The Ötztal Alps are one of the largest and most impressive mountain groups in the entire Eastern Alps — a vast, glacier-clad wilderness straddling the border between Austria and Italy. This is a place where the scale of the mountains feels genuinely overwhelming, and where adventure ranges from gentle valley walks to serious high-alpine ascents.

The scenery here is defined by enormous glaciers flowing between rocky ridges, deep valleys cutting into the massif, and an almost endless succession of summits above 3000 metres. Valleys like the Ötztal, Pitztal and Kaunertal draw you deep into the heart of the range, each with its own character — from lively ski resorts to remote and barely visited corners. With nearly 700 named peaks, the Ötztal Alps offer something for every level of mountain enthusiast.

Highlights:

• Wildspitze (3768 m) — the highest summit in the Ötztal Alps and the second highest in Austria, a classic goal for experienced mountaineers.
• Weißkugel (3738 m) — a commanding peak right on the Austrian-Italian border, popular with high-alpine trekkers.
• Similaun (3597 m) — famous as the mountain near where 'Ötzi the Iceman' was discovered in 1991, one of archaeology's greatest ever finds.
• Gepatschferner — the region's largest glacier at nearly 17 km², offering a vivid glimpse of the Alps' icy past.

Practical info:

• Base towns: Sölden, Obergurgl, Nauders (Austrian side); Merano (Italian side)
• Trail difficulty: Wide range — easy valley paths suitable for families up to demanding routes requiring full alpine equipment and experience
• Getting there: By car via Innsbruck (A12 motorway), then into the Ötztal or Pitztal valleys; regular bus connections from Innsbruck to Sölden

Here is a remarkable fact: the famous 5300-year-old glacier mummy 'Ötzi' was found preserved in the ice near Tisenjoch pass in 1991, making the Ötztal Alps one of the most archaeologically significant mountain ranges in the world.