Niederjochferner, Alpine glacier in Ötztal Alps, Austria
Niederjochferner is a glacier in the Ötztal Alps that extends northwest from the Similaun mountain group. It has two distinct arms that spread across Austrian and Italian territory and covers a total area of about 1.87 square kilometers.
The glacier formed during the last ice age and became a defining feature of the alpine landscape. In 2018, its upper western section separated completely from the lower tongue portion, marking a significant change caused by melting.
The glacier's name comes from the Niederjoch pass nearby, a crossing that has been used for centuries as a mountain route. The area holds special meaning for hikers and mountaineers who seek access to high peaks and historic pathways across the Alps.
The glacier sits in high alpine terrain and requires good physical fitness to visit. The best time to explore it is during warmer months when snow conditions are more stable and access is easier.
Near the Tisenjoch area close to the glacier, Ötzi was discovered in 1991, an ice mummy from the Bronze Age over 5000 years old. This find made the region known worldwide and reshaped our understanding of prehistoric times.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
