Alpbach
Why Alpbach is the most beautiful village in Austria
A place of idyllic magnificence and beauty: Alpbach in the midst of the Kitzbühel Alps. Alpbach owes its title "Austria's Most Beautiful Village" to its uniform, traditional wooden architecture and its abundance of colourful flowers. The Tyrolean municipality is also characterised by many other special features - our summary provides the most important information!
As soon as you stand in the centre of Alpbach, you will immediately notice that tradition, customs and craftsmanship are very important to the inhabitants of this quaint mountain village, whose rich tradition stems from its long seclusion in an Alpine location: the connecting road to the valley has only existed since 1926.
It is immediately apparent on your very first walk: the village of Alpbach exudes a special sense of harmony. The reason for this lies in a conscious decision taken by the local council. As early as 1953, building regulations were introduced stipulating that all new buildings must be constructed in the traditional Alpbach half-timbered style.
Characteristic features include the timber-framed façades from the first floor upwards, the uniform roof shapes and the lovingly designed balconies. As a result, the village’s original character has been preserved to this day – making Alpbach one of the most beautiful and authentic places in Tyrol.
This interplay of tradition, natural materials and clear rules ensures that the houses blend perfectly into the alpine landscape – and that Alpbach retains its very special charm.
In Alpbach, you can not only taste it – you can actually see it.
Following an analysis and visualisation of the water crystals, the town’s drinking water was awarded a Certificate of Excellence by AQA – Aqua Quality Austria and ARC Seibersdorf Research. Alpbach is thus the first ‘Crystal Town’ in Austria to hold this special title.
What’s behind it? Water of exceptional quality – clear, pure and straight from the mountains. Its exceptional quality is evident not only in its fresh taste, but also in the delicate, unique structure of every single drop.
The visualisation of the water crystals allows you to experience this natural product in a whole new way. It gives the water a face, a distinctive fingerprint – and draws attention to something that is often taken for granted: the mindful use of our most important resource.
And sometimes this special water becomes something even greater:
In Alpbach, it is also used to make beer – brewed in Austria’s smallest brewery.
You can enjoy this high-quality drinking water anywhere in Alpbach. Whether on a hike through the blossoming alpine pastures, on a stroll through the village or along the numerous paths around the town – fountains and springs constantly invite you to take a refreshing break.
Just pause for a moment, take a deep breath and enjoy a sip of Alpbach crystal water – this is what a true connection with nature feels like.
Are you wondering where this special mountain village is located? Alpbach is situated in Tyrol, in western Austria. Nestled in the Kitzbühel Alps, it forms part of the Alpbachtal holiday region and is only about 30 minutes from Innsbruck.
Despite its easy accessibility, a genuine Tyrolean mountain idyll awaits you here – with traditional half-timbered architecture, flower-filled balconies and sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.
The mountain village lies at an altitude of around 1,000 metres above sea level, offering you the perfect setting for fresh mountain air and sweeping views. Thanks to its elevated position, you can set off directly from the village on hikes, bike rides or, in winter, to the Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau ski area. A
place that brings nature right to your doorstep – whilst remaining easily accessible in the heart of Tyrol.
Why Alpbach is different...
Preserving and maintaining our long-standing traditions is still an important concern for us. In order to preserve the original Alpbach architectural style in the long term, precise guidelines for new buildings were laid down in an ordinance in 1953, and these still apply today.
The alpine architecture - always focussing on wood - gives the picturesque mountain village its special charm.
Summer in Alpbach
In spring and summer, Alpbach's award-winning floral splendour comes to life - and is enthusiastically admired by locals and guests alike. On the wooden balconies, on window sills and in the gardens you can admire the lush variety of flowers. Humming and buzzing can be heard everywhere, while bees busily fly from flower to flower. The abundance of flowering plants generally attracts many insects to the region - a valuable contribution to living sustainability.
Good to know: Thanks to optimum transport connections and the regions ideal location you can can reach your holiday resort using sustainable options, such as trains and Regiobuses.
And best of all: public transport in the region is free of charge with the Alpbachtal Card!
Alpbach insider knowledge
The rustic mountain village on a sunny plateau in the Alpbach Valley delights its visitors with its uniform appearance and gorgeous abundance of flowers. There are countless unique and traditional features that give the village its unique charm, such as the typical dialect or traditional Alpbach furniture.
Apart from the fact that Alpbach is considered the "Most Beautiful Village in Austria", the village is among the leaders in preserving old traditions. More than twenty hereditary farms (in German "Erbhof") prove witness: on average, the farmsteads in the region have been in the individual families for over 300 years - much longer than the 200 years that define a hereditary farm.
There is much to discover in terms of cuisine. You must try the delicious Kaiserschmarren, Löffelmilch (= spoon milk) made according to a secret Alpbach recipe and Melchermus!
Discover all the Alpbach specialitiesHow do I get to Alpbach?
Whether you're driving your own car or using public transport, we'll show you how to get to us.
Interested in scientific & political topics?
In summer science plays an important role in the region. In Alpbach, the focus indeed lies on tradition and valued principles, but together with modern themes:
The unique village is world-renowned for scientific and political exchange. Great thinkers and clever minds are drawn to the Congress Centrum in Alpbach for the annual European Forum Alpbach. Once you've noticed the reflecting glass surfaces peeking out between the rustic wooden houses, you have discovered the exception to the Alpbachtal architectural style: the Congress Centrum Alpbach. In order to preserve the traditional appearance of the village, the Congress Centrum Alpbach has been cleverly integrated into the mountain in a spiral shape.
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