A season for all the senses: The golden glow of autumn in the Innsbruck Region

Last updated on 09.09.2026 | Innsbruck Tourismus

The air gets cooler, the light grows softer and the trees take on new tints day by day: with its fiery larches, encounters with wildlife and many moments to savour, autumn in the Innsbruck region is a time of change and slowing down, but it also offers a chance to venture out once more – to admire, discover or simply catch your breath.

Every year, “burning larches” cast a red and gold glow over the Mieming Plateau. © Innsbruck Tourismus/Ashley Wiggins

Autumn ablaze: burnished larches and gilded trails
When autumn arrives, the famous “burning larches” on the Mieming Plateau put on one of the finest natural spectacles to be seen in the Innsbruck region. As the needles on these trees change colour, the mountainsides and forests are bathed in a glow of red and gold – lending the whole landscape a magnificent, momentary lustre. In the autumn, when the trails are quieter and the views reach further than ever, this show of colour takes on a particular magic of its own.

Primordial natural rituals can be witnessed in the Sellraintal valley, where you can spot local wildlife. © Innsbruck Tourismus

Sounds of the season: roaring deer and alpine wildlife
As the deer start to rut in the Sellraintal valley, they perform one of most primordial natural rituals of the year. From late September to early October, the bellowing of these majestic beasts cuts through the tranquillity of this otherwise peaceful place with a sonorous roar. During this season, the valley becomes a world of its own – as you will discover if you happen to be passing through it, or any of its tributary valleys. But if you prefer closer encounters with the animal world, you will find just what you’re looking for at Innsbruck’s Alpine Zoo, where around 2,000 native alpine species offer a chance to experience the wilderness of the mountains just a stone’s throw from the city.

In the Lüsenstal valley, the tranquillity of autumn falls over the landscape, turning it into a world of its own. © Innsbruck Tourismus/Anna Lena Duschl

From curious creatures to magnificent beasts, you can see alpine animals up close at Innsbruck’s Alpine Zoo. © Innsbruck Tourismus/Luca Jänichen

Cosy comfort: settle down and switch off
As the leaves rustle in the cooling wind and the days grow shorter, the cosy warmth of an indoor retreat becomes more inviting than ever. Day spas such as the ones at Hotel dasMEI n Mutters or the Walzl hotel in Lans are ideal for taking some impromptu time out to relax and recharge. And at the saunas, pools and peaceful oases offered by the region’s wellness havens – like the Holzleiten Nature Hideaway Tirol and the Alpenresort Schwarz on the Mieming Plateau – nature, escape and enjoyment are all part of the experience.

After a day out in the fresh autumn air, the region’s wellness retreats offer cosy warmth and a chance to unwind. © Innsbruck Tourismus/Manuel Kottersteger

Mouthwatering moments: time for tasting and toasting
Whether you’re rounding off a day in the mountains with a tasty treat or simply enjoying local flavours, the hearty autumnal fare served up at the region’s welcoming inns and elegant restaurants offers a real feast for the senses. The Schwarzfischer restaurant in Stams, for instance, specialises in fish fresh from its own fish farm – and you can even try your hand with a fishing rod yourself if you wish. The season’s culinary delights are not just confined to food, however – they extend to the local wines on offer too: the Romasi winery up on the Hattingerberg mountain provides varieties made from grapes cultivated on the surrounding terraces, perfectly paired with Tyrolean specialities.

The Schwarzfischer restaurant in Stams serves up fresh fish from pond to plate. © Innsbruck Tourismus/Stefan Ringler

The Romasi winery showcases autumn in style with fine wines, great food and views of the surrounding vineyard. © Innsbruck Tourismus/Eva Beer

Tip: To make the most of autumn in the Innsbruck region, we recommend taking a look at the Experience Program, which offers a range of seasonally tailored experiences spanning the city and the mountains.

About the Innsbruck region
The Innsbruck region is unique in its symbiosis of vibrant urbane space and captivating alpine landscape. It covers both Innsbruck itself – the capital of Tyrol – and over 40 locations in the surrounding area, with six distinct tourist regions: Innsbruck, Inntal-Telfs, Kühtai-Sellraintal, Mieminger Plateau, Patscherkofel Region and Western Plateau. Innsbruck offers all the sights and sophistication of a thriving city, yet sporting thrills and opportunities to conquer your next peak are never very far away. The free Welcome Card offers guests the chance to experience the region in all its diversity, with access to various attractions and free use of local public transport. The official destination management organisation for the Innsbruck region is Innsbruck Tourismus. Its 100 or so employees and eleven tourist information offices are on hand to help you enjoy unforgettable holiday experiences in true harmony with our local communities and natural surroundings.

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