When to Visit Tirol – A Month By Month Guide: March (Welcome, Spring!)
For winter-loving sun worshippers, the best time to visit Tirol is arguably March, the month of fresh, lively, new beginnings. The year’s second season marks the end of the coldest days and sparks a feeling of renewal. Summer is on the horizon—but ski turns on corn, slush, or powder are yet to be indulged.
The transition is simply sweet, from the sun warming the soil to the birds’ songs in the trees. Some Alpine flowers such as snowdrops even push their delicate blossoms through the snow, just after spring has set in down in the valley, while winter still reigns up on the mountains. Spring skiing is especially enjoyable for those who still want to spend the longer days on skis. The days are warm, the snow is soft, and the lift lines are fast. Down in the valley, many have swapped their skis for a mountain bike to welcome spring on two wheels. Along with the warmer days also come the hopes of sipping your latte outdoors again after strolling through town.
March Activities
Early flowers like the Christmas rose, also called Winter Rose, start pushing their heads up from under the residual snow in March. The striking whitish flowers bloom often in the snow, at elevations up to 1900 meters above sea level. Hikers start hitting the trails again, often leading them to mountain lodges where they can gather new strength over hearty local fare. In Kufstein you can join a guided Christmas Rose Hike atop Brentenjoch. The wonderful walk winds along Duxeralm and Brentenjochalm Apine pasture huts, passing most spectacular wild Christmas rose meadows and mountainsides. In scenic Halltal Valley, which is part of Karwendel Nature Park, hikers are rewarded by one of Tirol’s most unique wildflower displays in spring. Close to the car park in Absam you will see Christmas roses dotting the mountainside along the way. And lucky ones might even spot chamois in vicinity to second Lad Hut. Learn More.
March Sightseeing
Between the star-studded slopes and exhilarating sports exist the cultural gems that elevate a March visit to Tirol from super to superb. Like the historic small town of Hall for example. The winding lanes, punctuated by pastel-coloured townhouses and dotted by tiny shops and sidewalk cafes, are made for aimless ambling. The wonderfully preserved historic center of Hall is actually larger than that of Tirol’s capital Innsbruck. Along with the longer days and the sun warming the place with its rays, Hall’s rich bundle of pastel buildings and cobbled streets resembles an Italian town. This beautiful town grew important on the riches of salt in the Middle Ages. Artfully combining ancient history with contemporary flourishes, this real gem is definitely worth taking a closer look at. Just in case you’ll visit on a rainy day, head to Münze Hall, the Hall Mint Museum at Hasegg Castle. The first silver coin, the Taler, was coined in Hall and became a valued currency throughout the world. Many currencies such as the US Dollar share the origin from the first high denomination silver coin. On display is a replica of the world’s first roller-press coining machine that replaced the minting by hammer. At the heart of town lies the noteworthy Mining Museum, where visitors can take a trip back in time to see how salt was mined in the Halltal Valley in time long past. And if you happen to visit on a sunny day, the delightful cafes on Upper Town Square offer a refuelling retreat for sightseers; idyllic locations to sit and watch the world go by over a latte.
March Events
Keen on reaching higher grounds? A kaleidoscope of colours takes over the sky above Achensee, Tirol’s largest lake. What better way to experience ballooning and the Achensee International Balloon Days, than taking a balloon ride? Find yourself in a thatched basket hundreds of feet up, looking down on the snow-capped peaks and summits of majestic Karwendel Mountain Range. As you will go up, up and away, warm winter clothing is strongly recommended. A special night of celebration and fun is the Night Glow. Imagine rows upon rows of bulbous luminaries, dozens of feet tall, lit up from the glow of flames on the shores of Achensee Lake.
The possibilities of March in Tirol are truly endless and, in spring fashion, the excitement for the year is just getting started. Along with the warmer days and budding blooms that symbolize spring also come the longer and warmer days that lure everyone outdoors again, with the possibility to explore cultural gems and the exciting feeling of trying new outdoor activities.
Benjamin Stolz lives and loves the contrasts of Tirol. Despite being born and raised in this mountainous region, he is afraid of heights. He is a paper-loving online blogger, a city dweller from the countryside and a firm believer that there is more to discover in Tirol than you might think.
