In Austria's Tyrol region, a travel writer discovers a lesser-known Alpine destination with breathtaking hikes and hearty local food, just an hour from Innsbruck. The area, including the villages of Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, offers an uncrowded alternative to more popular Alpine resorts, with direct flights from the UK starting at £30 one-way.
An Unspoiled Alpine Escape
While Austria boasts the largest share of the Alps, the French Alps remain the top choice for Brits due to cross-Channel driving access. Around 1.2 million British tourists visit French resorts annually, compared to 980,000 in Austria. In Fiss, one of the few Alpine resorts with strong warm-weather tourism, the crowds are noticeably thinner.
The rise of the 'coolcation' trend, with destinations like the Canaries and Greece struggling with mass tourism, has made Alpine escapes more appealing. Skyscanner reports that global hotel searches and bookings for mountain views have spiked this year, as travellers seek outdoor activities like trail walking, mountain biking, and lake swimming.
Culinary Autumn and Local Flavours
The village hosts a month-long 'Culinary Autumn' celebration featuring fine food and wellbeing. At the Beef Club, Schlosshotel Fiss's Michelin-starred restaurant, visitors can join herb workshops to learn about alpine plants. Traditional Tyrolean dishes, including deep-fried yeast dough pastries with cranberry jam, are highlights.
A harvest festival brings the community together, with craftspeople selling handmade goods and vintage tractors parading through the streets.
Walking and Wellness in the Alps
A 20-minute walk from Fiss leads to Lake Wolfsee, a glacial reservoir popular with locals. The wheelchair-accessible circular route offers a light afternoon walk. For more adventurous visitors, the Super Sommer Card (€7.50 per day) provides unlimited use of open summer gondolas and cable cars, while the €10 alpine coaster offers an adrenaline-filled descent.
Schlosshotel Fiss offers double rooms from £465 per night, including luxury board dining. Budget options include Hotel Fliesserhof in Serfaus from £81 per night and Gasthof Rieder Stub from £135. Flights from London Gatwick to Innsbruck start at £30 one-way, with car rental around £48 per day for the hour-long drive to Fiss.
