Camping Guide | Tiroler Alps

The Tyrolean Alps extend across the Austrian federal state of Tyrol and border Bavaria to the north, Vorarlberg to the west, and South Tyrol to the south. The region includes numerous mountain ranges, including the Zillertal Alps, the Ötztal Alps, and the Karwendel mountains. Several routes are available for arrival by car. From Munich, you can reach the Tyrolean Alps fastest via the A93 and the Inntal Autobahn A12 (vignette required!). The journey takes about two hours. Those coming from Frankfurt take the A5 and A8 to Munich and then the A93. The driving time is approximately six hours. Coming from Hamburg, you drive via the A7 and A9 before switching to the A93. Plan for about eight and a half hours here. The Tyrolean Alps are also easily accessible by train. Innsbruck Main Station is an important hub from which regional trains run to many towns in the region. There are regular direct connections from Munich to Innsbruck (approx. 1.5 hours). From Vienna, you can reach Innsbruck by Railjet in about four and a half hours. The nearest airport is Innsbruck (INN). From there, you can reach the surrounding towns by bus or taxi. Alternatively, Munich Airport (MUC) offers a larger selection of international connections. From Munich, you can continue your journey by train or rental car. Within the Tyrolean Alps, it is best to get around by car or public transport. Many places are connected by bus lines, which, however, run less frequently outside the tourist centers. For hikes and excursions into the mountains, a bicycle or e-bike is recommended. In some valleys, there are also well-developed cycle paths. During the summer months, special hiking buses run, taking you to the starting points of popular tours. The use of public transport is often discounted or even free with the Tyrol Card. The toll fees for Austrian motorways for a 10-day vignette are €9.90 (as of 2024).

The Tyrolean Alps can be roughly divided into different sub-regions, each with its own character and charm. The Inn Valley, which stretches along the Inn River, is one of the region's main traffic arteries. Larger cities like Innsbruck and Hall in Tirol are located here, attracting visitors with their historic old towns and urban flair. The Inn Valley is ideal for travelers who want to combine culture and nature. Along the Inn, there are numerous cycle paths and hiking trails that invite you to take leisurely excursions. Families feel particularly at home here, as there are many child-friendly attractions and activities. The Ötztal, known for its high-alpine landscapes and the Rettenbachferner glacier, is a paradise for mountaineers and skiers. In summer, numerous hiking trails and mountain bike trails attract visitors. Sölden is the most famous town in the Ötztal and offers a wide range of accommodation and leisure options. Adventure seekers and athletes will get their money's worth here. The Zillertal, which extends east of the Inn Valley, is primarily known for its family-friendly ski areas and picturesque villages. Mayrhofen is the main town of the Zillertal and offers a variety of activities for young and old. In summer, numerous hiking trails and via ferratas invite exploration. The Zillertal is ideal for families who want to spend an active holiday in the mountains. The region around Lake Achensee, Tyrol's largest lake, is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. Pertisau and Achenkirch are the best-known towns on Lake Achensee and offer a variety of accommodation and leisure options. Sailing, windsurfing, hiking, and mountain biking are just some of the activities possible here. Those seeking peace and nature lovers will find their happiness here. The Kitzbühel Alps, which extend in eastern Tyrol, are primarily known for their sophisticated flair and exclusive ski resorts. Kitzbühel is the most famous town in the Kitzbühel Alps and attracts numerous celebrities and ski enthusiasts every year. In summer, numerous golf courses and hiking trails invite sporting activities. Couples and gourmets appreciate the Kitzbühel Alps for their exclusive offers and luxurious accommodations.

The camping landscape in the Tyrolean Alps is diverse and offers the right choice for every taste. There are an estimated 150 campsites in the region, many of which are family-run and offer personal service. You will find both large resort sites with pools, entertainment, and a wide range of leisure activities, as well as small, nature-oriented campsites in the middle of the mountains. Many campsites also offer pitches for motorhomes equipped with electricity and water connections. Agriturismo or farm camping is also widespread in the Tyrolean Alps. Here you can experience country life up close and obtain regional products directly from the farm. The prices for a pitch vary depending on the season, equipment, and location of the campsite. In the high season (July/August), you can expect prices between €30 and €50 per night for a pitch. In the low season (May/June and September/October), prices are often significantly cheaper, ranging between €20 and €35 per night. The size of the pitches also varies. On larger campsites, the plots are often partitioned and offer a certain degree of privacy. Smaller campsites often have open pitches where you can set up your tent or motorhome as you wish. Many pitches offer shade from trees, but there are also sunny pitches for sun worshippers. The sanitary standard at the campsites in the Tyrolean Alps is generally good. Most campsites have clean sanitary facilities with showers, toilets, and sinks. Some campsites also offer private bathrooms for rent. Wi-Fi quality varies depending on the campsite. On larger campsites, paid Wi-Fi is often available, while smaller campsites often offer free Wi-Fi. The power supply is usually secured with 6 to 16 amperes. A reservation is recommended, especially in the high season, as the most popular campsites are often fully booked. Last-minute chances exist mainly in the low season or at smaller campsites. It is worth contacting the campsites directly and asking for available pitches.

For a smooth camping holiday in the Tyrolean Alps, there are some practical pieces of information to consider. Toll fees apply on Austrian motorways. A 10-day vignette costs €9.90 (as of 2024) and is available at gas stations and rest areas. Alternatively, you can purchase a digital vignette online. The Brenner Motorway A13 is a special toll route for which additional fees apply (approx. €10.50 for a one-way trip). There are sufficient gas stations in the larger towns. The price of diesel in Austria is slightly higher than in Germany (approx. €1.60 per liter). Gas station opening hours are usually from 7 am to 10 pm. Supermarkets such as Lidl, Eurospar, and MPreis are widespread in the Tyrolean Alps. Opening hours are usually from 8 am to 7 pm; some supermarkets are also open on Sundays. For fresh regional products, visiting weekly markets or farm shops is recommended. German gas cylinders cannot always be exchanged in Austria. It is recommended to take an adapter with you or buy an Austrian gas cylinder. Disposal stations for motorhomes are available at many campsites and rest areas. The fees for disposal vary. Mobile network coverage is good in most regions of the Tyrolean Alps. Roaming charges do not apply within the EU. Medical care is guaranteed in the Tyrolean Alps. There are hospitals and pharmacies in the larger towns. The emergency number is 112. Wild camping is generally prohibited in Tyrol and is punished with high fines. However, there are a few exceptions, for example, on private property with the owner's permission. There are no environmental zones in the Tyrolean Alps. Tap water is of good quality in most regions of the Tyrolean Alps and can be drunk without hesitation.

Off the beaten path, there are still many secret tips to discover in the Tyrolean Alps. The low season (May/June and September/October) is ideal for a camping holiday in the Tyrolean Alps. Temperatures are pleasantly mild, the campsites are less crowded, and prices are cheaper. Furthermore, nature is particularly beautiful during this time. A lesser-known place is the mountain village of Navis, located about 15 kilometers south of Innsbruck. Here you can experience the traditional Tyrolean way of life up close and go on beautiful hikes. A secret tip for swimmers is Lake Lanser See, located about 5 kilometers south of Innsbruck. The lake is a popular local recreation area and offers good water quality. You can reach it via the Brennerstraße B182. A special culinary experience is visiting one of the numerous farm shops in the region. Here you can buy regional specialties such as bacon, cheese, and schnapps directly from the producer. One tip is the farm shop of the Müller family in Stans, known for its homemade cheese specialties. A local festival you shouldn't miss is the Almabtrieb festival in autumn. Here, the cows are festively decorated and driven from the alpine pastures down into the valley. The festival takes place in many towns across the Tyrolean Alps. Culinary-wise, you must try Tyrolean dumplings (Tiroler Knödel). They come in many variations, such as bacon dumplings, cheese dumplings, or spinach dumplings. A restaurant where locals like to eat is the Gasthaus Linde in Hall in Tirol. A worthwhile day trip is the drive to the Stubai Glacier, Austria's largest glacier area. The drive from Innsbruck takes about 45 minutes. On the glacier, you can also ski or hike in summer. The round trip costs approx. €35.