Holidays in Obergurgl

On an Inghams walking holiday, you have the freedom to explore the area at your own pace. Each day, a new adventure, with as much or as little walking as you like.

Why we love walking holidays in Obergurgl

Obergurgl and the Ötztal Valley has around 1,300 kilometres of walking trails for you to explore. These include panoramic hikes, family loops, themed trails and even cross-border treks. With a variety of lifts, nearby villages, and a great public transport system, you're in a hiking paradise when staying here. Wildlife enthusiasts will love holidays in Obergurgl, with an abundance of wild flowers as well as golden eagles, chamois, ibex and marmots to be seen.

Guided walks

Using your included Ötztal Inside Summer Card you can take part in the Tourist Office's free hiking programme. These walks and tours are hosted by certified guides, taking you to the most beautiful spots in the valley.

Registration is required directly with the Ötztal Tourist Information Office.

Obergurgl and the Ötztal Valley has a great network of public transport and lifts that make getting around the area really easy.

Lifts

There are plenty of lifts to take you up the mountains, reaching high peaks and different areas to explore. The Ötztal Valley is very large, so some of the lifts are further away from Obergurgl than others, in which you can use the local buses to access.

• Hohe Mut Bahn, Obergurgl (normally open 21 Jun - 15 Sep)
• Kirchenkarbahn 1 and 2, Hochgurgl (normally open 24 Jun - 6 Sep)
• Gaislachkoglbahn 1 and 2, Sölden (normally open 7 Jun - 6 Oct)
• Giggijochbahn, Sölden (normally open 7 Jun - 6 Oct)
• Langeggbahn, Sölden (normally open 7 Jun - 6 Oct)
• Hochsölden-Rotkoglbahn, Sölden (normally open 28 Jun - 15 Sep)
• Tiefenbachbahn, Sölden (normally open 28 Jun - 28 Jul)
• Schwarze Schneid Bahn, Sölden (normally open 29 Jul - 20 Oct)
• Sesselbahn Wildspitze (normally open 15 Jun - 22 Sep) and Wildes Mannle, Vent (normally open 15 Jun - 22 Sep)
• Drei-seen-bahn, Kühtai (normally open 22 Jun - 22 Sep)
• Ochsengartenbahn, Hochoetz (normally open 7 Jul - 8 Sep)
• Acherkogelbahn, Oetz (normally open 1 Jun - 20 Oct)

Please visit the “Cards & passes” tab for more information on using your Ötztal Inside Summer Card to access the lifts.

Subject to change.

Buses

There are various bus routes and stops in the valley and villages, making it easy to reach local attractions, hiking areas and trail start points.

The daily hiking shuttles included in the Ötztal Inside Summer Card include:

• Umhausen – Niederthai
• Sölden – Windachtal

The bus route down the valley is all included in the Summer Card from Obergurgl to Ötztal Bahnhof, however the route over the Timmelsjoch pass down into Italy is not included.

Subject to change.

Hut taxi

You can use your included Ötztal Inside Summer Card to get a discounted rate on the hut taxis, a service which must be booked in advance with the Tourist Office before at least 4pm the day before.

Obergurgl stone pine forest

• Easy walk
• 5.2km
• Expect to take around two hours

Set off from the village as you walk towards Zirbenwald. This 300-year-old stone pineforest is very picturesque, and perfect for families to venture through. Along the trail you’ll discover information panels to learn about the local nature and animals. It's possible to extend the walk and visit the stunning Rotmoos waterfall.

Lake Nedersee

• Moderate walk
• 9.6km
• Expect to take around five hours

This walk will take you along the Nederkogel mountain, crossing the Gurgler Ache brook and viewing the beautiful lake from its clear shore. With ice-capped mountains in the background and the rocky surroundings, you’ll pace over asphalt, wild trail and marked paths on this route. When you reach Lenzen Alm you can catch the bus back to Obergurgl.

Langtalereck Hut and Piccard bridge

• Challenging walk
• 19.3km
• Expect to take all day

Pass through the protected Naturpark Ötztal, over the narrow bridge and across some of the most incredible scenery. You’ll see a water reservoir, the Schönwies hut, a small chapel, steep grassy slopes and fast flowing streams between deep rock formations. This all-day hike is extremely rewarding, with places to refuel on route.

Recommended equipment

Suitable walking shoes with good grip, appropriate clothing, rain jacket, sun cream, insect repellent, sun glasses, rucksack, at least a litre of water, a re-usable water bottle, a snack and cash. You may find walking poles useful.

Walking maps

We recommend Kompass Map number 42, which has a scale of 1:25,000. The maps show the walking routes which are numbered and match the yellow signposts around the area. They will have a key which will help you understand the nature of the trail before you set out on your walk.

Walking guidelines

The mountains are a natural paradise, with lots to explore and discover. To help it stay that way, and remain an enjoyable and safe place for everyone, we recommend following our little list of do's and don'ts:

• Plan your route well and don't overestimate yourself
• Check the weather forecast
• Tell someone where you're planning to walk and what time you're expecting to be back
• Take all the recommended equipment
• Make a note of emergency numbers:
  • Austrian Emergency Services: 112
  • Mountain Rescue: 140
• Don't leave the marked trails or go onto a glacier without a guide
• Let nature stay wild by not picking alpine flowers (it's illegal in some places) or getting close to/making contact with wild animals
• Always leave gates as you found them
• Leave no trace

Check out our Responsible Walking insider guide if you want more tips for your summer walking holiday.

Things to do in Obergurgl

Bucket list views from Hohe Mut

You can't visit Obergurgl and not go to the Hohe Mut. With an altitude of 2,653 metres, the view from the top is spectacular and you can see 21 three-thousand-metre peaks and many glaciers. There's a mountain hut and playground from which to enjoy the view, so grab a seat in the sun and enjoy the fresh mountain air. Or head out on the loop hike that takes you to the glacier moraines.

Top Mountain Star and motorcycle museum

Treat yourself to a light snack or refreshment with 360° views at the top of Hochgurgl. At over 3,030 metres high you can walk on the narrow see-through ridge of the Wurmkogel peak. The panoramic views of the Ötz Valley Alps are breathtaking through the floor-to-ceiling glass masterpiece. At the bottom of the Hochgurgl lift, the motorcycle museum has over 500 vintage motorcycles from over 150 manufacturers.

High Alpine Roads

Covering 2500 altitude meters and 30 switchbacks, the Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road stretches from the top mountain cross point near Hochgurgl, in the direction of the South Tyrol. You can explore these roads by foot, bike or bus for breathtaking scenery with panoramic views and a few hidden treasures along the way.

Mountain biking

Rent a mountain bike from one of the local suppliers and make your way through the valley. Here you will find plenty of biking trails designed for different skill and fitness levels. Whether it be a leisurely ride or an intense downhill race, the local biking maps have you covered - keen mountain bikers will love the trails in Sölden (additional fees are often required for using mountain lifts with a bike).

Trail running

Are you up for a challenge? Home to a few trail running events during the summer period, Obergurgl is an exceptional place to test yourself for an early morning cardio workout. Ötztal has miles of trails for all running styles from beginner to advanced. Make use of the included Summer Card to access new long-distance routes and cross-border trails.

Exploring beyond Obergurgl

Thanks to the included Ötztal Inside Summer Card exploring the whole of the Ötztal couldn't be easier. Covering a large area of public transport use, the card allows you to venture further afield with lifts included up and down the valley. It's time to put your hiking boots on and face a new backdrop every day!

AQUA DOME Thermal Spa

Relax for a day at the AQUA DOME Thermal Spa in Längenfeld. There's a choice of seven saunas, multiple raised outdoor pools, a thermal bath so you can experience ultimate luxury alongside the fresh mountain air. Comfortable sun loungers are also placed around the garden area; summer bliss for those who prefer to sit back and soak up the sun.

Sports and leisure in and around Obergurgl

Enjoy an evening knock-about on the local tennis courts just before the sun sets or visit Sölden's high rope playgrounds or climbing gardens. For the more experienced mountain lovers, test your endurance and precision skills on one of the two via ferratas in Obergurgl-Hochgurgl; Zirbenwald & Schwärzenkamm. Or if you're feeling adventurous, maybe a tandem paraglide has always been on your bucket list.

Family activities in Obergurgl

Zirbenwald pine forest nature trail

Meader through the green slopes and rolling hills as you venture through Zirbenwald. With plenty of waterfalls on route, this is an incredible place for that picture-perfect family photo. Explore the nature trails and spot an abundance of wildflowers, and maybe even a golden eagle or chamois. Who will be the first to see a cute little marmot along the way?

Outdoor playgrounds

Jump in the gondola for a quick ride to visit the Hohe Mut Alm alpine playground. Made from mostly natural materials, the climbing frames will test your youngsters' balancing skills. Children and adults can carefully cross the rope lines, travel over moving bridges or speed down the slide on the adventure obstacle course. There is also a sand pit where the kids can make friends and create new holiday memories.

Geocaching in Obergurgl

Follow the marked route on the treasure hunting map and set out on a mission with the children to find as many geocaches as possible. Solve the riddles and find the letters as you discover the code word on the three-kilometre walk. Will you uncover the mystery word and recover the treasure?

Mountain-carting in the Ötztal Valley

Put your helmets on and get ready for a thrilling experience as you zoom from Gaislachkogl middle station down to the valley floor in Sölden. Children from the age of six with an accompanying adult can enjoy this mountain adventure. This 7.3-kilometre path is designed purely for adrenaline seekers; are you ready to brave the ride?

Sölden Leisure Centre

Visit the Freizeit Arena in Sölden; just a short 20-minute bus ride from Obergurgl. Ideal for a cloudy day, this sports centre features an action-packed pool with children's slides, whitewater channel, bubble pads, a waterfall and large swimming area. You will also find a bowling alley, tennis court, sports hall and restaurant great for refueling after a busy morning.

Ötztal Valley experiences

A guided canyoning adventure in the valley will have you brave the rocky riverbeds and waterfalls, exploring gorges and climbing in steep clefts. Or head to Hochoetz and the Widiversum adventure area which has 36 play and puzzle stations for all family members to take part in. Adventurous teens will love a day out at Area 47 - a large outdoor waterpark, with slides, over-water climbing and wake area and lots of activities to try.