Hiking in Oetz.

The loop starts right at the Urlaubsplatzl: first upstream along the Ache, where the famous Achstürze rapids thunder by the Wellerbrücke. The path then climbs gently through striking rockfall terrain to the lake. If you like, add the extra lap around the shore (a good 45 minutes more), jump off the jetty or hire a rowing boat in summer — the forest path takes you straight back to Oetz.

From Oetz the path leads gently up the valley towards Ötzerau and Habichen. The Habicher See is a quiet little lake with benches and mountain views — ideal for a picnic. Return the same way or as a loop across the fields; sporty variants tack Lake Piburg straight onto the end.

From Oetz you stroll to the historic Wellerbrücke, where the Ache forces its way thundering through the boulders. Several platforms offer safe box seats above the water — a first-class photo spot, especially at snowmelt. The loop combines freely with the Lake Piburg Loop.

At the top, a network of easy high trails awaits between the panorama restaurant, alpine pastures and play stations. The themed paths around Widi the mountain sheep are built so that children keep walking of their own free will — while the grown-ups get Stubai Alps panorama on top. Stop for refreshments at the panorama restaurant or one of the rustic huts.

The marked path traverses from the Hochoetz top station with around 100 metres of climbing to the Neue Bielefelder Hütte (DAV) at 2,112 m. Its terrace is one of the loveliest places to stop in the region — and if you fancy more, use the hut as a springboard towards the Wetterkreuzkogel or (for the very experienced) the Acherkogel.

Especially beautiful is the variant via Lake Piburg: lake idyll first, then the path winds steadily uphill on forest roads and woodland trails. At the top, Haflinger horses graze in front of the hut and Tyrolean cooking waits inside. Descend the way you came or as a loop towards Tumpen — with the Stuibenfall in view across the valley.

The trail is well secured and manageable for sure-footed families, but demands a head for heights — the platforms hang spectacularly in the rock. At the top, it is worth continuing into the sunny high valley of Niederthai for refreshments; the return is gentler via the forest track. The falls are at their mightiest at snowmelt in early summer.

The ascent first ambles to the Bielefelder Hütte, then climbs in wide switchbacks across open slopes to the summit cross. The paths are marked throughout; only the final stretch asks for some stamina. Plan cleverly and save the hut stop for the way back — Kaiserschmarrn tastes twice as good after a summit cross.

The Knappenweg links the Hochoetz hiking area with Kühtai at 2,020 m — either as a crossing (return by bus) or as a big loop over the weather cross with a descent through the wildly romantic Wörgetal. The audio stations tell of the hard life of the miners who once dug for ore here.

The path starts practically at our front door and gains height quickly: first through shady mountain forest, later across alpine meadows with ever wider valley views. The stop at the Bielefelder Hütte is honestly earned — and for the way back, the Acherkogel cable car waits as a knee-friendly shortcut.

The starting point is the Bielefelder Hütte (reached by cable car and a short approach). From there the route climbs over scree slabs and coarse blocks into the summit flank; the key sections demand steady hands and a total head for heights. At the top you stand on the balcony of the front Ötztal — with plunging views all the way to the Inn valley. Helmet recommended, start early, a solid weather window is non-negotiable.

From Umhausen the route leads through the Fundustal to the serviced Frischmannhütte (2,192 m) — skip the long forest road by taking the hut taxi to the Hintere Fundusalm. Above the hut it turns alpine: a narrow path climbs to the Feilerscharte (2,926 m), from where the block ridge leads to the cross in a good 30 minutes. Ideal as a two-day tour with a night at the hut.

From Umhausen it climbs steadily via the Vordere Leierstalalm, the final switchbacks opening the view of lake and hut. The marked loop around the Wettersee (about 45 minutes extra) is compulsory — the water mirrors the rock walls of the Wildgrat. Stay the night and you will witness a mountain-lake sunrise you will never forget.

The ascent is usually made from the Erlanger Hütte via the marked path through the block flank — sure foot placement is everything here. As a two-day tour with a night at the hut it becomes one of the loveliest quiet mountain journeys in the front Ötztal: day 1 to the lake, day 2 up the summit in the morning sun and the long descent back to Umhausen.

If you are after the full day out, this is it: over 1,600 metres of ascent, lonely cirques, the summit cross at 2,591 m and the long return through the Wörgetal with its streams and alpine floors. Start early and carry enough water — refreshment stops are rare.

After an approach of around 30 minutes from Umhausen you clip in: the route mostly stays in the B range, two short overhangs demand C — with the permanent backdrop of the waterfall. Plenty of artificial footholds make it feasible for sporty beginners with some experience; an easier exit variant waits at the end. Via ferrata set, harness and helmet are compulsory (rental available in the region).

Classically done in two days: ascent from Vent to the Breslauer Hütte (2,844 m), overnight stay, and next morning via the Mitterkarferner glacier and the Mitterkarjoch onto the summit ridge. Rope, crampons and crevasse-rescue skills are mandatory — if you lack either, go with a mountain guide (bookable in Vent and Sölden). The drive from Oetz to the end of the valley takes around 50 minutes.

The Urweg tells the story of the valley — from Ötzi to the mountain farmers. From the Urlaubsplatzl, the front stages work perfectly as day hikes (bus back); the ambitious take on the whole project and walk around the Ötztal once in two weeks. Stage entry and exit points are reachable by public transport almost everywhere.