Home  >  Active in Ötztal  > Hiking in the Ötztal valley

PERFECT HIKING SEASON IN THE ÖTZTAL

Leisurely walks on the valley floor or along picture-book Waalweg trails, easy excursions to idyllic pasturelands and mountain huts close to crystal clear Alpine lakes, adventurous hut tours to the area's most scenic vantage points or truly challenging peak conquests for expert hikers – surrounded by mighty summits beyond 3000 meters above sea level: the unique Ötztal Nature Park has a varied choice of trails and tours for all skill levels.

 

It is important that you feel comfortable, that you feel the nature around you - then mountaineering makes you incredibly happy.

Hans Kammerlander

HIKING TOURS & ROUTES IN ÖTZTAL

HIKING HOLIDAYS IN THE ÖTZ VALLEY

Summer holidays stand for unlimited mountain exploration – and Tirol makes a real paradise for walking fans! Especially the scenic Ötztal boasts an infinite number of trails, ranging from easy loop tours for the whole family to demanding glacier tour or peak conquests for experienced mountaineers. Hut-to-hut hikes, pastureland routes, theme trails, lake hikes, high elevation routes and Alpine tours – on your own or guided by a certified mountain expert. Incredible 1300 kilometers of superb walking tracks, hiking routes, Alpine footpaths and trekking trails await you here. Have fun and enjoy the ultimate Peak of Tirol!

ALPINE TOURS IN ÖTZTAL

Great tours for all those who want to go further – to scenic huts or summits at the heart of the Ötztal Alps offering incredible 250 peaks higher than 3000 meters. Uninterrupted panoramic views accompany you on all high elevation routes, ranging from walks that require only a couple of hours to challenging multi-day treks for sporty hikers along the ultimate Ötztal Trek or Eagle Walk.

Hiking highlights

The splendid long-distance Ötztal Trek allows hikers and mountaineers to experience Ötztal's highest regions and pristine natural beauty!

6 route sections comprise 22 hiking stages and 15 variations offering a total elevation gain of some 30,000 meters on a distance of 400 kilometers. The scenic Ötztal Trek travels from its trailhead in Ötztal-Bahnhof in eastern direction from hut to hut and across saddles, ridges and peaks to Obergurgl and Vent, before it heads back westwards along the Geigenkamm ridge to Ötztal-Bahnhof.

6 route sections with 2 - 5 day stages are just perfect for a memorable holiday at the Peak of Tirol, amidst the awe-inspiring Ötztal Alps. Of course, prior hiking experience is needed for all routes. The trails are signposted according to the "Tirolean Mountain Trail Concept": most of the routes are "black mountain trails" which are difficult and demanding while other sections have "red" trail markers and are of intermediate difficulty.

However, if a path leads across a glacier blazing and signs will most likely be missing. Knowing the weather forecast for the area where you are hiking and detailed tour planning are also essential. Proper hiking equipment is required for all tours: ankle-high boots with sturdy soles, wind and rain protection, sunscreen, possibly hiking poles, and a hat and gloves for the higher regions. First aid kits are vital pieces of hiking equipment.

 

WALKS WHICH INTRODUCE ALL THE DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF WATER IN THE ÖTZTAL VALLEY

The splendid long-distance Ötztal Trek allows hikers and mountaineers to experience Ötztal's highest regions and pristine natural beauty!

6 route sections comprise 22 hiking stages and 15 variations offering a total elevation gain of some 30,000 meters on a distance of 400 kilometers. The scenic Ötztal Trek travels from its trailhead in Ötztal-Bahnhof in eastern direction from hut to hut and across saddles, ridges and peaks to Obergurgl and Vent, before it heads back westwards along the Geigenkamm ridge to Ötztal-Bahnhof.

6 route sections with 2 - 5 day stages are just perfect for a memorable holiday at the Peak of Tirol, amidst the awe-inspiring Ötztal Alps. Of course, prior hiking experience is needed for all routes. The trails are signposted according to the "Tirolean Mountain Trail Concept": most of the routes are "black mountain trails" which are difficult and demanding while other sections have "red" trail markers and are of intermediate difficulty.

However, if a path leads across a glacier blazing and signs will most likely be missing. Knowing the weather forecast for the area where you are hiking and detailed tour planning are also essential. Proper hiking equipment is required for all tours: ankle-high boots with sturdy soles, wind and rain protection, sunscreen, possibly hiking poles, and a hat and gloves for the higher regions. First aid kits are vital pieces of hiking equipment.

Further information about hiking in the Ötztal can be found here.

Water, the element which has shaped the Ötztal valley

The glaciers are melted by the sunshine, releasing freshwater which feeds into the meadows and the Ötztaler Ache river which winds its way along the 65 km long valley. The Ötztaler Ache catchment area extends over 893 km² with an elevation from 700 to 3,774 m. This glacial meltwater fills the reservoir used by the local population and provides a supply of drinking water.

Glaciers store ¾ of the world’s freshwater reserves and therefore represent the biggest natural water storage in the world.

In 1770, the advancing ice dammed many of the big lakes here which triggered catastrophic flooding across the entire Ötztal and Inntal regions when they burst their banks. Natural hazards and disaster made people want to know more about and better understand nature, which also facilitated glacier research. The many facets of water in the Ötztal is not just of interest for scientists. The Ötztal glaciers are recreational destinations for locals and tourists alike. These ice worlds offer great hiking and skiing in surroundings of outstanding natural beauty. Crystal clear river waters swollen by icy glacier meltwater make for superb rafting, whitewater canoeing and other action-packed activities.

Hiking Pins

  • You can acquire the Ötztal Hiking Badge in BRONZE for 3, the Ötztal Hiking Badge in SILVER for 8, and the Ötztal Hiking Badge in GOLD for 16 stamps available at the official hiking stamp sites spread over the Ötztal Alps.
  • The hiking badge is available from all Ötztal Tourismus Information Offices on, presentation of the required number of hut stamps collected in the stamp book.
  • The hut stamps for the Ötztal Hiking Badge can be collected during several stays in the Ötztal.
  • The Hiking Badges are free of charge!

The most beautiful thing is the summit hour with a nice comrade, the thoughts still completely in the wall, which one has just climbed out of, and thereby the glances wander again to another destination.

Hermann Buhl

HOLIDAY TIME THAT GIVES YOU MOUNTAINS

Great tours for all those who want to go further – to scenic huts or summits at the heart of the Ötztal Alps offering incredible 250 peaks higher than 3000 meters. Uninterrupted panoramic views accompany you on all high elevation routes, ranging from walks that require only a couple of hours to challenging multi-day treks for sporty hikers along the ultimate Ötztal Trek or Eagle Walk.

I've watched out for summit attackers:  The Alps have a challenging new haute route - the Ötztal Trek with 22 stages and 15 variants, with 30,000 metres of ascent height and 400 kilometres of distance. Not only experienced alpinists or trained climbers can follow the call of the Ötztal mountains, but also comfortable walkers or mountain bikers can experience their own personal highlights in the Ötztal: 1600 kilometres of marked hiking trails and 860 kilometres of biking trails stretch over the heights, the slopes and through the bottom of the Ötztal valley.

Further information about the alpine tours in the Ötztal.

WITH THE ÖTZTAL INSIDE SUMMER CARD ALL HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDED

In summer, holidaymakers in the Ötztal can enjoy all the benefits of the Ötztal Inside Summer Card with us. All the highlights of the Ötztal valley are included in an overnight stay with us as a Premium Card partner. From the valley-wide open-air clubs to the mountain railways, outdoor swimming pools and museums, from the AREA47 to the Aqua Dome, from guided hikes to biking - the Premium Card allows you to take advantage of the offers of over 40 service partners. The Ötztal Inside Summer Card is valid from 2 June to 7 October.

MORE INFORMATION

Your hiking accommodation in the middle of the alpine region of Sölden

Our chalets and apartments invite you to hike and climb in and around the Sölden mountains and offer you modern accommodation where you can really switch off from everyday life. Above Sölden in the district Grünwald, with a magnificent view over Sölden you can enjoy your hiking vacation in peace. With the Panoramaalm there is a restaurant in the immediate vicinity in summer as well as in winter.

Alpine pastures such as the Leiterbergalm and Gampe Alm / Gampe Thaya can be reached from our house as well as the Rotkogeljochhütte from which you can enjoy a unique view of the Sölder glacier world.

Enjoy the days at The Peak and the Sölder mountain world. 

Non-binding
request