Summer holiday in the Ötztal

A summer holiday in the Ötztal is all about high alpine landscapes, adventure and variety. Discover waterfalls, mountain lifts, alpine huts and action-packed highlights like AREA 47 in Tyrol.
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This blog post was written by René Schwarte, founder and co-owner of Ferienhaus Tirol.

What makes the Ötztal special in summer?

From the valley entrance to high-alpine side valleys, the terrain rises continuously. In one day you can move from riverside walks to alpine pastures and viewpoints above 3,000 metres. Lifts, roads and well-marked trails ensure that even high-alpine landscapes are accessible without extreme mountaineering.​​​​​​​

Must-do 1: Stuibenfall waterfall hike

The Stuibenfall is Tyrol’s highest waterfall. A secured trail with stairs, bridges and suspension elements follows the cascading water through the gorge. It’s dramatic, refreshing and one of the most impressive summer walks in the region.

Must-do 2: Adventure and water at AREA 47

Located at the entrance of the valley, AREA 47 is Austria’s largest outdoor adventure park. Rafting, canyoning, climbing and a large water area make it a unique summer hotspot. Activities are professionally organised and suitable for beginners and experienced adventurers alike.

Must-do 3: Drive the Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road

The Timmelsjoch Hochalpenstraße is one of the most impressive high-alpine roads in the Alps. This spectacular mountain pass connects the Ötztal with South Tyrol and climbs to over 2,400 metres. Along the route, you will find panoramic viewpoints, short walking paths and information points about the alpine environment and climate.
​​​​​​​Even without long hikes, driving the Timmelsjoch allows you to experience the high Alps up close, with sweeping views, dramatic landscapes and visible glaciers. It is an ideal day trip if you want maximum alpine scenery with minimal physical effort.

Must-do 4: High-alpine views via the Gaislachkogl cable car

The Gaislachkoglbahn, located in Sölden, takes you in two stages to more than 3,000 metres above sea level. At the top, you step straight into a high-alpine landscape with glacier views and rugged mountain peaks.
​​​​​​​Several easy panoramic trails start directly from the mountain station, making this experience accessible even if you are not an experienced hiker. The Gaislachkogl is perfect for experiencing the true scale of the Alps without demanding mountain climbs.

Must-do 5: Alpine hut hiking near Vent

For an authentic alpine hut experience, head to the upper Ötztal around the mountain village of Vent. From here, well-marked trails lead to working alpine pastures such as the Brandalm or further on to the Schweinfurter Hütte.
​​​​​​​These huts are not tourist attractions but part of active mountain farming. You can enjoy simple, traditional dishes while surrounded by high-alpine scenery. This is where you experience daily mountain life as it has existed for generations.

Who is a summer holiday in the Ötztal suitable for?

A summer holiday in the Ötztal is ideal for travellers who enjoy active days in a high-alpine environment. If you are looking for dramatic landscapes, altitude, waterfalls and varied outdoor activities, the Ötztal is an excellent choice. Families with teenagers will also appreciate the mix of hiking, mountain lifts and adventure options such as AREA 47. The region is less suitable if you mainly want flat cycling routes, large swimming lakes or a purely relaxed resort-style holiday.

Read these blogs, ‘Hiking in Austria: 5 regions for hiking’ and ‘Cycling or mountain biking in Austria: What you need to know!’, in which we also introduce the Ötztal valley.

Overnachten in het Ötztal

For a summer holiday in the Ötztal, staying in a holiday home, chalet or apartment is a popular choice. These accommodations offer space, privacy and often panoramic mountain views. Many properties are quietly located while still providing easy access to hiking trails, cable cars and major attractions. Ferienhaus-Tirol allows you to compare accommodation across the entire Ötztal and choose what best suits your travel style.

👉 View the selection in Sölden and the surrounding area:
All holiday homes, chalets, apartments and group accommodations in Sölden and the surrounding area.

Summary

The Ötztal stands out as a summer destination for travellers who want to experience the Alps at their most powerful. With waterfalls, high alpine roads, cable cars, traditional huts and adventure highlights like AREA 47, the valley offers one of Tyrol’s most complete summer experiences.
You can find more information on the official website of Ötztal Tourism.