Fiss in Tyrol

• Municipality in Tyrol
• Located on the “sun terrace”, in the Oberes Gericht area, approx. 500 metres above the Inntal valley
• Altitude: 1,436 metres above sea level
• Inhabitants: approx. 1,000 

Village Map of Fiss Winter
Village Map of Fiss Summer

Official website of the Fiss municipality.
Official website Fisser Blochziehen. (German)

In Fiss in the Tyrolean Oberinntal valley, customs are still well and alive. Especially, one of the oldest traditions: the Blochziehen. But what is that? Every four years during Carnival, locals pull a 35-metre stone pine log through the village. The so-called “Bloch” symbolizes a plough breaking up the soil for sowing, making it fertile. The spectacle is accompanied by revellers in colourful costumes and other figures wearing elaborate masks. The rite is supposed to illustrate the tremendous natural forces that the inhabitants of the Tyrolean Alps have always been exposed to in both summer and winter. 

As a matter of fact, this carnival season highlight was declared “Intangible World Cultural Heritage” by the UNESCO in 2011! 

Are you interested in the history of Fiss?  Then let’s go on a little journey back in time to the early days of the mountain village. By the way: It’s not quite clear where the village’s name “Fiss” comes from. Probably from the Latin word “Fossa” (ditch) or “Fodia” (pit or pan). In 1288, the village was first mentioned in an official document as “Fusse”. 

• In the 1st and 2nd century AD, the Romans conquered the area and called it “Raetia”. 
• Over time, Romans mixed with the local population of Raetians and they gradually turned into the Rhaeto-Romanic people. Later, the Baiuvarii, Alemanni and colonists from the Canton of Valais settled in the area and mixed with them as well. 
• The Romans were responsible for certain novelties regarding the building trade: Instead of simple wooden huts, solid and sturdy stone houses were built.

To this day, Fiss’ history of being a Rhaeto-Romanic Haufendorf is ever-present. The 600-year-old centre and its distinctive house entrances are characteristic of the village. 

Time-honoured traditions have been preserved in the streets of Fiss. Historical buildings tell of their Romansh past and take visitors on a journey back in time. If you want to learn more about the history of Fiss during your summer holiday, then why not take part in a village tour through the winding streets of the “Haufendorf” (a village made up of irregular plots of land)? For more information and all dates check out our weekly programme and event calendar.

In 1990, Fiss put a ban on driving at night. From 11pm to 6am, cars must remain parked. An exception are holiday guests’ arrivals and departures and locals coming into or leaving the village. 

Holiday guests who have booked their accommodation in the districts of Fisser Höfe or Telfes Höfe are permitted to use their car at night as well – for instance, after an evening event. In addition, during the winter season, Fiss offers a pedestrian zone. Perfect for a leisurely walk through the village!