I think I have every right to say that I have turned my hobby into a career. I spend every day working on matters surrounding hiking and I travel to Europe’s most beautiful hiking destinations both professionally and personally.
The Ötztal Alps connect South Tyrol and Austria like a gigantic bridgehead. This majestic mountain range – like no other in the Eastern Alps – is dominated by an impressive abundance of 3000-metre peaks and combines numerous conservation areas and even several climate zones.
The Ötztal Alps not only act as an imposing link between two nations, but also form the transition from the Mediterranean-looking valleys of South Tyrol to the bizarre glacier worlds of the Ötztal valley. As far back as the Stone Age, nomads travelled back and forth between emerald-green mountain lakes and fertile Alpine pastures with snow and ice. One of them – the world-famous Ötzi – fell victim to the first documented murder in human history, which gave him a final resting place in the eternal ice of the Tisenjoch pass.
Everything here already has more power and life.
I think I have every right to say that I have turned my hobby into a career. I spend every day working on matters surrounding hiking and I travel to Europe’s most beautiful hiking destinations both professionally and personally.
In the Ötztal Alps, man and animal have always moved in harmony with nature. This circumstance is most fascinatingly embodied by the centuries-old tradition of transhumance, the nomadic pasture farming. This cross-border sheep drive, in which more than 1500 sheep cross a glacier and a national border, was documented as early as 1415. In 2011, it was recognised as an intangible UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In June every year, innumerable enthusiastic visitors follow the animals from Vernagt to the Niedertalalm pasture, where the flocks graze until mid-September on paradisiacal pastures that one would not expect to find in an inhospitable glacier region such as this. The joy is no less great when the sheep return in September, since their return is duly celebrated with authentic customs festivals and regional delicacies.
The 100-kilometre Merano High Mountain Trail is one of the most attractive hiking trails in the Alpine region. Its route surrounds the Texelgruppe Nature Park and allows holidaymakers in search of tranquility and relaxation to nimbly explore this Eldorado. Surrounded by unspoilt nature and man-made cultural landscapes, the Merano High Mountain Trail takes us on a journey into ourselves where we gain exciting insights into many of life’s fundamental questions.
While enjoying traditional regional specialities, the landscape experience also goes through the stomach – just like love. As part of the Schnalstal valley Gourmet Factories, guests’ every conceivable culinary desire is met and the region’s myths are served on a platter. The most diverse catering establishments – from Alpine pasture huts to gourmet temples – present their Alpine-Mediterranean creations and share invaluable expert tips during leisurely cooking courses.
Packing list hiking holiday
The main places of Val Senales are Unsere Frau, Katharinaberg, Karthaus and Kurzras. These are best reached by car, bus or train. Arriving by plane is possible via several airports. Public transport is free with the Mobilcard or the museumobil Card.
Generall information for your holiday at Schnalstal valley