Alpbach holidays

Just 20 minutes by bus from Alpbach is the village centre of Reith, right by the Reither See lake. Known as the Emerald Eye, it’s an ideal place to cool off after a day of hiking or biking. The lake is framed by stunning mountain scenery and the pretty, flower-filled town.

The large lake is 8m deep, and is edged by grassy banks rather than a shingle or sandy beach. There are jettys to jump off from, a children’s play area, paddling pond, changing rooms and a kiosk where you can pick up some snacks.

Mountain lakes stay cold for most of the year, but the waters are gently heated in the high summer months. Reither See is one of the warmest bathing lakes in Tyrol, making it very popular with families and those who fancy a lazy day in the sun.

Savour hearty snacks in a tranquil Alpine hut, sample Tyrolean delights in local inns or try melt-in-the-mouth specialities in award-winning restaurants - all in the small village of Alpbach. Homemade schnapps is a local delicacy so make sure you order some with your meal. Being a small resort, there isn’t loads of choice, but that also means you never have to walk very far to find somewhere to stop for a coffee.

In the centre of Alpbach is the rustic Austrian pub Postalm Alpbach, with indoor and outdoor seating and a lively atmosphere. They occasionally have Tyrolean bands playing.

Up in the mountains, next to the main gondola, you’ll find Dauerstoa Alm, boasting a large decking area with sun loungers – ideal for admiring the fantastic views and watching the world go by. Their cakes are also sublime.

A short walk from the town centre is Café Genuss, a pretty little café with friendly staff and a charming atmosphere. Great for breakfast, lunch or just a slice of cake, the café also has an adjoining shop selling beautiful homewares and gifts.

The bus service between the villages in the valley is easy to use and is free with your Alpbachtal Seenland Card.

The lifts in the area run from late May/early June to October.

The nearest station is in Brixlegg, which can be reached by bus. Trains run east to Kundl Gorge (6 minutes). Heading west, there are trains to Jenbach (10 minutes), the Schwaz silver mines (15 minutes) and Wattens for Swarovski Crystal World (25 minutes). Trains also go south towards Mayrhofen and the cog railway goes to Achensee.

There are enough routes around Alpbach to interest every level of walker. Start with easy paths through the valley and meadows and then head up to more challenging hikes up in the mountains.

Alpbach village may be small but there's a wealth of walks surrounding it. Start with a relaxed stroll along the valley, through Alpine meadows and around any of the five lakes nearby. There's also a gondola that stays open from May/June to October, so you can ride up to the peak and see unforgettable views across the Tyrol region. At the summit, there are plenty of mountain hikes as well as easier routes such at the Panorama Path. When you need a break, you can stop for a drink at an Alpine hut.

Learn more about the nature surrounding you on this themed walk. From St Oswald’s Church, follow the road over the wooden bridge to the start of the trail. Along the woodland path, there are over 50 information boards which tell you all about the local flora and fauna, as well as spiritual healing stones and trees meant to cleanse your body and soul. This easy route takes just 45 minutes.

Catch the Weidersberger Horn gondola up to the summit and follow route A40. It’s a circular path which offers incredible 360 degree views over the Tyrol region as far as the eye can see. On clear days, you can see all the way to the Glacial Tuxertal and Karwendel mountains. When you get back to the start, you can walk all the way down to Alpbach or take the gondola.