Tyrolean Alps: The Otztal Trail Stage 1

Tyrol: The Otztal Trail (8Days/7Nights)

8 Days & 7 Nights

Walk from village to village on Austria’s Tyrolean Ötztal Trail
Follow this long-distance trail through idyllic alpine pastures and meadows
Breathe in the fresh mountain air and take a dip in the sparkling waters of Pilburger See
Hike to the Stuibenfall; Tyrol’s highest waterfall at 159m
Stay in traditional 3* hotels and feast on Tyrolean dishes such as Apfelstrüdel

Walk Austria’s Ötztal Trail, a long-distance walk in the Tyrolean Alps which takes you through the varied landscapes of the Ötztal. Uncover its well-kept secrets promising a truly unique hiking experience. This region is well-known as being home to “Ötzi the Iceman”, a well-preserved natural mummy of a man who lived around 3,300 BC, which was found in 1991. Climb from the lush green valley floor, through dense forests and alpine meadows to idyllic plateaus with panoramic views of the Alps. Stay in the bustling mountain villages of Oetz and Längenfeld and the quieter more traditional villages of Niederthai and Köfels. While hiking between the villages, pass the highest waterfalls in Tyrol, green pastures, the sparkling blue Piburg lake and cross an impressive suspension bridge, connecting 2 of the plateaus. Refuel at the end of your walking days with hearty traditional Austrian dishes such as Kaiserschmaarn and local dried meats, mountain cheeses and a glass of schnapps, if you wish, to help wash it all down.

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What To Expect

Travel restrictions and resources, to and from any destination

The Ötztal Trail is a well waymarked moderate to strenously rated trail, which takes you over the beautiful Austrian Alps. Experience spectacular mountain hiking without high altitudes and most days can be shortened by the efficient South Tyrol public transport, giving you greater flexibility.

Tour Style:

Self Guided | Go at your own pace on an independent tour.

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | A classic point to point walking trip, staying in a different location each night

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travelers, Families

As a guide, we would suggest that the minimum age of traveler this tour would be suitable for is: 12 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Mountains

Activity Level & Terrain

The Ötztaler Urweg is a beautiful, well-signposted long-distance hike, on which you will discover a fascinating mountain scenery.

This tour is rated moderate to strenuous. The last two days are graded strenuous, The trails are mainly on well-developed and marked paths, as well as on non-technical mountain trails.

On your final two days you will need alpine hiking experience and a head for heights as there are exposed sections with ropes to ensure safe crossings. The trails are mainly on well-developed and marked paths, as well as on non-technical mountain trails. You should have a good level of fitness to manage the daily distances and ascents/descents.

Navigation

All of the walks are way-marked and we also provide you with turn-by-turn instructions for each walk, maps and access to our GPS smartphone navigation app, so you will have no problem finding your way

Accommodations

Spend 7 nights in good quality 3* small hotels and guest houses. We have chosen properties that we believe give the best insight into the hospitality and culture of the region, as well as giving a warm welcome to walkers.

We regularly use the following properties but may accommodate you elsewhere if these are not available. However, they will be of a similar standard.

Meals

7 Breakfasts are included in the cost of your trip. Breakfast is always buffet-style with various options available. Expect a continental breakfast with bread, jams, pastries, yoghurt, muesli, local meats and cheeses, eggs and fruit on offer.

Dinners and lunches are not included so you have the freedom to choose from what’s on offer each day. You may be able to order a packed lunch at your accommodation or you can find bakeries and shops to stock up on food for your hikes. There are plenty of options for dinner each night, either at your hotel or in nearby restaurants.

Food in this part of the Alps is hearty and traditional, with meat and cheese being some of the dominant ingredients! Tyrolean specialities include ‘Tiroler Gröstl’, a bacon onion and potato fry-up topped with a fried egg, or ‘Kiachl’ a fried yeast dough pastry that can be served sweet or savoury. If you have any dietary requirements please let us know at the time of booking.

Solo Walkers and Single Rooms

This trip is available to solo walkers, although there is a supplement due to the fact that some of the costs (such as transfers) are not shared. Single rooms are available on request and again a supplement is payable.

Included

7 Nights in 3* Hotels and guesthouses
7 Breakfasts
Baggage transfers
Information Pack, route notes, GPX tracks, access to our smartphone app
24-7 Emergency telephone support from our UK and German office.

Excluded

Travel insurance (required)
Travel to the start and end of the trip
Lunches & Dinners
Drinks and snacks
Personal equipment

Extras

Additional nights before, during or after the walk
Solo walker supplement
Single room supplement

When To Go

This walking tour is available to start from the beginning of July to the end of September. Please keep in mind that the weather can be changeable at high altitudes, and cold fronts can occur even in the summer (snowfall in the Alps at the height of summer is not unheard of).

Weather and Climate

The Alps have generally warm and sunny summers and cold and snowy winters. However, the weather in the Alps can change very quickly, particularly at altitude. You should be prepared for all weather eventualities as even snow can fall in the summer in the mountains, regardless of the time of year

Getting to the Start

You can fly into Innsbruck or Munich Airport. From there you can travel by train, bus or shuttle to the Ötztal. We can arrange an airport shuttle if needed (40 min from Innsbruck or 2.5h from Munich) You can travel directly to Ötztal Bahnhof by train. From there, buses run frequently to Oetz. For more information visit the website of Deutsche Bahn and vvt.at.

Getting from the End

We will arrange a transfer from your hotel in Piburg to Sautens. From Sautens you can travel on the local bus to the Ötztal train station and from there continue on one of the long-distance trains to Innsbruck (1h), Munich (2.5h) or Zurich(3h)

Luggage Transfer

Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.

General Information

The distances and ascents/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all the necessary items, for example, proper rain gear, sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has detailed advice and a kit list on what to take. This includes good waterproof gear, walking shoes/boots, and lots of other useful bits and bobs.

Equipment

In your information pack you will find a detailed packing list which includes walking boots, walking poles and waterproof clothes amongst other things.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Oetz and overnight Day 2 Bus to Ötztal Bahnhof and walk to Oetz 6 miles / 10 km Day 3 Walk to Niederthai 12 miles / 18 km Day 4 Walk to Längenfeld 7 miles / 11 km Day 5 Loop Walk from Längenfeld 12 miles / 19 km Day 6 Walk to Umhausen 10 miles / 16 km Day 7 Walk to Piburg 8 miles / 12 km Day 8 Onward Travel

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