Tyrol – a land of culture
It’s a long journey by car to Italy. A stopover in the cultural region of Tyrol is a must! Traces of the past constantly cross your path as you visit the most beautiful excursion destinations. The province of Tyrol was shaped by the Habsburgs, and countless cultural sites, museums, churches, and castles tell of days gone by. We divulge the most worthwhile excursion destinations in Tyrol – sometimes magnificent, sometimes amazing, but always inspiring.
Castles, palaces, and fortresses
A visit to the Imperial Palace in Innsbruck in Tyrol, about 20 minutes from Matrei am Brenner, is a must. Along with Schönbrunn Palace and the Vienna Imperial Palace, which are also popular destinations in Austria, the Imperial Palace is part of the legacy of the Habsburg dynasty and one of the most important cultural buildings in Tyrol and Austria. Also worth seeing are Ambras Castle in Innsbruck, Tratzberg Castle in Stans – Austria’s Renaissance jewel – the legendary Hasegg Castle in Hall, and Kufstein Fortress with its eventful history.
Not to mention the over 800 castles and fortresses in South Tyrol that are waiting to be discovered!
Churches
Churches are popular destinations in Tyrol, and each is more beautiful and magnificent than the next. The Court Church in Innsbruck, also known as the “Schwarzmanderkirche”, was originally intended as a tomb for Emperor Maximilian I. Visitors should not miss the parish church in Matrei, the parish church in Steinach, the pilgrimage church Maria Locherboden, the Mariathal basilica in the monastery of the same name with its sculpture park, the Maria Waldrast church in Matrei, which is surrounded by meadows, and many others
Museums
The museums of Tyrol offer captivating insights into a wide range of intriguing subjects. One notable example is the Tyrolean State Museum Ferdinandeum, which focuses on the history of Tyrol and holds the distinction of being the third oldest “national museum” in Austria-Hungary. It boasts significant art collections that add to its cultural importance. The Tirol Panorama with the Museum of the Imperial Infantry is located on the site of the Tyrolean freedom struggle of 1809 at the Bergisel in Innsbruck, the Museum of Tyrolean Farms tells of the life and work of farmers, and the Alpinarium Galtür tells of life on the mountain and the dangers of nature. Other excursion destinations in Tyrol include the Hall Mint and Mint Tower, the St. Anton am Arlberg Museum, and the Fliess Museums on the former Via Claudia Augusta.
Events
One of the most famous carnival customs in the Alpine region is the “Fisser Blochziehen”, which attracts countless visitors every four years. Tyrol is also renowned for its Easter Festival, one of the most prestigious Easter festivals in the German-speaking region. Various concerts, exhibitions, and festivals, such as the Festival of Ancient Music and the Passion Festival in Erl, are included in Tyrol’s entertainment repertoire.
Tyrolean souvenirs
Tyrolean traditional costumes, handcrafted items, and local farm products make for perfect gifts for your loved ones or personal keepsakes. Around Matrei am Brenner, there are regular farmers’ markets where you can buy high-quality Tyrolean products. Artfully produced handicraft products made of wood, glass, felt, or leather are popular with everyone, and their quality is undeniable. If you would like to buy an original Tyrolean costume – whether strictly traditional or a modern interpretation – your holiday in Matrei offers the opportunity to purchase a unique piece.
