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 Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&B’s, inns, and guesthouses.

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Long-Distance Trails, Accessible by Rail, Alpine Walking

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

Activity Level & Terrain

The Ötztaler Urweg is a beautiful, well-signposted long-distance hike. The hiking on the Ötztaler Urweg is classified as moderate to strenuous trail. Some days are a bit easier and shorter, but others are more strenuous and longer with 1250m of ascent and descent, this day is however optional. You should be sure-footed and have a head for heights, as the path usually runs on a raised ridge trail, providing amazing panoramic views far above the valley. A certain level of fitness is required in order to enjoy the hikes.

Navigation

The route is well waymarked. We will provide you with detailed turn-by-turn route notes and maps. You will also have access to the Macs Adventure Smartphone App enabling you to follow the route using your phone's GPS so you will have no problems finding the way. You can simply download the GPX tracks to your phone for offline use and off you go!

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.

1 Dinner in Niederthai is included, the rest of the 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 & 1 Dinner in Niederthai
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

You can start your Tyrolean adventure on any day between early June and early October. Any time during this period is ideal for walking, mid-July to mid- August is high season and the towns along the way will be busy with local holidaymakers. June and July is the ideal time to catch the Alpine wildflowers in full bloom.

On the 9th of July 2023, the Otztal Cycle Marathon takes place which involves road closures, limited public transport and in-demand accommodation. For this reason, we are unable to confirm any bookings starting around the time of the marathon.

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

From Piburg 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

Our pre-departure information pack has detailed advice and a kit list on what to take with you to the Otztal Trail.

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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