Ötztal Alps

The massif extends over both North Tyrol and South Tyrol and thus protrudes from Austrian and Italian soil.

The Ötztal Alps gained special fame with a very significant archaeological find - "Ötzi", the man from the ice, was on the move here before his death and found his final resting place here. Located in the Tisenjoch, in the main ridge of the mountain range between Fineilspitze and Similaun, the glacier released the mummified remains of the presumed murder victim from the Copper Age in September 1991. An unusually hot summer caused the once protective and preserving ice mass to melt, leading to the discovery of the only preserved, naturally freeze-dried body from the Copper Age in Central Europe.

In addition to Ötzi's glacier, there are several other representatives of ice masses formed from snow in the Ötztal Alps, some of which are among the largest in Austria. The Gepatschferner above the Kaunertal is considered the second largest glacier in Austria after the Pasterze (at the foot of the Großglockner). With an area of ​​almost 17 km², it comes very close to the number one. But the Hintereisferner and the Große Vernagtferner are also among the significant glacier formations of this mountain range.

Popular glacier ski areas in the region are the family-friendly Pitztaler Glacier and the Kaunertaler Glacier, where night tobogganing and night skiing are also possible.

In summer and winter, the Wildspitze, the highest peak of the massif, is popular among mountaineers, and at 3,768 meters it is the second highest mountain in Austria after the Großglockner. Naturally, the enormous height also promises a unique view that extends from the Bernese Alps to the Schober group. The normal route to the southern peak (the Wildspitze actually has two peaks) can be tackled over not too difficult terrain via the Mitterkarjoch, the west flank, and the southwest ridge. Glacier safety equipment may be required for other ascent routes. Because the Wildspitzbahn takes its guests to the summit of the Hinterer Brunnenkogel, the ascent can be planned as a pleasant day trip. At the mountain station, there is not only a panoramic café, but also Austria's highest registry office.

But you can also find peaceful spots in the numerous protected areas. Explore the unique steppe vegetation of the Fließer Sonnenhänge nature reserve, the impressive gorge in the Arzler Pitzeklamm landscape protection area, or the Texel Group Nature Park, the largest regional park in South Tyrol, through which the Meran High Trail leads.

Also worth a visit is the Ötztal Alps tranquility area, which enchants with its ancient cultural landscape, stone pine forests, moors, lakes, and glaciers, and is also crisscrossed by a wide network of hiking trails and climbing routes. Here you will also find a selection of numerous mountain huts that serve you the magic of the local mountain world on a plate with typical culinary delights.

Finally, a tip for hikers: The "Via Alpina" long-distance hiking trail crosses many national borders and runs from Trieste to Monaco. The route of more than 5,000 kilometers also crosses the entire Alps. Part of this challenging route runs through the Ötztal Alps.