Hikes in Sölden

The Ötztal Alps around Sölden in Tyrol are among the most impressive mountains in Austria. The peaks rise up to over 3,700 meters into the sky, hosting an alpine world with glaciers, wild high valleys, and a special flora and fauna.

If you want to go high, there are plenty of hikes to choose from in Sölden. To shorten the ascents, you can also use the mountain railways. The following tours are among the highlights where you will be trekking above 2,000 meters.

The hike to Gaislacher Lake starts from the middle station of the Gaislachkogelbahn. The way up is four kilometers with 560 meters of elevation gain. The Gaislacher Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in the upper Ötztal, can also be reached from the top station of the Gaislachkogelbahn.

The Giggijochbahn also takes you effortlessly up to over 2,500 meters, from where you can start your tour. One of the most popular destinations on this side of the mountain is the Rotkogelhütte. Here you can continue your tour to the Schwarzkogel, which is considered the easiest 3,000-meter peak around Sölden.

In Hochsölden, the hike to Peerlersee begins, a beautiful mountain lake in a unique, high alpine environment. Along the Dr. Bachmann path, you hike through a magnificent landscape with great views of Sölden. The challenge of this tour is the long return journey back to the valley.

Note: Tours at this altitude should be planned and carried out with care. Check the weather and make sure that footwear and equipment in your backpack are suitable for your tour! If in doubt, consult the tourist information or a mountain guide.

If you are looking for peace and want to hike outside the area accessible by cable cars, you will also find numerous hikes. Especially east of Sölden, nature is largely untouched, and you can explore the Ötztal Nature Park to your heart's content on your hikes. These tours are also feasible for children who can manage up to 500 meters of elevation gain.

A leisurely hike leads from Sölden to the Lochle-Alm at the beginning of the Windachtal. The valley is part of the Ötztal Nature Park and of special ecological value. The four-kilometer tour (one way) is family-friendly and can easily be extended: A little further up the Windachtal lies the Fiegl’s Alm, another worthwhile destination.

The Stallwiesalm is one of the most rustic alpine pastures around Sölden, making it a popular destination for pleasure hikers and families. About 500 meters of elevation gain have to be mastered from Sölden before you reach the alm, which promises a wonderful sunny spot in the afternoon.

The tour to the Leiterbergalm starts from the valley station of the Giggijoch cable car, leading along a beautiful path through the forest and rewarded at the end not only with a great place to rest but also with a fantastic view of the Ötztal. This tour is also suitable for hiking-experienced children with about 450 meters of elevation gain.

Sölden covers all areas of hiking. You will also find themed trails here that are especially exciting for children and a great introduction to hiking.

Wasserläufer Waalweg Mooserstegle: A beautiful themed trail along an old irrigation channel leading into the Windachtal valley.  

Zwergerlweg: On this themed trail, children are offered exciting stories. The path ends at the Goldeggalm, from where a three-kilometer-long hiking trail leads down to Sölden.

In the Ötztal Alps, long-distance hiking enthusiasts also get their money's worth. Hiking on high-altitude trails from hut to hut is simply special. No wonder long-distance hiking is very popular. If you are looking for a longer hiking break, take a look at these two routes:

Ötztal Trek: The Ötztal Trek includes 22 stages, which can be combined into your personal long-distance hiking route depending on available time and fitness.

Ötztaler Urweg: A long-distance trail that runs largely close to the valley and at mid-level altitudes. Individual stages are also recommended.