There is no disputing that the Ötztal is one of the most renowned and favourite regions for skiers and all-round winter sports, however, this idyllic and longest valley in Tyrol (65 km) also attracts large numbers of visitors during the summer. With 45% coming in summer, Oetz is almost as busy as the winter and areas like Sölden and Obergurg welcome just over 2 million visitors every year, of which half a million come in the summer. So why do they call it the valley of superlatives?
The Ötztal has the second highest mountain in Austria, the Wildspitze (3.768 m), the highest glacier area in the Eastern alps, the highest parish Obergurgl/Hochgurgl (2.150m) not to mention the Stuibenfall, the highest waterfall and the Piburger See, one of the warmest mountain lakes in Tyrol!
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Here, anyone (young and old) can find extensive possibilities to explore the unspoiled high mountain regions or the mystical deep gorges plus enjoy the famous Tyrolean cuisine.
The Ötztal valley, shaped by glaciers and being a first-class hiking region, has a lot more to offer than challenging mountain tours and idyllic family hikes. One of many highlights is the Area 47 by Oetz, which will be open to action sports enthusiasts daily from 27th of April. Rafting, canyoning, cave tours, indoor motorsports, one of the highest rope courses as well as a water arena with extreme water activities like wakeboarding, blobbing and a outdoor ski ramp into water leave no wishes unfulfilled. More fun and thrills are guaranteed when rafting in the wild waters of Haiming, Oetz or Sautens.
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For those who prefer a more relaxed approach and like to immerse themselves into culture and the high alpine history of Tyrol, we recommend the archaeological open-air park “Ötzi-Dorf”. Let yourself be taken back 5.000 years into the Neolithic period of the famous Ötzi Iceman. Visitors can experience the lives of hunting and and farming during that time first hand. Next to the Ötzi-Dorf and situated on a 5.000 m2 area at the foot of the Stuibenfall, there is the birds of prey park. The spectacular flying demonstrations of various raptors and birds of prey really makes for a unique and unforgettable experience. In addition, one can learn more about Tyrolean falconry.
Worth a visit: between 18.04. and 21.10.2018, visitors can admire the lit waterfall (Stuibenfall) at night between 20:30 and midnight from observation platforms in Niederthai and Umhausen.
On rainy days, one can seek out the Aqua-Dome Thermal Spa in Längenfeld to unwind and totally relax in various open air pools (e.g. the river basin or sport pool) surrounded by views of the mountains. Then there is “Noah’s Ark of the Alps” which guarantees endless fun for children.
More opportunities and activities await when one heads towards Sölden, Zwieselstein, Obergurgl and Vent.
Sölden offers a 700 km bike freeride and downhill paradise. The Bike Republic Sölden provides the ultimate adrenaline kick for all mountain bike enthusiasts. Shaped lines, nature trails, enduro trails and pump tracks attract bikers off all ages and levels.
Wetter days can be spent at the “Freizeitarena” in Sölden. Facilities include a swimming pool, a sauna, a gym and several tennis courts.
In Zwieselstein there are many wonderful walks, for example through the dramatic “Kühtrainschlucht” to Sölden or up to the “Brunnenberg” to the “Lenzenalm” and last but not least, and especially for those with a sweet tooth, the cosy 300 year-old “Sahnestüberl” (cream parlour) with it’s reputation for the best cakes.
Definitely worthwhile is also a trip to Italy from the convenient starting point in Zwieselstein. The Timmelsjoch-Hochalpenstrasse takes travellers from Obergurgl to the pretty spa town Meran within one and a half hours, and takes in some of the best views in Südtirol.
Highly promising is also the high alpine panoramic trail from the Tiefenbachferner (glacier) from an altitude of 2.800m to the village of Vent. Hikers climb above 900m in altitude with spectacular views of the Ötztaler and Stubaier Alps.
An absolute must for every mountaineer and anybody staying in Zwieselstein is the 3.100 m local peak known as the Nederkogl (3.163m). The hike does not require any ropes nor a guide but it still represents an exciting challenge and offers unbeatable views. Extremely popular among the locals, it takes between 3 and 4 hours from the Lenzenalm and takes you past the crystal clear Nedersee. From Zwieselstein to the Lenzenalm, the walk takes about an hour. Good boots, spare clothing and sure-footedness are essential. It is recommended to start early in the morning to avoid the hot midday sun and perhaps be able to admire the sunrise from over the mountain tops! The whistling of the marmots accompanies on the way and once in a while you even catch a glimpse of them and then higher golden eagles and chamois are not uncommon as well as wonderful flora, including alpine roses, gentian and edelweiss. Once you reach the summit, depending on temperature and wind speeds, there is time to relax and enjoy the view into the Ötztal valley and over to the Tiefenbachferner (glacier) and of course sign the visitor book. During the descent, it’s tradition to stop at the Lenzenalm for a “Brettljausen” of Speck, cheese, homemade bread as well as an ice-cold Austrian beer.
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In Zwieselstein, the road forks into the Venter and Gurgl valleys, each on it’s own worth visiting for different reasons: Vent as a quiet and charming insider tip and Gurgl as the internationally known resorts of Obergurgl and Hochgurgl.
In Obergurgl-Hochgurgl, der Diamant der Alpen, the choice for walkers and climbers seems infinite with an astounding 21 glacier-topped mountain peaks higher than 3000 metres … but not to worry if this seems a little daunting as viewpoints like “Top Mountain Star” (3.080 m) or the “Hohe Mut Alm” (2.670 m) can also be reached via cable car.
The true, rustic Tyrolean village character lies in Vent, where highly recommended is a family trip to the “Rofenhöfen” where one crosses a long suspension bridge with views down the “Rofenschlucht” gorge.
Those who want to be on top of the world, should try paragliding or tandem flying in Sölden starting from the “Mittelstation” on the “Gaislachkogelbahn”. Further up, you get to the prestigious “Ice Cube” Restaurant where you can indulge in culinary highlights à la James Bond.
New this Summer (July 2018) will be the 007 Elements James Bond theme park, a cinematic installation, which will give exciting insights into the making of the films.
To plan as many activities at different venues as possible we recommend the great deal of the Ötztal Card which saves you money, time and hassle. The Ötztal card can be purchased for 3, 7 or 10 days and helps you organise various local activities in a stress-free and cost-effective way. They included free public transport offers and connections to most venues.
In 2018, Kristall Spaces will be building property for sale in Obergurgl and Sölden. There are still 3 apartment left for sale.
