Life in the Ötztal

Culture & tradition

Excursions, culture and tradition - the multifaceted Ötztal with all its facets. Sölden is an ideal starting point for numerous interesting excursion destinations during your summer and winter holidays in Sölden.

Particularly popular are the breathtaking Timmelsjoch (panorama road) to South Tyrol / Italy, the imposing Stuibenfall, the highest waterfall in Tyrol, the historic Golden Roof in Innsbruck or the Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens.

Tradition is very important to us

Countless clubs and groups uphold the tradition in the Ötztal. “Convey customs” under this motto, for example, the local farmers spoil the visitors of the summer concerts of the Sölden music band with traditional delicacies from the region. Explore the historical treasures of the Ötztal or experience spectacular highlights all over Tyrol. Immerse yourself in the wonderful world of the Alps and find a wide range of cultural events in the Ötztal.

Excursion destinations in Ötztal and the surrounding area

Ötzidorf

Ötzi, the ice man, was the inspiration for the archaeological open-air park. Insights into the life of our ancestors approx. 5,000 years ago are clearly given. Aurochs and wild horses, Mangalitza pigs and wild goats, sheep and also tame squirrels inspire not only the little visitors of the Ötzi village. Further information and details about the Ötzi village in Umhausen can be found here.

On September 19, 1991, near the Similaun Glacier in the Ötztal Alps, the German mountaineering couple Erika and Helmut Simon discovered the mummified body of a man by chance. When crossing the Tisenjoch at an altitude of around 3,200 meters, the two came across the archaeological highlight.

Widiverse

Experience nature differently. Embark on exciting adventures in the Widiversum Hochötz at over 2,020 meters. The mountain sheep Widi is the mascot of the front Ötztal. With Widi, the little visitors discover 36 natural games and puzzle stations. One mission is more exciting than the other. The adventurers playfully explore nature and scenic features. A movie shuttle awaits all detectives at the end of the course. The futuristic 5D adventure cinema offers a journey of all senses for young and old. Do you fancy an entertaining expedition?

Stuibenfall

For even more adventure, it is recommended to discover the breathtaking Stuibenfall in Umhausen for yourself. At an incredible 159 meters, it is one of the highest waterfalls in Tyrol. There is also a viewing platform directly on Niederthaier Landesstraße. It offers the opportunity to view the Stuibenfall from above and to let the natural spectacle work its magic on you in peace. There is also the possibility of descending on the secured hiking trail with five viewing platforms. For the extra kick and the particularly brave, the waterfall can also be conquered via a via ferrata.

Rofenhöhe

The Rofenhöfe are at an altitude of over 2000 meters and are the highest permanently inhabited farms in the Eastern Alps. Explore the location of the famous film “DIE GEIERWALLY” with Heidemarie Hatheyer up close. Shepherds founded the first settlement as early as the 13th century. Today the area is a popular meeting place for mountain and hiking enthusiasts, as most tours and mountain hikes lead over the Rofenhöfe and over the famous suspension bridge.

Pine forest educational trail

The “Obergurgler Zirbenwald” extends at the southern end of the village from 1950 meters to 2180 meters above sea level. The path leading through the stone pine forest is marked at 22 points. For centuries this forest enjoyed the special protection of the local population and was declared a natural monument in 1963.

Timmelsjoch – Crosspoint

The Timmelsjoch is a very special highlight on your summer holiday in Tyrol. The drive over the 2,509 meter high pass leads through the Ötztal glacier world to the South Tyrolean vineyards of the Passeier Valley to Merano and further south. The “secret gap” in the Alps or also known as “the direct route to the south” allows you a day out full of unforgettable impressions and brings you closer to the most beautiful areas of North and South Tyrol.

On the Timmlesjoch there is not only the highest Top Mountain Motorcycle Museum but also the new Pass Museum. It attracts attention with its extraordinary architecture. Inside, in an “ice cave”, visitors learn interesting facts about the construction of the High Alpine Road 50 years ago. From October to the end of May there is usually a winter closure at Timmelsjoch.

Piccard monument

The memorial commemorates Piccard’s famous emergency landing around 1931. At that time, Professor Auguste Piccard and his assistant Paul Kipfer set off on a high-altitude flight and, for the first time in history, reached the stratosphere at 16,000 meters in a balloon. The rescue on the Gurgler Ferner went through the entire world press. Piccard’s notes from back then: “Beautiful, unknown high mountains, gondolas and balloons are on a glacier”. During your active holiday in the Ötztal, the glacier village provides a feeling of alpine peace and balance in summer and winter at around 1,930 meters above sea level. The ideal destination for nature lovers.

Ötztaler Heimatmuseum

Immerse yourself in the world of the last century and let yourself be intoxicated by the lifestyle and living space. This means that the museum of its kind is at the same time a rural and social history museum. The blocked side-corridor house stands in social contrast to the sedate middle-corridor house. A rich collection of a wide variety of devices completes the documentation of a past rural life and work environment.

Mineral exhibition in Silbertal

The hard-won pieces of jewelry and countless other minerals from Gufler David (neighbor of the campsite) currently adorn the Silbertalalm. In addition to stone steps studded with grenades, you can find minerals from all over the world that have been exchanged on various mineral exchanges. You can admire one of the best collector’s items – the largest single garnet in Europe – in the Berggasthof Silbertal.

Alpine Coaster Imst – the longest Alpine roller coaster in the world

If you want to combine a sunny day with the family with a nice hike, or if you are more of a connoisseur type, then the Alpinecoaster in Imst is the ideal excursion destination. With a length of approx. 3.5 kilometers, the summer toboggan run is unique and a real adventure for young and old. Pure adventure and fun in the midst of the idyllic and quiet mountain scenery of Hochimst gives your family holiday in Tyrol a very special feeling that you have never experienced before. Definitely not to be missed.

Innsbruck Alpine Zoo

The zoo in the state capital is considered to be the highest zoo in Europe and, with more than 2,000 animals and 150 different species, provides an exciting overview of the animal world that has been and has been housed in Europe over the years. The alpine zoo also includes a worldwide unique cold water aquarium with rare native fish and species.

Other interesting excursion destinations are:

  • Area 47
  • Swarowski Crystal Worlds
  • Innsbruck – old town, Ambras Castle, Berg Isel
  • Reschenpass
  • Meran