Even though the last few months were a challenge, the latest developments of the Coronavirus pandemic now show the situation has improved enormously.
Austria is one of those countries with the currently least infections and has been therefore able to loosen its lockdown conditions earlier. Travel into the country has been possible without any further complications since 15 June and so the people working in hospitality are staying positive about the tourism this summer and are hopeful that it’ll mainly go uphill from now on.
We currently have many German, Dutch/Belgian, Swiss and Czech tourists making their bookings for the Summer thanks to the following criteria which make them feel more comfortable with this type of holiday:
- Arrive by car
- State of the art kitchen in the apartment for self-catering
- Fewer staff to make contact with
- Greater social distancing
- Lots of outdoor activity
- Very low infection rates – there are currently 8 reported infections in the whole of Tirol
- Floor to ceiling windows that allow the scenery to flood into your living room area.
Meanwhile, the Paznaun tourism office is working on a repositioning strategy for Ischgl that addresses the COVID outbreak and the reputation for too much partying which is long overdue: the focus should be on the quality of the skiing and being outdoors in nature. Galtür is after all an officially recognised health resort thanks to its air purity https://www.galtuer.com/en/
We don’t foresee any negative impact on our rental projections as our serviced apartment business model supports social distancing and we will take bookings from the hotels for the foreseeable future. These serviced apartments were already the fastest growing accommodation category in Austria with an 18% increase in bookings in Winter 2018 (source: Urlaub in Ferienwohnungen boomt https://tirol.orf.at/news/stories/2904521/) but it is likely this trend will continue.
For everyone who wants to keep away from the busier holiday destinations in Austria and is craving a little more peace and a place to slow down: the picturesque climate health resort Galtür at the end of the charming Paznauntal in Tyrol is especially this summer season a recommendable destination.
Just 10 minutes from the renowned Ischgl, the quiet Galtür offers wonderful walks and hiking paths, mountain bike trails, climbing routes, lovely water springs and fresh reviving mountain air. Free from annoying pollen, Galtür has particularly clean air, which has shown positive effects on the human organism and has proven to be the perfect place for people who suffer from allergies. Magnificent landscape impressions, mountain and lake panoramas as well as untouched nature reserves awaken new energy and offer relaxation for body and mind.
Preparations for the start of the summer season in Galtür are in full swing and measures are taken by the local authorities and accommodations to ensure a safe and comfortable holiday.
Keeping certain health guidelines further under control and considering the safety of locals and guests alike, regular cleaning and disinfection of public facilities, both indoors and outdoors, will be guaranteed and special attention paid to the latest social distancing regulations.
All-inclusive Silvretta Card
Upon arrival one can pick up the free, all-inclusive Silvretta card and plan many exciting outdoor activities in the Paznaun valley. Offers at a reasonable price include cable cars and chairlifts, the Silvretta High Alpine Road, public transport, museums as well as indoor and outdoor pools. For children aged 5 -10 there is the Kids Club with a great entertainment program of alpine sports such as climbing, bouldering and hiking. Young people between the ages of 11 and 16 can take part in numerous fun activities in the Youth Club.
Still Waters Run Deep
The crystal clear, idyllic lakes of the Paznaun valley surrounded by mountain meadows or rock formations have something for everyone: No matter if you’re looking for challenging circular hikes (Koppsee-Zenisee & Wiegensee), mountain bike tours, climbing routes or just prefer to do some relaxed fishing, go swimming, cool off or arrange a lovely picnic. Ideal for a nice day trip with family or friends is a walk around the Silvretta reservoir (1,3km²) or a cozy barbecue in the evening at the high mountain lake Stafali pond surrounded by three stone grills. Other idyllic gems that mountain hikers should not miss out on are the Radsee in Galtür and the Wiegensee, a natural monument in the protected high moor landscape with a view of the Silvretta glacier peaks.
Galtür: An Alpine Idyll
Even the writer Ernest Hemingway recognised Galtür’s rustic charm and found inspiration in the beautiful landscape for his literary work between 1925 and 1926. Hemingway, who was extremely passionate about ski tours, enjoyed exploring the Silvretta mountain group whilst staying in Galtür. There, he also worked on his first novel The Sun Also Rises (Fiesta) and many short stories, including the pictorial narrative An Alpine Idyll which immerses the reader into the simple and spartan way of living in the high mountains of Galtür.
Magnificent mountains
The Galtür cable car is now open from 03 July to 27 September 2020 and transports you up the mountain with breathtaking views over the Paznaun region. From 05 July the Birkhahnbahn will take you from Galtür to 2,050m above sea level for a challenging but not too difficult hiking experience. The adventure hike from Ischgl to the Idalp (2320m) including two over 100m long and 70m high suspension bridges (Kitzloch and Bärenfalle) is a fun day out for the whole family and even dogs can be brought along for this one. The Little Ballun is suitable for families with children (from 8 years) and offers a wonderful view of the Silvretta peaks. The difficulty level for that one was marked as easy, however, suitable equipment, previous hiking experience and a basic endurance can be of advantage. The high alpine adventure park Vider Truja by Lake Vidersee really isn’t an ordinary hiking trail.
In a playful way with water mills, climbing frames, a water playground and a water guiding system one can learn more about the versatile element of water. The Vider Truja is a perfect way to spend a day in hot weather and can either be reached via a 7.5 km hiking trail from Ischgl or comfortably with the Silvretta cable car. For all the experienced hikers out there we also recommend the Paznaun Höhenweg which can be completed in a few days and leads over 9 stages, 11,000 meters in altitude and 120km past alpine meadows and mountain lakes. For walking and hiking tours you need good equipment and stable (ideally ankle-high) footwear, sun protection, headgear and rainwear as well as a small energising snack and plenty of water are advisable. It is best to start early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and for very early risers, to admire the stunning sunrise. A good level of fitness is required for most (but especially for moderate-difficult) hiking trails.
On cloud nine
With the SkyFly (03 July -13 September) you fly at 50m from the Silvretta middle station with up to 85km back to the Ischgl village centre. Side by side you can float into the valley on two ropes and share this special experience that boosts the adrenaline.
or those who prefer to stay on the ground we recommend a visit to the unique Alpinarium exhibition museum in Galtür. The clever and practical architecture of the Alpinarium combines the building with the 345m long and 19m high avalanche protection wall. You can visit the permanent exhibition on the history of Galtür and its inhabitants plus other interesting exhibitions, photo galleries and multifaceted seminars. Directly at the Alpinarium you’ll also find Austria’s highest natural stone climbing wall (25m) and the bouldering area in Silvapark has around 160 natural stone boulders with 8 different sectors of all degrees of difficulty. Other exciting leisure and sport activities such as horse riding, rafting, canyoning, or even adrenaline-charged paragliding ensure a unique holiday experience in nature. The Silvrettabahn, Flimjochbahn, Flimsattelbahn, Alp Trider and Sattelbahn run from 03 July to 13 September. Other opening times of the mountain railways in surrounding villages are:
Ischgl: 3 July – 13 September 2020
Paznaun: 26 June – 27 September 2020
See: 26. June – 20 September 2020
Kappl: 3. July – 20 September 2020
Enjoy the wonderful Tyrolean hospitality and look forward to the perfect balance of eventful and relaxing days in the natural paradise of Galtür with clean mountain air.
All-Suite Resort Paznaun
The All-Suite Resort Paznaun consisting of 46 apartments is located in an incredible location with breathtaking mountain views. A spa including a heated 13m long outdoor panoramic pool, a restaurant and bar ensure a comfortable and relaxing stay.
The professional operator All-Suite Resorts will rent and market the apartments for you and thanks to year-round tourism in the Paznaun alpine idyll strong returns can be generated here.
Contact us today so we can register your interest in this project. We would also be happy to send you floor plans, prices and current availability and arrange a phone call to discuss the purchase process as well as financing options for tourism residences in detail.
