The view of the (painted) mountains still has the power to fascinate.

In the second half of the 19th century, Tyrol discovered its mountains. One of the prerequisites of early mountain sports and tourism was the development of the transportation system, especially the railroads. Tourism brought not only new wealth but also dangerous new ideas to what natives still call "the holy land Tyrol". The serious conflicts between conservative and liberal thinkers which resulted were signs of a society in transition.