Ötztal
Ötztal is a valley in Tyrol, Austria, stretching about 65 kilometers from south to north and surrounded by high mountain ranges with numerous glaciers. The Ötztaler Ache river flows through the valley and joins the Inn to the north, while several villages including Oetz, Längenfeld, Sölden, and Obergurgl line the valley and serve as starting points for various activities.
The valley has been inhabited for thousands of years, as evidenced by archaeological finds of early tools, with the most famous discovery being Ötzi, an ice mummy from about 3300 BCE found in a glacier in 1991. Umhausen is the oldest settlement in the valley, while Sölden grew from modest beginnings with about 20 houses in the 13th century.
The valley takes its name from the village of Oetz, which serves as the region's center. Traditional Tyrolean architecture with painted facades shapes the towns and reflects local craftsmanship passed down through generations.
The area is easily accessible by public buses and cable cars, and many hotels offer guest cards that include free rides and discounts. The well-organized infrastructure allows visitors to explore and enjoy various locations and activities without needing a car.
The Ötztal Glacier Road is the highest paved road in the Alps, leading from Sölden up to the glaciers where visitors can see snow even in summer. This spectacular high-altitude route offers a unique perspective on the glacier landscape and snow-covered peaks.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
