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

Easily accessible by train and bus from Innsbruck (2 hours) or Munich (5 hours) airports, Oetz is the gateway to the Ötztal Valley and a popular holiday destination.
Wander the historical centre and admire the painted facades of ancient buildings which date back to the 16th century. Warm up your legs with a walk to the town’s Baroque church which is perched above the village - a great vantage point and your first taste of the valley views you will get on your hike.

A short bus journey (10 mins) brings you to the official start point of the Ötztal Trail. Follow the river Ache as it meanders along the valley floor before ascending on a gravel track through woodland to reach the Auerklamm; a picturesque gorge and popular canyoneering spot. Continue on to the hamlet of Oetzerau from where you can take in postcard-perfect views over the entire valley with it’s lush green meadows. Descend to Oetz and enjoy a delicious dinner in one of the traditional Tyrolean restaurants in the town.

Ascent/Descent: +400m/-400m

Today’s trail includes Tyrol’s highest waterfall, the Stuibenfall. This newly constructed path involves 700 steps, a 80 metre suspension footbridge and viewing platforms, bringing you very close to the powerful torrents of the Horlachbach Creek. From here, continue the ascent through colourful, blooming alpine meadows to reach the idyllic traditional village of Niederthai, nestled high at 1,500m. Enjoy a relaxing evening taking in the peace and quiet of this charming village.

Ascent/Descent: +1250m/-500m

A shorter day of walking takes you from Niederthai over green pastures and through airy forests further down into the Ötztal Valley. Stop along the way for an al fresco picnic of local meats and regionally produced Mozzarella. Descend to Längenfeld, the main town of the lower Ötztal and relax your tired legs in the healing warm waters of the impressive ‘Aqua Dome’ spa and wellness centre.

Ascent/Descent: +500m/-820m

Today hike up to the highest plateau in the region which lies between Brand and Burgstein, here cross a 200m high suspension bridge which offers uninterrupted panoramic views of “Maurer Rinne“ ravine. Once across the bridge descend steeply down to Huben. Take in the views as you descend further along the During-Höhenweg trail as you hike back to Längenfeld.

Ascent/Descent: +1250m/-1250m

Embark on your walk along the Ötztaler Ache River for the first section of your walk. At the Winkelberger lake, the path ascends to the rustic Wurzbergalm Hut, which is run by a local family, take a rest and try some of their produce. Take in the view of the village, Köfels, which is situated on the high plateau across the valley, before descending to Umhausen.

Ascent/Descent: +550m/-700m

Enjoy a wonderfully varied hike today as you walk along the river through forest and alpine meadows as it leads you to the sparkling blue Piburger lake, a popular excursion and beach destination for the locals in summer. At the end of the walk cool off in the deep blue waters of the lake before heading to your hotel and enjoying your final meal of the Otztal Trail. Raise a glass of refreshing Austrian beer and celebrate the end of a wonderful Austrian adventure

Ascent/Descent: +500m/-600m

After breakfast it is time to say goodbye to the beautiful Ötztal region. From Sautens you can take the local bus back to the Ötztal train station and switch to one of the many long-distance trains.
If you would like to stay longer in the Ötztal, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time for extra nights. If