Otztal

Discover the Otztal

A classic Tyrolean inn to inn walk, the Otztal Trail takes you on a wonderful alpine adventure. Following in the footsteps of Otzi, the Iceman, an alpine mummy found on the mountain border between Austria and Italy in 1991. This long-distance trail will reward you with its varied landscapes, glacier-topped mountain peaks and dramatic thundering waterfalls. Cross an impressive suspension bridge, and enjoy the contrast of the lush green valley floor with cool dense forests higher up.

Macs Adventure has been helping walkers explore the wonders of the Otztal on foot with the help of our German sister company. Choose your itinerary with the knowledge that our team have the expertise to arrange the perfect trip for you and if you have any questions, you can simply ask your Destination and Adventure Specialist who will be more than happy to help.

Why not hike the Complete Otztal Trail, which connects two striking plateaux or enjoy our shorter version, the Otztal Trail, which avoids the night in the mountain hut and some of the more strenuous walking days. Whether you choose to walk the whole trail or decide to walk its shortened version, we are sure that you will love this epic journey through the Austrian Alps.

Discover Otztal

Ötzi the Iceman

Ötzi is a natural mummy of a man who lived between 3400 and 3100 BC. The mummy was found September 1991 in the Ötztal Alps, hence the nickname "Ötzi", near the Similaun mountain and Hauslabjoch, on the border between Austria and Italy.

Ötzi is believed to have been murdered; an arrowhead was found in his left shoulder, which would have caused a fatal wound. The nature of his life and the circumstances of his death are the subject of much investigation and speculation.

He is Europe's oldest known natural human mummy and has offered an unprecedented view of Chalcolithic (Copper Age) Europeans. His body and belongings are displayed in the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology.
Local Cuisine

Kaiserschmarren

This dish is a favourite in the office and we have to admit that “Kaiserschmarren” is an icon of Austrian cuisine, not especially of Tyrol but is so delicious it needs to be mentioned. Kaiserschmarren is a fluffy shredded pancake, which has its name from the Austrian Emperor, Kaiser Franz Joseph I, who was very fond of this kind of dish. Made from a sweet batter using flour, eggs, sugar, salt, and milk, Kaiserschmarren is baked in butter, torn with forks and served with stewed plums.

Speckknödel

A real staple, which you will find at most local restaurants. It is a large round boiled bread dumpling with bacon mixed through it. The dish is most commonly served with sauerkraut and salad as sides.

Gröstl

Known as Gröstl, which is grated potatoes fried with bacon and onions which is usually served with a fried egg, a real Alpine filler after a long of day of hiking.

Kasspatzln

The direct translation of this dish is ‘cheese sparrows’, “Kasspatzln” are a thick type of egg noodle cut into small piece with grated cheese, oven-baked and sprinkled with fried onion. A savoury delight!

Blog Articles

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Adventure of the Week: Across the Tyrolean Alps
Time to get Alpine once again. While we are breaking new ground, gett ...
Following in the footsteps of Ötzi the Iceman
Discover who Ötzi was on one of our Otztal Trail trips as you retrace ...