Discover Otztal

Ötzi is a natural mummy of a man who lived between 3400 and 3100 BC. The mummy was found September 1991 in the Ötztal Alps, hence the nickname "Ötzi", near the Similaun mountain and Hauslabjoch, on the border between Austria and Italy.

Ötzi is believed to have been murdered; an arrowhead was found in his left shoulder, which would have caused a fatal wound. The nature of his life and the circumstances of his death are the subject of much investigation and speculation.

He is Europe's oldest known natural human mummy and has offered an unprecedented view of Chalcolithic (Copper Age) Europeans. His body and belongings are displayed in the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology.

Kaiserschmarren

This dish is a favourite in the office and we have to admit that “Kaiserschmarren” is an icon of Austrian cuisine, not especially of Tyrol but is so delicious it needs to be mentioned. Kaiserschmarren is a fluffy shredded pancake, which has its name from the Austrian Emperor, Kaiser Franz Joseph I, who was very fond of this kind of dish. Made from a sweet batter using flour, eggs, sugar, salt, and milk, Kaiserschmarren is baked in butter, torn with forks and served with stewed plums.

Speckknödel

A real staple, which you will find at most local restaurants. It is a large round boiled bread dumpling with bacon mixed through it. The dish is most commonly served with sauerkraut and salad as sides.

Gröstl

Known as Gröstl, which is grated potatoes fried with bacon and onions which is usually served with a fried egg, a real Alpine filler after a long of day of hiking.

Kasspatzln

The direct translation of this dish is  ‘cheese sparrows’, “Kasspatzln” are a thick type of egg noodle cut into small piece with grated cheese, oven-baked and sprinkled with fried onion. A savoury delight!