a much more cost effective time to travel, with hotels, airlines and tour operators offering competitive deals and savings.
LATE DEALS TO THE AUSTRIAN TIROL
Take a look at Tirol’s new special offers page, highlighting the very best walking holiday offers across the Tirol region. The offers are grouped into various categories, including walking and family, walking and city break, walking and spa, walking and adventure.
For more information visit www.tyrol.com/offers.
Sample Offer: Enjoy a week of hassle-free hiking with Wanderhotels, along a section of the Eagle Walk, starting in Leutasch, crossing the Karwendel mountains, stopping in Eng before reaching Lake Achensee. Prices starts from €630 per person, including half-board and luggage service between hotels. Direct flights to Innsbruck with www.easyjet.com. To book contact 0043 5214 6208, info@leutascherhof.at, www.wanderhotels.at
Save £250 – Mayrhofen
Inghams (020 8780 4454; www.inghams.co.uk) has 7 nights half board accommodation at the 3* Landhaus Roscher from £299 per person (was £549). Price includes return flights from Gatwick or Manchester to Innsbruck, resort transfers, FREE daily lunch packs and FREE use of Sporthotel Strass indoor pool. Departs 7 September 2011.
Save £200 – Kitzbühel
Thomson Lakes & Mountains (0871 230 8181; www.thomsonlakes.co.uk) has 7 nights half board accommodation at the 3* Hotel Edelweiss from £299 per person (was £499), including return flights from Gatwick or Bristol to Salzburg and resort transfers. Regional direct flights also from Birmingham, Newcastle, Glasgow (+£20), Manchester (+£50). Departs 03 September 2011
Save £175 – Seefeld
Crystal Summer (0871 230 8180; www.crystalsummer.co.uk) has 7 nights half board accommodation at the 3* Hotel Krinserhof from £324 per person (was £499), including return flights from London or Manchester to Innsbruck and resort transfers. Departs 14 September 2011.
WHAT’S GOING ON?
International Libro Balloon Cup
When? Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th September 2011
Where? Kirchberg
Set in Kirchberg at the heart of the Kitzbühel Alps, the 22ndLibro Balloon Cup fills the sky with multicoloured balloons of all shapes and sizes. Over 30 teams from Austria, Germany, Great Britain and Switzerland compete. Don’t miss the Night Glow, where crowds come to see the balloons illuminated by their gas burners against the night sky.
For further information: www.kirchberg.at
Wildschönau Almabtrieb Festival
When? Saturday 24th September 2011
Where? Auffach, Wildschönau
Celebrations begin as some 500 cattle return to the valley, after a long summer pasture. The cows are decorated with wreaths of flowers and bells and paraded down by the herdsmen, dairy maids and cheese-makers. This long-standing tradition continues with entertainment, lots of dancing and age-old entertainment such as horse-shoe casting and log sawing. The party goes on long after the cows have come home!
For further information: www.wildschoenau.com
International Alpine Cheese Olympics
When? Saturday 24th September 2011
Where? Galtür, Paznaun
The 90 best cheese producers from all over the Alps meet in Galtür for the International Alpine Cheese Olympics. While the judges are busy judging, visitors can taste the different varieties and buy some to take home. After much deliberation, cogitation and digestion, the top cheeses are selected and awarded the Galtür Sennerharfe - a harp in gold, silver, or bronze.
For further information: www.kaeseolympiade.at or www.galtuer.com
Kaisermarathon
When? Saturday 8th October 2011
Where? Söll
How much?
Söll hosts the famous Kaisermarathon, where the world’s top mountain runners gather for one of endurance running’s top festivals. They start in the centre of Söll, and end up at the top of the Hohe Salve - that’s a climb of nearly 4,000ft as part of the race! On the Sunday there is the half-marathon, with some athletes keen enough to go in for all three events.
For further information: www.tourdetirol.com
For more information on the Tirol region – www.visittirol.co.uk or follow us on www.facebook.com/visittirol
-ENDS-
For further information and images contact:
Becky Horton, Horton PR
becky.horton@hortonpr.co.uk; 020 8330 2143; 07766 738020; twitter: becky_horton
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