Obergurgl sits at the end of Ötztal, the longest valley in the Tyrol. With 1,950 metres of altitude under its belt, this is the spot for high alpine hiking in cooler summer climes – often a relief from the warmer summers below. This is a region shaped by the Ice Age, with towering mountain peaks, glacial valleys carved into the rock and icy rivers which flow from the glaciers. It's the perfect terrain for adventuring and there are hundreds of kilometres’ worth of trails, plus rafting rivers, climbing routes and heady via ferrata. There are plenty of opportunities for relaxing too, thanks to the luxury hotels, spas and pools that adorn the valley.
Walking in the Ötztal
Around 1,300 kilometres of well-marked walking trails vary from challenging hikes to viewing platforms easily reached by gondola. Pack your walking poles for rocky paths through centuries-old Stone Pine Forest – a rare sight in this world mostly above the tree line – or follow the paths that wind along the river to Zwieselstein and Sölden, passing waterfalls and mountain huts en route. These are wild parts, so keep your eyes peeled for golden eagles, chamois, ibex and marmots.
Hohe Mut
The mountain ridge of Hohe Mut offers some of the best views in the Tyrol, over 3,000-metre-plus peaks and towards distant glaciers. You can reach the Hohe Mut on foot - the route via the Rotmoos waterfall and the reservoir at the Schönwieshütte is particularly beautiful - or jump on the lifts that get there minus the calf ache. At the top, you can refuel on traditional Tyrolean classics in the mountain hut and children can explore the playground. Of course, this is the starting point for many a picturesque hiking and biking route, too.
Glacier spas and Tyrolean cuisine
Thanks to its sky-high spot, Obergurgl offers one of the longest and most snow-sure ski seasons in Austria – and plenty of spas with treatments crafted to soothe weary adventurers’ legs. These really come into their own in summer, when the outdoor pools open to mountain views and massages can target any hiking aches. Obergurgl has a good choice of restaurants too, including Tyrolean inns putting a fresh spin on old mountain recipes.
Obergurgl by bike
There are 850 kilometres of mountain biking paths in this neck of the woods, including valley trails, mountain tracks that zigzag the hillsides and the highest cyclable mountain pass in the Alps. Nearby Sölden, just down the valley from Obergurgl, is one of the best downhill mountain bike areas in the world – and home to the notoriously tricky Ötztaler Cycle Marathon. There’s a family-friendly bike park here too.
Why book a summer holiday in Obergurgl 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 Obergurgl’s best walking routes and activities at your own pace.
With over 85 years of outdoor travel experience, our holiday packages to Obergurgl 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 overseas can give you the inside scoop on how to spend your time away with us.
