An exhibition centre integrated into an avalanche protection wall: the Alpinarium GaltĂĽr is dedicated to life in the high Alpine region and is a central part of a 345-metre-long and 19-metre-high protection wall. Here, exhibition and architecture come together. Elsewhere, too, museums and buildings offer unique ways to explore the history of Tyrol and the Tyrolean Oberland.
Moors and Alpine landscapes
The Kaunergrat Nature Park manages 240 km² of protected landscape. A remarkable variety of formations can be seen at Piller Moor and Piller Sattel, ranging from a mown fen to a completely untouched raised bog at an altitude of over 1,500 metres. At Piller Moor, an educational trail with information boards brings the world of moors to life for visitors.
Much of this educational trail through the moor has been accessible since 2015 and is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. As trail conditions can change with the weather, it is advisable to check the conditions on site before your visit. This makes it possible to experience the moor not only as a natural environment: the information boards provide a theme for the walk and draw attention to the different types of moor.
Museums, castles and distinctive architecture
At Landeck Castle, the permanent exhibition “Stay or Go” conveys the eventful past of the Tyrolean Oberland. The castle was built in the 13th century. The Talmuseum Kaunertal offers another perspective on life in the past: its exhibits include historically valuable treasures and offer insights into the hardship endured by the valley’s former inhabitants.
Berneck Castle is recognisable by several details: a Gothic oriel sits above the entrance gate, and the castle chapel contains important late-Gothic frescoes. Along the south side, a gallery runs above a 130-metre-high rock face. You can reach the castle by public transport on route 230 to the Kauns Dorfplatz stop; check the timetable before travelling.
A museum can also stand out for its exterior design: the FlĂĽgelmuseum was built in the shape of a grand piano. Anton Wille assembled a collection of historic pianos there. A visit to Zammer Lochputz also offers the opportunity to see a demonstration power plant. These varied attractions range from architecture and the history of collections to technology on display.
Routes and little discoveries along the way
The Tyrolean Castle Trail connects Landeck, Fließ, Tobadill, Pians, Grins, Stanz, Zams and Schönwies. The Inn Cycle Path offers another way to experience places and history along a route: one stage follows the old Roman road Via Claudia Augusta and passes the old Roman bridge in Tösens. The stage from Martina in the Swiss Engadin to Landeck descends gently northwards through the Inn Valley on asphalt and forest roads.
For a more peaceful walk, the contemplation trail starts in Zeinis and ends at the forest chapel. The walking time is about two hours. A viewing platform on site also offers a view at eye level with the surrounding mountain peaks.
Stanz: experience the distilling tradition
In 2005, Stanz was named Austria’s first distilling village. Knowledge of schnapps distilling is passed down from generation to generation there. On a tour of a distillery, you can watch the distillers at work and sample fine spirits. Ask in advance whether you need to register for the tour. This is a way to discover a local craft tradition not just as history, but also in practice.
A broader travel perspective on Tyrol
Beyond the Paznaun Valley, Tyrol offers further, distinct travel experiences. At around 6.8 km², Lake Achensee is Tyrol’s largest lake. The high-alpine road over Timmelsjoch connects the Ötztal Valley with South Tyrol and is considered a mountain pass well worth travelling for in its own right. At Ambras Castle, an audio guide takes you through the Armoury, the Chamber of Art and Curiosities, the Spanish Hall and the Habsburg Portrait Gallery. Freundsberg Castle above Schwaz features a museum and views of the town and surrounding mountain landscape.
As you plan your trip to the Paznaun Valley, let this variety of nature, culture and local traditions inspire you, and look for a holiday apartment that suits your plans.
Discover more destinations: Alpbachtal, Ischgl, Schwaz, Lienz, Lechtal, Brixental, Kufstein, KitzbĂĽhel.
Back to the main travel overview: Tyrol.
