Söll is a valley village filled with people who treasure tradition – whether that’s welcoming visitors to its flower-bedecked hotels or celebrating the return of their beloved cows from the high mountain pastures each summer (flower crowns included). Söll’s open green valley rises into the foothills of the vast Wilder Kaiser mountains to the North, and the Bergwelt to the South. In winter, this area is one of Austria’s biggest ski regions. In summer, it's the perfect destination for a walking holiday exploring over 700 kilometres of varied paths linked by lifts and public transport.
Tyrolean heights: walking holidays in Söll
Two very different mountains bookend Söll, making for varied adventuring terrain and scenic walking holidays. The jagged dragon’s spine of Wilder Kaiser juts its grey limestone peaks to the north, green mountains roll out to the south, and a valley stretches out between - it's all covered in an intricate web of walking trails. Lifts climb into the mountains, pausing at peaks and plateaus, before dropping back down into neighbouring valleys and villages. Mountain biking is big around these parts too. Keen pedallers can check out the pump track at Lake Ahornsee on the south side of Söll or venture into the wooded slopes to discover exciting mountain trails around Brixen.
Hochsöll and Hohe Salve
One of the most popular – and most accessible – mountain ascents from Söll is the Hohe Salve. First, board the new cable car bound for Hochsöll and the mountain park of Hexenwasser. Here, families can explore pools, stepping stones and barefoot trails while learning about the tales of the valleys around.
A second cable car climbs further still to the peak of the Hohe Salve, where the highest pilgrimage chapel in Austria keeps an eye on the valleys and villages far below. Paragliders are also found up here, ready to launch themselves into the crisp mountain air. You can choose to keep your feet firmly grounded, following footpaths to glassy lakes and mountain huts.
Soak up the village spirit in Söll
Söll is a village full of surprises. Take the parish church – it might look like a classic alpine sanctuary from the outside, but inside it’s a flamboyant rococo concoction of painted ceilings and sacred sculptures. Restaurants and shops are well-stocked with local meat, cheese, ice cream and breads sourced from the farms that freckle the valley. The town band doesn’t need much of an excuse to strike up a Tyrolean tune, either, putting on weekly concerts and village evenings in summer.
Discover hidden gems or bustling cities
Buses roll along the valleys of the Wilder Kaiser, stopping at picturesque villages such as Scheffau and Ellmau, and at the turquoise waters of Hintersteinersee lake. Where there’s a village, there’s usually a lift – and they’ve all got their own specialties. Some cable cars deliver families to child-friendly walks, others take you to renowned mountain huts, and others are gateways to the wilder paths of the Wilder Kaiser. For a trip to the city, catch the bus to fortress-topped Kufstein. Trains run from the town centre to Innsbruck in the west and Salzburg in the east. There's a mountain lift hidden in Kufstein too, the single person chair-lift that slowly rises up the back of the Wilder Kaiser mountains is a real hidden gem, offering up some incredible views and peaceful surroundings.
Why book a summer holiday in Söll with Inghams?
At Inghams, we do walking holidays differently. With no fixed itinerary, you have more time in your destination and the freedom to walk as much or as little as you like, discovering some of Söll’s best walking routes and activities at your own pace.
With 90 years of outdoor travel experience, our holiday packages to Söll include flights, transfers, and accommodation, so you can relax and leave the small details to us. Our experts can help you choose the best holiday for you, and our team in resort can give you the inside scoop on how to spend your time away with us.
