A PARADISE FOR CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING AND ALPINE PLATEAUS
Uniquely magnificent
Meteorologically marvellous, scenically stunning. Once, the beauty of the Seefeld region of Tyrol was reserved for those ‘in-the-know’, later achieving world fame as one of the venues of the Winter Olympic Games in Innsbruck in 1964 and 1976.
Events for a total of three Winter Olympics were held here, earning the area the name: Olympiaregion Seefeld. Although, meanwhile, several other winter sports championships have been held here, not least the Nordic World Ski Championships in 1985 and 2019, Seefeld is still commonly referred to as the Olympic Region. The snowboarding community has also discovered Seefeld region. The Air & Style Snowboard Contest is a major event in snowboarding circles and was held on the Seefeld Plateau from 2000 to 2004. Since 2003, FIS Nordic Combined World Championships have been held regularly in Seefeld in Tyrol.
ALPINE PLATEAU PARADISE
Gaistal offers a paradisical collection of alpine plateaus and fields, surrounded by the Wetterstein and Mieminger mountain ranges, and the stunning beauty of the Seefeld Plateau, to guarantee guests at Hotel Kristall a dream of a summer vacation. Hiking, Nordic walking, running, cycling, mountain-biking, Segway riding, horse-riding, golfing and swimming can all be enjoyed here. The mild climate simply adds to the pleasure gained from every activity.
A DREAMY
The snow comes early, falls heavily and stays long during winters in the Seefeld region, so the Seefeld Plateau is perfect for unforgettable winter vacations. There’s a large network of cross-country skiing trails across the Seefeld Plateau to guarantee skiing joy for everyone – from beginners to past masters. Skiers and snowboarders delight at the excellently prepared slopes, and at the magnificent views from the sun decks of the alpine hut restaurants as they gaze down into Leutaschtal Valley. The skiing resorts in Seefeld are linked up by a free ski bus service, so variety and thrills on the slopes are guaranteed.
WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES IN SEEFELD
From a sporting point of view, the Seefeld region has made history on many occasions. Seefeld has officially hosted Winter Olympic Games events on two occasions in the disciplines of Cross-Country Skiing and Nordic Combined, and has also staged the Winter Youth Olympics. So, there’s something of an Olympic tradition in Seefeld. Seefeld was also the venue for the Nordic Ski World Championships on two different occasions.
The Olympic flame was first ignited at the Games in Innsbruck in 1964, and the Winter Olympic Games were back in Innsbruck/Seefeld in 1976, again attracting thousands of sports fans to the region.
In 1985, Seefeld was the venue for the Nordic World Ski Championships and impressed once more with excellent facilities, reliable snow cover, stunning scenery and hearty hospitality. Since 2004, the Seefeld region has added to the list of past international successes, hosting a double Nordic Combined World Cup. The large crowds of excited spectators make this competition the top sporting event of the winter season.
In 2012, Innsbruck and Seefeld staged the first Winter Youth Olympics. 1,058 athletes between the ages of 14 and 18 years came from over 70 countries to compete in 63 sporting events. The Olympic ski jumping, cross-country skiing, Nordic Combined and biathlon were all held at Seefeld’s Nordic Centre of Excellence.
The benefits of Tyrolean hospitality and the perfectly-organised World Championship events held in previous years ensured Seefeld was chosen as the venue ahead of Oberstdorf (D), Planica (Slo) and Almaty (Kas). This was the second time the Seefeld-Leutasch region hosted the Nordic World Ski Championships after 1985.
THE UNCROWNED OLYMPIC CHAMPION
Anton ‘Toni’ Seelos (1911 - 2006) was one of the best-known natives of Seefeld region, and a skiing legend. No other Austrian skier and ski instructor since has made a greater impression on his/her alpine skiing era. As a world champion skier, he introduced fundamental changes to the slalom turn style – away from the conventional unevenly-weighted Kristiana turn to a more evenly-weighted parallel style.
Unfortunately, he was never awarded Olympic gold. As a professional ski instructor, he was not permitted to enter for the Winter Games; so when he raced in Garmisch, it was only as a pre-race slope tester. Nevertheless, he finished in a time 6 seconds better than the fastest competition skier – the subsequent Olympic champion!
NATURE & CULTURE IN THE SEEFELD REGION
The Seefeld Plateau offers a broad spectrum of entertaining features when it comes to nature and culture. Crystal clear alpine streams, mystical stone circles, the educational bee trail, an old fortress and defences, and the Geisterklamm spirit gorge in Seefeld – there’s something for everyone. The places of interest in Seefeld in Tyrol are truly worth seeing, whether on a quick trip or a full day visit.
The stunning lakes up on the Seefeld Plateau are a key aspect of the beauty of the Seefeld region in Tyrol. These lakes are far more than just natural water storage depressions or items of recreational infrastructure. They are fascinating natural phenomena with their very own geomorphic origins. More here.
The Leutascher Geisterklamm spirit gorge offers a spectacular experience of water and rock. Hellish water and plunge pools, witches’ cauldrons and devil’s water.
For more information – go to : www.leutascher-geisterklamm.at
This is a unique cultural experience not just of interest to hunters. The museum provides insights into the whole culture of hunting, the history of the village of Leutasch, and the life of Ludwig Ganghofer.
Additional information : http://www.leutasch.at/kulturhaus-ganghofermuseum/
The largest free-hanging bell in the Alps reminds us of the importance of being good neighbours – and of solidarity among Alpine countries. The peace way allows us to gather our thoughts before we see the magnificent bell.
Additional information : www.friedensglocke.at
From Pfarrhügel hill there’s a wonderful view across the village. It’s one of the most enigmatic and mystical places in the region, and is home to a stone circle and a very special work of art.
Gain fascinating insights into the lives of honey bees at a total of 9 stops, while soaking up the incredible beauty of Tyrol’s natural environment. The entire route through the woods is ideally suited to children.
Part of the area’s amazing legacy can still be seen in Scharnitz. Next to the former Austrian customs office are the ruins of the colossal ‘Porta Claudia’ fortress defences.
‘Seekirchl’ a.k.a. ‘Heiligkreuzkirch’e is one of the Seefeld’s major landmarks. This type of church is rare in Tyrol, with a baroque, domed, hexagonal-sided main building. A visit of this old church is practically a must for those interest in cultural history.
There are various wonderful and impressive places to visit less than an hour’s drive away – in Tyrol and across the border in Bavaria:
Surrounded by a mighty alpine backdrop, Innsbruck attracts large numbers of guests. Around 2 million tourists visit the Innsbruck region and the holiday villages within it every year. Innsbruck´s popularity can perchance be confirmed by its unique combination of culture, nature and sporting experiences whichever the city and tectonic settings offer.
For more information – go to: www.innsbruck.at
This village has retained its historical appearance, right up to today. The impressive centre of the market town features typical old Upper-Bavarian houses against a vast scenic backdrop.
For more information – go to: www.markt-mittenwald.de/
The first Olympic ski jump was built here back in 1923 on Gudiberg, although the Winter Olympic Games themselves were only due to be staged in Garmisch in 1936. A tour of the present-day ski jumping ramp provides a realistic insight into the world of these fearless athletes who defeat gravity and fly!
For more information – go to : www.gapa.de
A rollercoaster ride down the world’s longest summer toboggan run in Imst in Tyrol thrills kids, parents and couples alike. Belt up, make a final check, release the brake and the sturdy summer toboggan rides the rail down the valley and into Imst for a whole 12 minutes. Race 3.5 kilometres down the mountain around tight bends and over waves at a maximum height of 6 metres above the ground.
For more information – go to: www.imster-bergbahnen.at
The Stuibenfall waterfall is one of the largest and most stunning waterfalls in Tyrol. The torrents of the Horlachbach river crash and roar 159m down the valley. It’s a mighty display of the power of nature for families with children.
For more information – go to: www.umhausen.com
Water gushes out of the mouth of a giant, magically drawing the gaze of the beholder to the space within, where wondrous chambers ignite with flames of fantasy. This iconic installation is known the world over, and has been seen by over 9 million visitors.
For more information – go to: www.kristallwelten.swarovski.com
Fans of castles and palaces will discover numerous examples of such historical architecture, some very well preserved, in Tyrol, South Tyrol and Bavaria. Some of the best-known examples are Schloss Tirol, Schloss Tratzberg and Neuschwanstein Castle in Füssen.
For more information – go to: www.neuschwanstein.de
