Peak Performance: Hiking in Sölden
Hiking is without a doubt one of the best ways to explore the Ötztal Valley in spring, summer and autumn. With an incredible 250 mountains over 3,000 metres in altitude, it is little wonder that the this valley running south all the way to the Italian border is widely considered one of the top hiking destinations in Austria.
A 1,000km network of signposted trails gives visitors access to this world of lush meadows, craggy rocks and untouched snowfields.
- 1,000km of signposted hiking trails
- Award-winning "Wasserläufer" trails
- Many traditional mountain huts
- Cable car hikes (June until October)
- Guided hikes with hotel owner Sigi Grüner
Cable Car Hiking in the Ötztal Valley
The cable cars in the Ötztal Valley make the region's majestic mountains accessible to visitors of all ages and fitness levels. They are also used by hikers who wish to head high into the mountains and save time by completing the first section of their journey by lift.
The following cable cars are open in summer:
- Gaislachkoglbahnen
- Giggijochbahn
- Tiefenbachbahn
- Sessellift Rotkogel
Tip!
The Ötztal Inside Summer Card inclues one ascent and one descent free of charge every day.
“Only places where you have been by foot are places where you have truly been.”(Goethe)
“Wasserläufer”: Award-Winning Hiking Trails in the Ötztal Valley
The “Wasserläufer” hiking trails are a series of paths in the Ötztal Valley which have been recognised as some of the very best in Austria.
Information boards provide details about water in all its many different forms as well as its importance for the local flora and fauna.
- Wasserläufer Piburger See in Oetz
- Wasserläufer Stuibenfall in Umhausen
- Wasserläufer Brand-Burgstein
- Wasserläufer Mooser Steg
- Wasserläufer Rotmoos
- Wasserläufer Mutsbühel
Almzeit Sölden
The Almzeit Sölden theme path provides interesting facts to families wanting to learn about the region´s heritage. You can really connect to the Alpine meadow lifestyle here. Divided into different educational themes, the various stations detail aspects of traditional mountain cooking and much more. Guests can enjoy typical regional delicacies in the huts, underlining the value of the regional ingredients used.
Tip: Pay a visit to the huts and restaurants serving delicious food on the "quiet side" of the mountain slopes too, not just the more developed western side.
- 7 huge wooden letters on the Gaislachkogl midway station spell out ALMZEIT, and are the starting point for exploring nature in this pristine mountain landscape.
- Over 20 observation stations
- Buy the reasonably priced Ötztal Inside Summer Card to explore Almzeit Sölden on signposted hiking paths, by bus or cable car.
The quiet side of Sölden
The walking area east of Sölden is a beauty spot for visitors seeking quiet and unspoiled countryside. Although the paths are in excellent condition, and there are uninterrupted views all round, it´s the tranquillity that you "hear" most, and which has a deeply satisfying, relaxing effect. There are no cable cars or lift stations - only the greenery of the meadows, including the Almzeit themed path described above.
The mountain huts serve home-made delicacies using local ingredients, and they´re the ideal starting point for extended tours up into higher regions. Visitors opting for this kind of excursion are advised to start early, to see the sun rise over the Ötz valley.
The quiet eastern side of Sölden starts off in the town where the path winds its way up through moss covered woods and fertile meadows, to an altitude of 3,000 m. A lovely area for daily walking stages and circular hikes.
Recommended hut stop for families: Brunnenberg Alm
The oldest working Tyrolean mountain hut is at 1.973 m, located under the Brunnenkogel. This authentic rustic cabin not only hosts a lovely little children´s playground, but has a wooden bowling alley, making it a favourite with families.
Nature Park Ötztal
All nature reserves in the Ötz valley are part of the ÖTZTAL NATURPARK. This means the area formed by glaciers, starting at the valley bottom going up into high Alpine areas. The highest peak is the Ötztal Wildspitze (3.774 m).
Bergland Sölden is a partner of the ÖTZTAL NATURPARK!
- Preservation of nature and landscapes
- Maintenance of hiking paths and adventure playgrounds
- Developing themed paths, guided tours and exhibitions
- Research at the Obergurgl University centre.
Of course, our holiday guests also profit from all this dedication - let´s work together to preserve this natural treasure!
