A journey across the 2509 m high Timmelsjoch Pass, right amidst the Ötztal glaciers, takes passionate nature fans down to South Tyrol's vineyards, Val Passiria and Merano, a lively little town. Countless vantage points and panoramic views!

The "secret gap" at the heart of the Alps is also a direct way to the South for passionate drivers who want to discover the great natural beauty of North and South Tyrol. From the autobahn exit in Ötztal/Haiming you follow the federal road through Oetz, Längenfeld, Sölden and Zwieselstein where the winding pass road starts. On your way up to Timmelsjoch you should not miss out on taking a rest and admiring the picture-book panoramic views of the valley in the South and North.

The Timmelsjoch pass itself makes a well-loved excursion site as the entire area boasts a great variety of signposted walking paths and hiking trails amid the Ötztal Alps.

 

 

The huge Ötztal Nature Park covers about 380 km² Alpine and high Alpine areas spread all over the southern Ötztal valley. Its highest elevation is the Wildspitze peak (3768 m), the lowest point can be found in the north of Sölden in the hamlet of Ambach (1270 m).

Among the protected areas of awe-some natural beauty ranks the unique "Obergurgl Stone Pine Forest", a truly unique nature treasure offering also a very interesting theme hiking trail from Obergurgl right through the splendid stone pine forest.

 

"Hohler Stein" area near Vent (2050 m) is a Stone Age hunting and shepherds base dating back to 8000-4000 years BC. Archaeological findings prove the existence of human traces in the Mesolithic period. Hunters, collectors and shepherds had their base near Vent.

After the finding of the Iceman further investigations proved the existence of more Stone Age hunting bases in the Ötztal valley, e.g. at the Hohler Stein mountain in Niedertal/Vent which is at an altitude of 2050 m and only 10 km (beeline) from the place where the Iceman was found. A wide range of archeological findings within this area prove the existence of early settlements in the Rofental valley.

 

 

Located at 2013 m, Rofen is the highest permanently settled hamlet in the Eastern Alps.

ROFENHÖFE FARMS situated at 2014 m altitude, 2 km above Vent. You can visit the world-famous Haflinger horse breeding. The farms are easily accessible on foot via the scenic, 46 meter long SUSPENSION BRIDGE over the 31 meter deep Rofen gorge. A footpath amid the rocks leads down to the brook.

A scenic route leading up to Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers at 2200 m above sea level. The road from Sölden to the glacier ski area (toll road) features two lanes.

Facts and figures:

 

• Sölden – Rettenbach glacier approx. 13 km / Rettenbach glacier – Tiefenbach glacier approx. 3 km
• Average gradient: 11%
• Maximum gradient: 13%

 

Both glaciers, Rettenbach and Tiefenbach, offer ample parking areas for cars and coaches. Europe's highest road tunnel (1.8 km) – named after skiing champion Rosi Mittermeier – connects the two glacier ski areas.

The glacier ski areas are also accessible for trucks (maximum weight: 38 tons) and all kinds of buses and coaches. Snow chains and winter tires are absolutely required.

Besides the road tunnel, the outstanding "Schwarze Schneide" ski tunnel promises unlimited winter sports fun on both glaciers. Additionally, the two glacier slopes are connected via ski lifts (Seiterkar triple chairlift & Seiterjöchl T-bar lift).

As the glacier road is located in high Alpine terrain up to 2800 m above sea level, quickly changing temperatures and heavy precipitations must be expected at any time. In the autumn and winter months it its strongly recommended to take snow chains with you. Winter tires are an absolute must.

Sölden is Austria's first ski resort offering 3 peaks higher than 3000 meters – called the BIG 3 - which are easily accessible with top modern mountain gondolas.

BIG 3 Mountains:

 

• BIG 3 - Gaislachkogl (3058 m)
• The Gaislachkogl peak at 3058 meters altitude, the first of the “Great 3” peaks, is almost small for Sölden standards. Uninterrupted 360-degree views await you on top of the panoramic platform.
• BIG 3 - Tiefenbachkogl (3250 m)
  Next in height comes Tiefenbachkogl located at the top terminal of Tiefenbachbahn mountain gondola. Revel in the picture-book panorama of Wildspitze peak (3776 m), Tirol's highest mountain.
• BIG 3 - Schwarze Schneide (3340 m)
  But Schwarze Schneide summit tops them all with 3340 meters. It is not only the highest of Sölden’s skiable mountains but also the youngest as it was developed for skiing in October of 2003. A top modern detachable mountain gondola whisks skiers on top of the peak. 

Healing sulfur springs coming from deep inside the Earth, rank among the attractions in the Ötztal. Also the "Aqua Dome" Spa Center is fed by such a rare spring.

A truly exclusive range of offers at Western Austria’s only thermal spa center offers everything your heart could possibly desire: thermal hall with 2 indoor pools (at 34° and 36° Celsius), activity pool, outdoor thermal spa with 3 pools suspended on stilts, “Arche Noah“ - separate children’s spa area, sauna world, beauty & body treatment parlor, fitness center and 4health medical competence center.

Located within 45 minutes walking distance from the village center, in the hamlet of Lehn. An original 300-year old farm house hosts Ötztal’s biggest local heritage museum, displaying the way of life and work how it used to be centuries ago.

The marvelous museum in Lehn near Längenfeld also gives an insight into rural life back to the 1950ies. The museum’s central part is a double farmhouse with a huge granary and storage stable. Right next to the building visitors find a log house with a lateral entrance corridor dating back to the 17th century.

Seeing today’s prosperity in the valley, probably you will be surprised about the simple way of life during the last centuries. What’s more, varied farming tools and devices driven by the water power of Lehnbach brook are on display. 

The trail leads through gigantic, moss-covered rocks to Winkler See lake.

Starting from Ötztaler Ache brook an interesting geo trail leads through the fascinating rockslide area. Surrounded by rocks and erratic boulders that are thousands of years old one learns plenty about the unique geological history of the area.

From some spots stuffed animals greet from trees and rocks. The trail leads to Winkler See lake which is perfect for spending some time.

A fantastic nature spectacle in the Ötztal / Umhausen. The hike begins at the large car park (parking fee) outside of the village of Umhausen. You hike past the Ötzi Village and continue on the good hiking trail through the shady forest along Horlachbach brook. 

After an approx. 35-40-minute long hike you enjoy first views of the waterfall. From there you can enjoy the fantastic nature spectacle to the full. On a small path you can get even closer to the waterfall. You can also continue on the path towards Stuibenfallhütte and watch the waterfall from many other perspectives.

On every Wednesday from May to October the waterfall is floodlit to midnight!

Farst is one of the oldest settlements of the valley, the Schwaighof farm dates back to the 13^th century.  

The hamlet of Farst in exceptional; it is also referred to as the eerie of the Ötztal valley. It towers high above the legendary Engelswand rock face and visitors who dare to tackle the ascent on the many serpentines leading through the steep rocks are rewarded with a dreamlike panoramic view and warm hospitality.

Main focus of the museum lies on pictures. The earliest ones have religious themes. Alpine landscape paintings have an only 200-year old tradition and they are a specialty of the museum!

Many renowned artists witnessed the discovery of the Ötztal Alps and they have left precious evidence. Folk art was very present in the municipalities at the entrance of the valley and this is also represented.

From time to time photography, not only as a medium of art but also as topographic evidence, is given space in the museum.

Thanks to its scenically attractive location and its relatively warm water, Piburger See lake is a popular excursion destination in the summer. The white water of the Ötztaler Ache at the Achstürze section form a contrast to this peaceful lake that is surrounded by dark forests and meadows. 

A road leads to the car park in Piburg (subject to a parking fee). The lake can only be accessed by foot. You get there through a charming valley around Piburger See brook.

The Achstürze are the white water route of the Ötztaler Ache. It can be accessed via a path and a bridge (Wellerbrücke) at a spot that is marked by the wildest eddies of the river – a first class nature experience!

The Forchet, a vast and wood-covered rock slide area, is a landscape that has only been negligibly altered by men. It is completely different from the surrounding landscapes of the entrance of the Ötztal valley.

The hiking trail can be accessed at different spots in the municipalities of Sautens, Haiming and Roppen and is well-marked. The trails have been designed in a way that the young and old can easily walk them and they also offer resting places.

This nature trail aims at helping to appreciate nature and to encounter it wholeheartedly.