Long-distance hikes
Happiness in several stages
What could be more beautiful than a day in the mountains? That's clear, hiking through Ötztal for several days in a row - as far as your feet carry you. It's no coincidence that in such a fast-paced world the fascination for slowness has become a new trend, either on the valley floor or high up in the Alps. Ötztal boasts a fine network of marked routes either for novice long-distance hikers (e.g. on the Ötztaler Urweg or the Ötztal Trek) or all those in search of cross-border challenges on the E5.
Frequently asked questions
Many long-distance hiking trails lead through Europe and some also pass through the beautiful Ötztal. But what requirements should long-distance hikers have in order to hike on a long-distance hiking trail in Europe? This can vary greatly depending on the long-distance hiking trail. A certain level of fitness and sure-footedness are generally good companions on hikes lasting several days. Depending on your experience, you can find the best long-distance hiking trail in Europe. For example, the Ötztaler Urweg is also suitable for newcomers to long-distance hiking, while the Ötztal Trek requires mountain experience. The choice of long-distance hiking trail also determines what equipment is required. Most long-distance hiking trails in Europe are connected to a dense network of huts and mountain pastures. The huts not only serve as a place to sleep. They are also where you can replenish your provisions. This leaves more space in your backpack for a change of clothes (be aware of rapid weather changes in the high mountains), toiletries including sun protection, first aid equipment and, if necessary, additional equipment such as crampons, rope, helmet etc. You should also always keep an eye on the weather conditions on long-distance hiking trails in Europe. The higher and more exposed the tour, the more unpredictable the weather. Therefore, even if the weather forecast is sunny, a rain jacket should never be missing. Generally speaking, the best time to hike long-distance hiking trails in Europe is during the summer season between June and September.
There are twelve major European long-distance hiking trails in Europe that connect north and south as well as east and west. One of these is the E5 long-distance hiking trail, which also leads through the rear Ötztal in the royal stage. Depending on the region, there are also other (often not so long) long-distance hiking trails. In Ötztal, these are the Ötztaler Urweg and the Ötztal Trek. Both trails lead through the entire Ötztal and are over 180 km and 240 km long respectively. As with most other long-distance hiking trails in Europe, the stages can also be hiked individually.
Just as the landscape along the long-distance hiking trails in Europe is constantly changing, so too are the accommodation options. Around the long-distance hiking trails in Ötztal, there are numerous mountain huts that offer overnight accommodation. Those who prefer to spend the night in the valley will find more than 1,500 accommodations in the entire Ötztal that welcome long-distance hikers from all over the world. An overview of all accommodation in Ötztal can be found HERE.
The biggest attraction on the long-distance hiking trails in Europe is nature itself. Especially in Ötztal, where the trails lead from lush green meadows up to rugged peaks. There are over 250 three-thousand meter peaks to admire along the way, including the Wildspitze. At 3,768 meters, it is not only the highest mountain in North Tyrol, but also the second highest mountain in Austria.