The Ötztal Valley lies between the Stubai Alps and the Ötztal Alps. The huge network of walking and hiking trails here takes visitors to breathtaking natural highlights such as thundering waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, traditional mountain huts and thick pine forests.
At the far end of the valley lies the village of Vent within the borders of the Ötztal Nature Park – an excellent starting point for hikes to some of the many nearby huts such as the Martin-Busch-Hütte and the Similaunhütte, though walkers here will need strong legs and a good head for heights. The views high in the Ötztal Alps near the Italian border are truly breathtaking. Families with children can take on the relatively easy 2,670m Hoher Mut mountain by leaving from Obergurgl and crossing a protected area of pine forest. Even easier is the walk to the Piburger See lake above Oetz or to the Stuibenfall waterfalls in Niederthai, at 159 metres from top to bottom an impressive sight. The village of Sölden is also well worth a visit in summer, for example as the starting point for a hike to Gampe Thaya. Last but not least there is the Ötztal Trek, a long-distance hiking trail taking ambitious wanderers all the way into the valley and back out again.
