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If, after your fall bucket list, you are now curious about what families can experience at this time of year - here are our highlights for relaxed fall vacations.

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Lisa Gruber
Content Marketing
at ALPS RESORTS

7 Unique Experiences

and Excursions in Autumnal Tyrol

Did you know that September and October are the best months to witness Alpenglow? During this natural phenomenon, the mountain peaks glow in hues of red or gold in the morning and evening due to the low angle of the sun and the clear autumn atmosphere. What other fascinating experiences and destinations await you in Tyrol this fall? Here are our top 7:

Nature: Grosser Ahornboden in the Karwendel Nature Park

Our first tip takes us to a stunning natural spectacle and popular destination for excursions: one of Austria's most beautiful deciduous forests, located in an area of the Karwendel known as the Ahornboden. On a Tyrolean high plateau at the back of the Risstal valley, over 2,000 mountain maples vie for our attention in autumn, with some of these giants being over 600 years old! The color spectrum of the maple leaves ranges from yellow to a deep rusty-red. Add a bright blue sky and potentially alpine peaks already dusted with snow, and it is almost impossible to imagine an autumn day in Tyrol that could be more magical than this!

The nature reserve, located at around 1,200 meters above sea level, is accessible via a scenic toll road leading to a large parking area for hikers. This is the starting point for hikes of various difficulty levels: in a few minutes – even pushing a stroller – to the Eng-Alm, along a panoramic trail to the Binsalm, to the Plumsjochhütte, or to the top of one of the surrounding peaks. Tip: The Grosser Ahornboden is no longer a secret tip. That said, you might find it a bit quieter at the Kleiner Ahornboden (walking time from Hinterriss about 2.5 hours).

The leaves change color in autumn

The leaf coloration in autumn is triggered by the breakdown of chlorophyll, the green pigment responsible for photosynthesis. When chlorophyll breaks down, other pigments such as carotenoids (yellow and orange) and anthocyanins (red) become visible. This color change helps provide additional protection from the sun and deter pests.

Eventually, the tree cuts off the supply of nutrients between leaf and branch. The leaves fall off, and the tree prepares for its winter rest. In the mountains, where temperatures often drop faster, this color change can be particularly intense and impressive. The intensity and timing of the leaf coloration vary greatly depending on weather conditions, making each year different from the last.

Culture: Almabtrieb in Brixental

As temperatures drop in late summer, the cows return from the alpine pastures to their home in the valley. Almabtriebe are traditional events in the Alpine region that mark the end of Alpine Summer. Often, they are celebrated with a big autumn festival, such as the one in Brixental, in the Kitzbühel Alps in Tyrol.
From September 19 to September 26, 2026 Almabtriebe will take place in Westendorf, Kirchberg, and Brixen im Thale. Visitors can enjoy performances of traditional folk customs, celebrate and dance to folk music, visit crafts stands, stock up on delicious farm products, and feast on regional delicacies.

Why are the cows decked out during Almabtrieb?
In autumn, the cows are adorned in preparation for Almabtrieb with colorful ribbons, bells, festive wreaths, and mirrors. This is a way to honor the animals themselves and celebrate their return in good health. However, this only happens if the summer season in the mountains went accident-free with no misfortunes. Otherwise, the elaborate decorations are indeed omitted, and the cows wear only black ribbons, if any, instead

Culinary Festivities: The Dumpling Table in St. Johann in Tyrol

Since we are on the topic of regional delicacies, we now move on to the world's longest Dumpling Table. It measures an impressive 595 meters, and you will find it at the Knödelfest in St. Johann in Tirol. Bacon dumplings, cheese dumplings, plum dumplings, quark dumplings, bread dumplings... More than 26,000 of these spherical treats are served up by Tyrolean hosts at this popular autumn festival every year! But it's not just about eating and drinking: the full program includes an array of celebrations including live music and good entertainment. That said, bear in mind that tickets for the Knödelfest in St. Johann are in high demand (and in fact, already sold out for 2024). Be sure to check out the dates for next year – they are already online!

Culinary delights are celebrated year-round in Tyrol, and especially in autumn. Freshly harvested vegetables and fruits are served, with diners able to enjoy wild game specialties, sweet and savory doughnuts, along with dumplings, of course. Visit one of the numerous autumn festivals in Tyrol to enjoy many Tyrolean delicacies and authentic farm-direct products.

Autumn Skiing in the Glacier Ski Area

Preparations for winter season and the countless avid ski fans already get into full swing at Tyrol's ski resorts during the autumn months. If you can't wait to clamp on your skis again, you can actually start carving the slopes in the glacier ski areas in October and November. On the Hintertux Glacier in Zillertal, for example, you can ski 365 days a year.

A marquee event for ski racing enthusiasts is the Ski World Cup Opening in Sölden at the end of October. The women’s giant slalom kicks off the winter season, while the now-legendary World Cup parties are definitely not to be missed either. Skiing is possible in Sölden all autumn long, from the end of September on.

Nature: Sunrise on the Zugspitze

Early birds, take note! The Tiroler Zugspitzbahn offers a special experience on select dates in September and October: you can watch the sunrise from atop Germany’s highest peak. As the day slowly awakens, enjoy a buffet breakfast at the panoramic summit restaurant while taking in the glorious mountain views. From your breakfast table, you can gaze out as far as the Zillertal Alps and even into Switzerland. The early-morning gondola ride on the Tiroler Zugspitzbahn is also possible without breakfast.
The Zugspitze, at 2,962 meters, is the tallest mountain in Germany and an ultra-popular destination for visitors. It can be reached using the Tiroler Zugspitzbahn lifts from Ehrwald, the Zugspitze gondolas or the cog railway from Eibsee/Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

sunrise at the Zugspitze with fog and clouds

Culture: Sightseeing in Innsbruck

No trip to Tyrol in autumn would be complete without a stroll through Innsbruck, with highlights including the Golden Roof, Maria-Theresien-Strasse, and the Imperial Palace. These three Innsbruck destinations are particularly enchanting during the colorful months of autumn:

Bergisel Ski Jump: In autumn, the view from the ski jump and the Sky Restaurant out across the autumnal Inn Valley and surrounding mountains affords an unforgettable vista. The architecture by Zaha Hadid blends harmoniously into the autumn landscape.
Hofgarten: The historic Hofgarten near the Imperial Palace in Innsbruck is a perfect place to take a stroll and relax, especially in autumn, with its brightly colored trees.
Inn Promenade: Don’t forget your camera! During a stroll along the popular Inn Promenade, you’ll discover some of the most iconic photo motifs: the colorful houses of Innsbruck with the Nordkette mountain range in the background and, of course, the River Inn itself. From there, it’s just a stone’s throw to the Golden Roof and Maria-Theresien-Strasse.

Sauna with cosy wooden benches, stone sauna heater and relaxing lighting by ALPS RESORTS

Wellness: Spa or Sofa?

Is the autumn weather not particular inviting? In that case, head to the nearest spa! Try Erlebnistherme Zillertal, the Aqua Dome in Längenfeld, or Alpentherme Ehrenberg in Reutte. There, you can float in soothingly warm waters or sweat all your cares away in a sauna.

In the holiday apartments and holiday homes of ALPS RESORTS in Tyrol, you have plenty of space to enjoy a cozy day indoors. Many accommodations even boast private wellness areas: heated outdoor pools, private Finnish saunas, whirlpools, or outdoor bathtubs for a spot of stargazing. Light up your fireplace and relax on the sofa, perhaps with that good book you have been meaning to read for a while.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions about Autumn Destinations in Tyrol

What is the autumn weather like in Tyrol?

Temperatures can vary greatly – from relatively mild to frosty. Autumn in Tyrol can bring clear, sunny days or changeable weather with rain and snow at higher elevations.

Are there good destinations for those rainy days in Tyrol?

Yes, even in bad autumn weather, there are many worthwhile destinations in Tyrol, such as Schloss Ambras and the Alpine Zoo in Innsbruck, Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens, the silver mine in Schwaz, Tyrol’s thermal spa resorts, and countless more.

When is the best time to enjoy autumn colors in Tyrol?

The best time to see the autumn colors in Tyrol is typically from mid-September to mid-October. However, the exact timeframe may vary from year to year depending on specific weather conditions. Factors like temperature, sunlight, precipitation, and elevation affect when and how intensely the leaves change color.

What outdoor activities are particularly recommended in Tyrol in autumn?

Hiking and mountaineering, mountain biking, paragliding, climbing, foraging for mushrooms, and exploring the nature parks are all popular activities out in the autumnal countryside. With colorful landscapes that offer plenty of photo opportunities.

Copyright © Kitzbüheler Alpen Marketing (Mathäus Gartner, Hannes Dabernig, Sportalpen), Tiroler Zugspitzbahn/Gaber, Tirol Werbung/Mario Webhofer, iStock/Nataliia-Sscherbyna, Tom Bause, Kitzbühel Tourismus/ Andreas Koidl ALPS RESORTS

Lisa Gruber

Content Marketing bei ALPS RESORTS

Gen-Z with a penchant for writing and being outdoors. Lisa enjoys discovering hikes and ski resorts for us and offers tips for the perfect vacation.
Would you like to learn more about ALPS RESORTS? Feel free to use our contact form or submit a non-binding inquiry.

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At a glance

7 Unique Experiences

and Excursions in Autumnal Tyrol

Nature: Grosser Ahornboden in the Karwendel Nature Park

The leaves change color in autumn

Culture: Almabtrieb in Brixental

Culinary Festivities: The Dumpling Table in St. Johann in Tyrol

Autumn Skiing in the Glacier Ski Area

Nature: Sunrise on the Zugspitze

Culture: Sightseeing in Innsbruck

Wellness: Spa or Sofa?

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions about Autumn Destinations in Tyrol

Bergresort Tauernblick

Carpe Solem Rauris ****

Alpenchalets Biberwier Zugspitze

Berg & Golf Resort Westendorf

Bergresort Berwanger Hof

Bergresort Zugspitze Ehrwald

Brixental Suites Hopfgarten

Chalet 104 Westendorf

Chalet 149 Westendorf

Dorfresort Kitzbühel

Fiss Suites

+Kitzbühel Suites Oberndorf

Ladis Suites

Wieshof Wild Kaiser

Zillertal Suites Fügen

Zugspitz Suites Lermoos

Lisa Gruber

Content Marketing bei ALPS RESORTS

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