For devotees of alpine scenery, the Austrian state of Tyrol is a veritable place of worship. Tyrol is the portion of Austria that juts westwards into the heart of the European Alps. The Bavarian Alps lie on its northern border, the Dolomites on its southern border and Switzerland sits to the west. Clearly, prime alpine real estate!

As well as being the name of the Austrian state, Tyrol is also the name of a larger European region that incorporates the northern Italy provinces of South Tyrol and Trentino. The region shares a common history, culture and geography.

Whilst offering a myriad of high-level, challenging treks, Austria’s Tyrol is also home to plenty of moderate valley walks and ‘dress-circle’ walks that stick to a narrow contour band. Also, like Switzerland, the Tyrol’s long-time popularity with walkers and skiers means that there is often transportation available to allow the challenge level of a walk to be moderated.

Innsbruck is the capital of Tyrol and is encircled by the mountains and valleys that contain Tyrol’s iconic walks. It’s a decent-sized town but has retained its charm. Notable visitor highlights include a well-preserved medieval old town, a Habsburg palace and a baroque cathedral.

The Adlerweg (Eagle’s Way) is probably the best-known of the multi-day walks in Tyrol. It traverses Tyrol from St Johann in the east to St Anton in the west. Innsbruck is on the route, at about the half-way point. The main route is about 300 km, but walkers often undertake segments. The Adlerweg is described in more detail below.

Another tempting option is one of the Bavaria to Tyrol routes. The routes include:

• a 4/5 day trip from Garmisch-Partenkirchen (in Bavaria) to Innsbruck;

• a 6/7 day trip from Germany’s Fussen (near the fairytale castle, Neuschwanstein) across Tyrol to Merano (in South Tyrol). This route incorporates part of the Otztal Way (see below); and

• a 7 day trip from Lech (near Tyrol’s western border) to Fussen (in Bavaria), following the Lech River Trail (Lechweg), which provides one of the few wild alpine river landscapes in western Europe.

The Otztal Trail also needs a mention. This walk lies south-west of Innsbruck and follows the Otztal valley. Stunning views of the Otztal and Stubai mountain ranges are on constant offer. A highlight (which can be avoided) is the crossing of the Ramoljoch Pass, which, at 3,189m, is a serious challenge.

Assistance and further information:

• For assistance in undertaking the Adlerweg or any other walks in the Tyrol, click the button below.

• For information on other walks in Austria, click the button below.

One of the best walks in the Tyrol is the Adlerweg. To learn more, click the button below.

Adlerweg

In a relatively short period, this has become one of western Europe’s classic multi-day walks. The route traverses Austria’s alpine state of Tyrol from St Johann in the east to St Anton in the west. The main route is about 300 km, with Innsbruck located in the middle. Frequently undertaken in segments or abridged via public transport.