Fiss in Tirol
Authentic village
On a flat, south-facing “sun terrace” lies the tranquil village of Fiss. This Rhaeto-Romanic clustered village, with its 600-year-old centre and distinctive doorways, attracts countless holiday guests to Tirol. And it’s not just the authentic charm of the village. Visitors can truly feel how much care is taken of them here. The action-packed leisure attractions also add greatly to the appeal of the village.
A holiday region for families
A record-breaking 2,000 hours of sunshine are recorded every year on Tirol’s sun terrace. This means plenty of time to discover the natural beauty of Fiss at its very best. Especially for families, the mountain village is a haven of relaxation combined with a wide range of entertainment. Whether it’s ski courses in Berta’s Kinderland, soaring through the air with the Fisser Flieger or experiencing the giant Skyswing – everything is possible.
Historical facts about Fiss
Interested in the history of Fiss? Then join us on a little journey through the past of this mountain village. To begin with: the origin of the name “Fiss” is hard to determine. It probably derives from the Latin “Fossa” (= ditch) or “Fodia” (= pit or hollow). In 1288, the name “Fusse” was mentioned for the first time in a document.
- In the 1st and 2nd century AD, the Romans conquered the land and called it “Raetia”.
- Over time, the Romans mixed with the inhabitants of the mountain village, giving rise to the Rhaeto-Romanic people. Bavarii, Alemanni and settlers from the canton of Valais also joined them.
- The Romans introduced new building techniques: instead of simple wooden huts, solid houses of stone were built.
Even today, in the Rhaeto-Romanic clustered village of Fiss, history is ever-present. The more than 600-year-old village centre and the distinctive doorways continue to shape the village’s appearance.
Traffic calming
Since 1990, a night driving ban has been in place in Fiss during the holiday season. From 11pm to 6am the rule in the mountain village is: engines off. The only exceptions are guests arriving or departing, and residents who need to enter or leave the village.
Holidaymakers who have booked accommodation in the hamlets of Fisser Höfe or Telfes Höfe may also use their cars at night, for example after an evening event. In winter, Fiss also offers a pedestrian zone, allowing for a leisurely stroll through the village.
"Fisser Blochziehen"
Traditional carnival custom in Fiss
In Fiss, in the Upper Inn Valley of Tirol, one of the oldest Tyrolean traditions is kept alive: the Blochziehen. What is it all about? Every four years, at carnival time, the villagers of Fiss drag a 35-metre-long stone pine log through the village. The “Bloch” symbolises a plough that is meant to break up the earth and make it fertile. The spectacle is accompanied by vibrant colours and masks. They express the immense forces of nature that the farming population of the Tyrolean Alps has always been and still is exposed to, both in summer and winter. Since 2011, this carnival custom has been part of the intangible UNESCO World Heritage!
