Tyrol: The Complete Otztal Trail
- Hike Tyrols high peaks on the long-distance Ötztal Trail
- Enjoy the changing landscapes from lush green valleys to majestic white glaciers
- Cross the Ramoljoch Pass which sits are 3’189 meters
- Admire the Stuibenfall waterfall, the highest waterfall in Tyrol (159m)
- Stay in a small mountain refuge hut close to the Gurgler Glacier in the Ötztal Alps
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Oetz and OvernightTravel comfortably by train to the Ötztal. From there, a bus runs regularly to Oetz with its many historic façade paintings.
The hotel is housed in a historic building from the early 20th century and features a sauna, steam room and a large sun terrace.
This historic Tyrolean hotel in an impressive 17th-century chalet style is located in the heart of Oetz at the entrance to the Otz Valley
Gasthof Stern, decorated with historic frescoes, is located in the centre of Oetz, in a quiet side street. Relax on the cosy terrace in the backyard or in the modern sauna area in the annex.
In the morning you will take the bus to Ötztal Train Station, where the Ötztaler Urweg officially begins. Across from your accommodation, you will hike up to the mountain hamlet of Oetzerau at the entrance to the valley. You will be rewarded with magnificent views looking down towards the lush Ötztal valley surrounded by 3000-metre peaks. From Oetzerau, the trail will gradually descend back down into Oetz.
Ascent/Descent: 377m/303m
The hotel is housed in a historic building from the early 20th century and features a sauna, steam room and a large sun terrace.
This historic Tyrolean hotel in an impressive 17th-century chalet style is located in the heart of Oetz at the entrance to the Otz Valley
Gasthof Stern, decorated with historic frescoes, is located in the centre of Oetz, in a quiet side street. Relax on the cosy terrace in the backyard or in the modern sauna area in the annex.
Today will start by walking to the highest waterfall in the Tyrol: Stuibenfall. After stopping to take photos, the trail will then take you through lush alpine meadows to the idyllic mountain village of Niederthai.
Ascent/Descent: 1248m/483m
This comfortable, family-run mountain hotel situated in the Ötztal Valley is charming and filled with light, traditional decorations and furnishings out of local materials bring the outside in. Offering walkers a warm welcome.
The Falkner hof serves regional products from Tyrolean cuisine and wellness in the Gipfelbad. Enjoy the alpine panorama on the large terrace and the rooms which have traditional elements and modern amenities.
Stuibenfall - the name of the Guesthouse comes from the largest waterfall in Tyrol, which is only a five-minute walk away.
Today is slightly shorter, you will start walking from Niederthai through sparse mountain forest down the valley passing many waterfalls. Stop along the way for an al fresco picnic of local meats and regional produced Mozzarella. Descend to Längenfeld, the biggest town in the Ötztal valley where you can visit the large Aqua-Dom Adventure Pool in the afternoon.
Ascent/Descent: 446m/793m
The historic house dating from 1590 combines modern comfort, ambience and a wonderful culinary experience.
The Hotel Bergwelt in the Ötztal offers you a panoramic view of the mountains and a wellness area to recover from your days walking.
Heading for Sölden, you will begin by ascending up to a high plateau between Brand and Burgstien before crossing a 200 metre high suspension bridge. Once over the bridge, the trail heads steeply downhill to Ötztaler Ache. With the river in view, the path meanders through small hamlets to bustling Sölden.
Ascent/Descent: 1410m/1244m
The family-run Pension Sportalm with its own spa area enjoys a quiet location, just 200 meters from the Gaislachkoglbahn Cable Car. Rooms are decorated in a modern Alpine style and are spacious and comfortable.
Claudia, Sebastian and their friendly team offer a warm welcome to their traditional Alpine ‘pension’. Located in central Sölden, it also includes an on-site restaurant offering superb local dishes.
Available as an upgrade
The cosy Hotel Grauer Bär awaits you in a quiet area, just 100 meters from the Gaislachkogel cable car. It is located a few minutes from the centre of Sölden.
Start your day directly from your accommodation, you will hike through the narrow Kühtrain Gorge to Zwieselstein, then follow the E5 up towards Timmelsjoch. Soon you will turn off to the rustic “Sahnestüberl” lodge, a perfect place for a break. Following the rushing Gurgler Ache, the path finally leads you via Almenboden to the small but exclusive Ski Resort of Obergurgl.
***Due to a massive landslide, the normal hiking route from Sölden to Obergurgl is not possible this year. The path is only accessible up to just behind the Sahnestüberl and is then closed. We have an alternative route ready for you***
Ascent/Descent: 851m/295m
Hotel Enzian is located on a hillside, a 5-minute walk from the centre of Obergurgl. It is decorated in Alpine style with lots of wood, tiled stoves and stained glass. The modern spa area with saunas, a steam bath, a hot tub and water beds is a great place to relax after a day in the Ötztal Alps.
Enjoy beautiful mountain views and a quiet and peaceful location at this family-run, 3* hotel. Rooms are clean, comfortable and modern. There is also a lovely sauna area in which to relax.
Located just a 5-min walk from the centre of Obergurgl, this comfortable hotel boasts panoramic views over the Otztaler Alps.
OnwardToday is a huge highlight, it concludes with the most challenging section of the whole Otztal Trail. From Obergurgl, you will follow the Gurgler Ache and reach Küppelealm via well maintaned paths. We continue towards the glacier and soon you will see the Ramolhaus enthroned on a rocky outcrop. One of the highest Alpine Club huts at all at 3006m with a unique view of the Ötztal glacier. Certainly one of the highlights of the entire tour.
Ascent/Descent: 1098m/19m
The traditional Ramolhaus (3,006 metres above sea level) is a small German Alpine Club mountain refuge hut close to the Gurgler Glacier in the &Otztal Alps. You will be sharing a dorm room with your fellow walkers and will be provided with a delicious home-cooked meal at the end of your walk day.
The second part of the Ramoljoch Pass is only suitable for experienced hikers who have a head for heights, and are confident over sections that include some scrambling.
You will make a steep ascent over gravel paths and rocky terrain to reach Ramoljoch at 3,187m. Magnificent views of the Ötztal Glacier and the Similaun await, as you descend into the village of Vent. Alternatively, you can descend back to Obergurgl and take the bus to Vent.
Ascent/Descent: 250m/1330m
After breakfast it is time to say goodbye to the beautiful Ötztal. You can take the local bus from Vent back to your starting point and hop on a long distance train. If you want to stay longer in the Ötztal, please contact us at any time about extending your trip.
This trip has a carbon score of 18kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 18kg is equivalent to 1 8-oz steak. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?This hike is the ideal choice for fit and experienced hikers looking for a rewarding week’s walking on varied trails. Hike a strenuously rated trail which follows well waymarked paths through the scenic Austrian Alps. With some more demanding days you will need a good level of fitness to enjoy this hike and have a head for heights. Stay in carefully selected 3* hotels, one mountain hut and benefit from daily bag transfer
Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way in Scotland, the world renown Tour Du Mont Blanc and Germany's Moselle Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.
Long-Distance Trails, Accessible by Rail, Alpine Walking
The minimum age for this tour is: 18 Years
The Ötztaler Urweg is a beautiful, well-signposted long-distance hike, on which you will discover a fascinating mountain scenery.
This tour is rated strenuous with the last two days being the most strenuous, The trails are mainly on well-developed and marked paths, as well as on non-technical mountain trails.
On your final two days, you will need alpine hiking experience and a head for heights as there are exposed sections with ropes to ensure safe crossings. The trails are mainly on well-developed and marked paths, as well as on non-technical mountain trails. You should have a good level of fitness to manage daily distances and ascents/descents.
Spend 7 nights in good quality 3* standard small hotels and guest houses and 1 night in the Ramolhaus Hut where you will stay in a mixed-sex dorm room. We have chosen properties that we believe give the best insight into the hospitality and culture of the region and give a warm welcome to walkers.
We regularly use the following properties but may accommodate you elsewhere if these are not available. However, they will be of a similar standard.
Meals
8 Breakfasts are included in the cost of your trip & your dinner in the Ramolhut and Niederthai is included. Breakfast is always buffet-style with various options available. Expect a continental breakfast with bread, jams, pastries, yoghurt, muesli, local meats and cheeses, eggs and fruit on offer.
Dinners and lunches are not included, so you have the freedom to choose from what’s on offer each day. You may be able to order a packed lunch at your accommodation, or you can find bakeries and shops to stock up on food for your hikes. There are plenty of options for dinner each night, either at your hotel or in nearby restaurants.
Food in this part of the Alps is hearty and traditional, with meat and cheese being some of the dominant ingredients! Tyrolean specialities include ‘Tiroler Gröstl’, a bacon onion and potato fry-up topped with a fried egg, or ‘Kiachl’ a fried yeast dough pastry that can be served sweet or savoury. If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know at the time of booking.
Solo Walkers & Single Rooms
Due to the remoteness of the area and the nature of the terrain, we regret that this trek is unsuitable for solo walkers. Single rooms are available on request, and again a supplement is payable.
All of the walks are way-marked and we also provide you with turn-by-turn instructions for each walk, maps and access to our GPS smartphone navigation app, so you will have no problem finding your way.
- 7 Nights Accommodation in 3* Hotels including breakfast
- 1 night in a mountain hut including half board
- Dinner in Niederthai & Obergurgl
- Detailed Information Pack and Maps
- Access to our App
- 24/7 Telephone support from our office
- Luggage transfers (except for hut night when main bag will be delivered to following hotel)
- Travel insurance (required)
- Travel to the start and end of the trip
- Lunches & Dinners
- Drinks and snacks
- Personal equipment
- Additional nights before, during or after the walk
- Single room supplement
This walking tour is available to start from the beginning of July to the end of September. Please keep in mind that the weather can be changeable at high altitudes, and cold fronts can occur even in the summer (snowfall in the Alps at the height of summer is not unheard of).
The Alps have generally warm and sunny summers and cold and snowy winters. However, the weather in the Alps can change very quickly, particularly at altitude. You should be prepared for all weather eventualities as even snow can fall in the summer in the mountains, regardless of the time of year
You can fly into Innsbruck or Munich Airport. From there you can travel by train, bus or shuttle to the Ötztal. We can arrange an airport shuttle if needed (40 min or 2.5h)
You can travel directly to Ötztal Bahnhof by train. From there, buses run frequently to Oetz. For more information visit the Deutsche Bahn and vvt.at website.
With the local bus you can travel from Vent to the Ötztal train station (1.5 h) and from there continue on one of the long-distance trains to Innsbruck (1h), Munich (2.5h) or Zurich(3h)
Your bags will be transferred between your accommodation as per your itinerary. Your baggage can not be delivered to the Ramolhaus Hut due to its remote location, your baggage will be moved directly to your next hotel. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg / 44lbs per person. You will need to carry your overnight items with you, including a sheet sleeping bag liner.
The distances and ascents/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all the necessary items, for example, proper rain gear, sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has detailed advice and a kit list on what to take. This includes good waterproof gear, walking shoes/boots, and lots of other useful bits and bobs.
In your information pack you will find a detailed packing list which includes walking boots, walking poles and waterproof clothes amongst other things.
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised so that we can secure the best accommodation options for you.
This tour is rated moderate to strenuous. The last two days are graded strenuous, The trails are mainly on well-developed and marked paths, as well as on non-technical mountain trails.
On your final two days you will need alpine hiking experience and a head for heights as there are exposed sections with ropes to ensure safe crossings. The trails are mainly on well-developed and marked paths, as well as on non-technical mountain trails. You should have a good level of fitness to manage the daily distances and ascents/descents.
Your detailed information pack will be sent to you after you book. This has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.
You can use public transport or a local taxi to continue to your next overnight stop. Your accommodations will be able to help with arrangements, or we are able to assist you from our German and UK office.
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