Our Top 10 Summer Highlights

A Diamond on the Gurgl Lake Plateau

Like large diamonds, the Gurgl lakes mirror the breath-taking nature around them. Dive in. Into the freezingly cold Soomsee lake to cool off on hot summer days.  And into long forgotten times. When the glacier covered the landscape beneath by several metres. Still today, the upland plateau and the lakes are witnesses to the past elemental force. The hike up there is also an experience. The high-alpine flora is impressive. And if you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of an eagle, chamois & other animals from far. From the valley to the lake, 700 metres of altitude gain have to be conquered. A quite demanding hike that is nevertheless worth every single bead of sweat – promised.

Seeing lakes

Scenic bike tour into the glacier world

This mountain bike tour truly deserves the attribute “scenic”. The wide gravel path to the Langtalereckhütte winds its way up along majestic mountains and leads through unique landscapes. Sometimes moderately difficult. Sometime with crisp climbs. Altogether 700 metres of altitude gain.  Lucky, if you have an electric bike. Then you have more time to enjoy the view. Of the Hangerer mountain, the local mountain of Gurgl. And the Haflinger horses and the sheep that spend their summers up there. Delightful is also a break on the sun terrace of the Langtalereckhütte. Or a break at the Schönwieshütte on the way down into the valley.

Biking in the mountains

On the tracks of an adventurer

If you haven’t had enough after the bike tour or hike to the Lantalereckhütte, a real highlight awaits you at the head of the Gurgl valley. The Piccard bridge, built in 2017, spans a 100-metre-deep-gorge. With a length of 142 metres, the bridge connects the two sides of the valley. And paves the way from the Langtalereckhütte to the Ramolhaus hut. Always in view: the Gurgl Ferner glacier. Already in 1931, the scene of a real adventures. When the researcher Auguste Piccard had to make an emergency landing with his balloon on the glacier – not far from today’s bridge. When crossing the bridge, you don’t have to be as daring as Piccard back then … but you have to have a good head for heights.

Experiencing adventures

Glaciers as far as your eyes can see

Not two or three, but 21 at once can be admired on the Hohe Mut summit. What are we talking about? Well, the three-thousand-metre-peaks of course. 21 summits with an altitude of over 3,000 metres can be seen from the broad summit of the Hohe Mut (2,653m). The numerous glaciers all around are there for good measure. The mighty giants and the eternal ice can be admired up close from the easy circular trail across the ridge of the Hohe Mut mountain. If you can marvel and feast at the same time, the viewing terrace of the Hohe Mut Alm is highly recommended. And with a full belly, you can then take the gondola to get down into the valley conveniently.

Enjoying the view

with Top Mountain Motorcycle Experience

Fasten your seatbelts, please, it’s getting twisty. The Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road, which winds its way from Hochgurgl into the South Tyrolean Passereital valley, has no fewer than 30 hairpin bends. With gradients of up to 13%, it crosses the pass at 2,509 metres. The 5 experience stations along the roadside, together with the spectacular nature, make this tour up the Timmelsjoch unique. Quite fitting that the Top Mountain Motorcycle Museum is located at the beginning of this legendary pass road. Europe’s highest-located motorcycle museum accommodates more than 500 historic motorbikes and vintage motorbikes and is to the delight of all motorsport enthusiasts.

Spectacular borderline crossing

On historic trails through the mountains

Near the Timmelsjoch is another door to the south. The Königsjoch (2,825m) lies at the end of the picturesque Königstal valley and can, unlike the neighbouring Timmelstal valley, only be reached by foot. The path to the saddle leads past an old customs hut on the tracks of bygone times. When smugglers travelled from Austria to Italy and back along these same paths. Food, cattle, cigarettes and everything the smugglers could carry in their wooden back baskets. A demanding hike that is as instructive as it is scenic.

Majestic hiking

Balancing act in lofty heights

Adventure enthusiasts watch out. The family-friendly via ferrata in the stone-pine forest is a climbing act with adrenaline guarantee right from the start. The climb starts with a wobbly Nepalese bridge high above the Ötztaler Ache river. After this first test of courage, things get more relaxed. Well-secured, the route continues close to the rocks of the gorge into the valley. Accompanied by the rushing mountain brook. Once the tricky key section just before the finish is passed, a dreamlike view of the head of the valley awaits you at the exit. If you want to take a look at the via ferrata from a distance first, follow the easy hiking trail that leads directly to the exit.

Adrenaline kick for the whole family

A visit to the queen of trees

Take a deep breath and feel the magic of this special place. The pleasant earthy scent of the stone pines and the tranquillity ensure immediate relaxation. The stone pine forest is a truly magical place. Relaxation seekers can relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Young and older explorers follow the theme trail and learn interesting facts about the Swiss stone pine, the inhabitants of the forest and the world of plants. Our tip: Take the gondola to the Hohe Mut mid-station. From there it is only a few steps to the stone pine forest. At the end of the trail, the Zirben Alm beckons you to have a delightful break.

Alpine forest bathing

Artistic break in the mountains

“The mountains are not a backdrop, but a motif”, this approach by Gurgl artist Hannah Philomena Scheiber is at the core of the Alpine ARTzeit. From 23 July to 15 August, renowned artists with roots in the Ötztal present their works and hold workshops and lectures. In addition to the exhibition in the Gurgl Carat, different workshops such as painting or hand-lettering are offered. For visitors and participants, the Alpine ARTzeit is not only an artistic break from everyday life, but also a change of perspective and a source of inspiration. Let yourself be inspired by the imposing high alpine nature and the skills of the artists.

Art in the mountains

When the sun in enveloping the mountain peaks in golden light and the valley is awakening, you are already floating towards heaven. The gondola takes you up to the Hohe Mut Alm. Up there, not only a hearty mountain breakfast awaits you, but also a magnificent view. Breakfast backdrop: numerous glaciers and 3000-metre-peaks. A hiking guide from Gurgl provides interesting facts about Gurgl and its history. Late risers can also look forward to alpine culinary delights with panoramic view. The gourmet gondola at the Kirchenkarbahn lift in Hochgurgl combines culinary delights with taste. Enjoy champagne and exquisite delights with view of the mountains.

Taste of the mountains