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The planned summer holiday is falling flat? Or maybe not? In Ötztal, this saying becomes a completely new meaning as Tirol's longest side valley offers a huge variety of ways to actually let yourself fall into the water. Sometimes wild and rushing, sometimes calm and relaxed, the (mountain) lakes, rivers and waterfalls perfectly reflect the contrasts of the valley. Here you can find out how the multifaceted Alpine waters of Ötztal give the beat to the valley.
Turquoise blue, crystal clear Alpine waters are waiting for you also in Ötztal. The countless impressive mountain lakes are wonderful hiking destinations and offer a welcome cool down on hot summer days - if you only dare to jump into the cold water. Here you will be inspired by 5 mountain lake hiking tips:
Lovely Wannenkarsee mountain lake high above Sölden promises a real spectacle of nature to every hiker: Depending on the angle of the sun's radiation, the color of the water changes from turquoise blue to deep black. The snow-capped mountain peaks of the Stubai Alps make a perfect contrast in the background - a picture-book memory that will stay with you forever.
There are different ways to reach the mountain lake. The easiest and most family-friendly route starts with a hut taxi transfer from Sölden to Windachtal side valley. From there you climb up to the lake in about 1.5 hours. On the way up you can watch cows and sheep. Special tip: Pack your picnic basket (and swimwear), take a couple of breaks and just let your mind wander. If you want to climb even higher, continue to Brunnenkogelhaus which towers mightily on a steep ridge (ascent: approx. 1 more hour).
Ambitious mountain sports lovers can choose an alternative but also more strenuous option: The public bus line takes you up to Timmelsjoch Pass at 7.00 am in the morning. From there, the hike takes around 3.5 hours along the Alpine ridge, comprising a steep detour to lake Wannenkarsee. The route is very demanding and partially exposed, therefore this tour is only suitable for very experienced mountaineers.
Four lakes in one go - is that possible? The best way to start this hike is to take a comfortable hut taxi transfer to Stabele Alm at 2000 meters above sea level (you can save the effort as the climb is really steep). Once there, you continue your hike from one lake to the next by discovering the beauty of the mountain lakes sparkling in different colors - such as Plattachsee, Weißsee, Spitzigsee and Hauersee. The hiking tour takes approx. 5 hours, including breaks at the lakes.
A culinary stop at quaint Stabele Alm is an absolute must for every hiker! A true insider tip among the locals: Enjoy a mouth-watering breakfast in the morning.
A good amount of stamina and endurance are required to reach Erlanger Hütte run by the German Alpine Club and the adjacent mountain lake, because the ascent along the cart trail is fairly long. But it is worth the effort as soon as you enjoy the hut's hearty home cooking which is best enjoyed on the sunny terrace. Just like the adjacent lake which invites you to put your sore feet in the cold water. The ascent takes approx. 5 hours.
The hike to the lake area high above Gurgl can be started from several points. Option 1: Start in Untergurgl at the parking area of Hochgurgl mountain gondola. Access the route at the bridge over the Ache river in Pirchhütt. At the beginning the trail is fairly steep (but very beautiful) until you reach the meadow-covered elevation. From there the almost flat route travels past Gurgl's Seenplatte Lake Area until you get to the hamlet of Obergurgl. The entire hike takes about 5 hours.
Alternatively, you can start the hike in Obergurgl. From the village center you walk towards the lower valley and the scenic Lake Area, past beautiful Alpine meadows and mountain slopes, to Nedersee mountain lake. On your way down, a stop at Lenzenalm is strongly recommended because you shouldn't miss the home-made cake prepared by Nina, the hut tenant. The descent then continues to the bus stop where you can take the public bus back to Obergurgl. Also for this variant about 5 walking hours are required.
Scenic lake Piburger See, one of Tirol's warmest natural bathing lakes with temperatures up to 26 degrees, not only invites you to swim but also makes a fabulous starting point and destination for leisurely hikes through the area's enchanted forests. Under the motto "The 9 Treasures of Lake Piburger See" you can explore 9 impressive viewing platforms and mythical places of strength you should not miss out on in close vicinity to the natural jewel. For example, scenic Weller Bridge which leads over the roaring water masses of the Ötztaler Ache.
The mighty Stuiben Falls near Umhausen are Tirol's biggest waterfall with a falling height of 159 meters. An elaborate construction of paths and steps makes the waterfall accessible, including an 80-meter long suspension bridge. The Waterfall in Lehn near Längenfeld is no less impressive, it towers high above the valley basin and can be seen from far. If you want to get even closer to the thundering water masses, then try the via ferrata routes at both waterfalls - including a tightrope walk! There are many other waterfalls spread across Ötztal, that want to be discovered amidst unspoilt nature.
* Depending on the accommodation, valid 31 days and less prior to arrival until 09/30/2024 - More details/exceptions
* Depending on the accommodation, valid 31 days and less prior to arrival until 09/30/2024 - More details/exceptions
Picturesque lake Piburger See, a natural jewel of the Oetz holiday region, is one of Tirol's warmest natural bathing lakes with temperatures up to 26 degrees. Embedded in a basin above the village of Oetz, the emerald-green water reflects the surrounding forests and mighty Acherkogel summit - the area's landmark. You can do a lot more than just swimming at Lake Piburger See: Enjoy a round in the rowing boat, go fishing or start a wonderful hike - the natural paradise around lake Piburger See is a real "jack of all trades". By the way, in winter the lake is a huge natural ice-skating surface...
6 loop hiking routes lead hikers to Ötztal's most eye-catching element: Water! Here you can discover all facets of this vitally important element of life. Depending on the route you choose, you explore the eternal glacier ice, watch wild waterfalls, roaring streams, leisurely flowing brooklets, peaceful mountain lakes and enjoy hot sulfur water. The mainly easy Ötztal Water Strider Loop Trails are characterized by perfectly maintained paths and a high level of nature exploration.
Your all-inclusive card for your summer holiday in Ötztal: The unrivaled Summer Card is available for guests who stay overnight at one of the 330 partner accommodations and includes free services such as rides on the summer mountain lifts, admission to swimming pools, museums and other excursion destinations as well as mountain bike & bicycle rental and free use of public bus lines - to name just a few of the highlights already included. Those who don't stay at one of the partner accommodations can purchase the Summer Card for 3, 7 or 10 days.
