Tyrol, Federal state in western Austria
Tyrol is a federal state in western Austria that extends across the alpine chain and includes numerous mountain peaks, valleys and high plateaus. The region is divided into two separate areas: North Tyrol with the state capital Innsbruck and East Tyrol, which is spatially separated by Salzburg and South Tyrol.
The territory came under Habsburg rule in the 14th century after the last Tyrolean countess transferred her lands to Austria. After World War I the southern territory was ceded to Italy, creating the current two-part form.
Painted house facades often show religious motifs or rural scenes, an old form of wall decoration that is still maintained today. Many residents wear traditional garments for festivals and holidays, cut and embroidered differently depending on the valley.
Most towns lie in river valleys, while higher elevations are accessible only by mountain roads and cable cars. Many mountain passes close in winter, while tunnels and lower routes remain open year-round.
The highest point rises above 3700 meters (12,100 feet), the lowest below 500 meters (1640 feet), so the landscape spans from glacier territory to valley floor within a few kilometers. This elevation difference brings completely different climate and vegetation zones within short distances.
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