Höhenrausch in the Pitztal: 7 experiences for the whole family

Advertising: Contribution in cooperation with the Pitztal Tourism Association

The Pitztal winds its way for 40 kilometres from Imst am Inn to the snow- and ice-covered three-thousand-metre peaks at the end of the valley. In between, 380 kilometres of hiking trails, countless mountain lakes, thundering waterfalls and a wonderfully high alpine landscape are waiting to be explored. You won’t find “Halligalli” in the Pitztal. Instead, the valley landscape on the edge of the Kaunergrat Nature Park region scores with its originality and unique nature experiences for young and old. We brought you a selection of them from our trip at the beginning of August.

1. Circular hike with thrills: Luis-Trenker-Steig

This easy and at the same time varied two-hour circular hike over the Luis-Trenker-Steig through the protected Arzler Pitzeklamm gorge at the entrance to the Pitztal is worthwhile in almost any weather. While the classic tour starts at the “Luis-Trenker-Steig” car park, the path through the gorge is also accessible from Imst train station (approx. 20 minutes walking time).

The hiking trail leads out of the valley on narrow paths and over rock-based paths along the Pitze through a dense, green mixed deciduous forest. Thanks to the high humidity, mosses and ferns of all kinds thrive here and give the gorge forest a “jungle-like” ambience. Another highlight are the sandbanks along the Pitze – perfect for cooling your legs in the refreshing glacier water on hot summer days.

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At the end of the circular hike, nerves of steel are required when crossing the pedestrian bridge named after the Pitztal ski racer Benjamin Raich. The Benni-Raich-Bridge leads us at a lofty height of 94 m over the Arzler Pitzeklamm. The previously climbed path deep down in the gorge can be viewed from above.

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2. Flights of fancy on the Hochzeiger

Not far from the Luis-Trenker-Steig is the Hochzeiger winter sports area. A detour here is also worthwhile in summer. With the one-kilometre-long ZirbenPark circular hike with 17 adventure stations and the fast-paced ZirbenCart descent, action is guaranteed. Our stomachs growl after the circular hike on the Luis-Trenker-Steig and therefore we first head for the sun terrace of the Zeigerrestaurant at the middle station. In addition to classic Tyrolean specialties, you will also find regional and typical Pitztal products on the menu. Try the Pitztal baked potatoes from Arzler potatoes. These are available in a vegetarian and a rustic version with bacon. Very fine and a surprising culinary flight of fancy on the mountain for us.

Then you can either take the chairlift up to the summit of the Sechszeiger, from where you can enjoy a great panoramic view towards the Inn Valley and over the Ötztal Alps. Alternatively, an almost 1.5-hour hike leads from the middle station via the Kalbenalm (the smallest alpine pasture on the Hochzeiger) and the reservoir up to the panoramic summit. Afterwards we jet downhill with the mountain carts back to the middle station. Admittedly, I was critical at the beginning whether I would enjoy it – but it’s really funny!

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3. Breakfast happiness in Tyrol’s highest café

The Hochzeiger area is located above the municipality of Jerzens at the entrance to the Pitztal valley. From here we take the post bus for about three quarters of an hour into the valley to Mandarfen. The small, tranquil holiday village is the starting point for high-alpine mountain tours around Austria’s second highest mountain – the 3,768 m high Wildspitze. But it’s not just high-altitude ski tourers who are ready at the valley station of the Pitztal Glacier Express at seven o’clock on Saturday morning, but also all those who are looking forward to breakfast in Tyrol’s highest café at 3,440 m above sea level.

During the summer months from July to October, a breakfast buffet is prepared in Café DAS 3440, which is integrated directly into the mountain station of the Wildspitzbahn, from 7:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Perfect – to start a day in the mountains with the most magnificent panoramic view (cost breakfast incl. ascent and descent for adults: 53 euros).

4. Through rocky terrain on the Mittagskogel

After this enjoyable start to the day, we want to explore the rocky terrain around the Gletscherespress and the Wildspitzbahn on foot. To do this, we take the Wildspitzbahn downhill to the mountain station of the Gletscherexpress and follow the hiking trail signs in the direction of Mittagskogel. The pyramid-shaped Mittagskogel forms the dominant end of the valley in the inner Pitztal and accordingly offers a magnificent view over the long side valley. From the mountain station of the Gletscherexpress, a steep, three-kilometre-long trail leads through rocky terrain almost 300 metres uphill to the summit of the Mittagskogel at 3,130 m above sea level.

Keep to the right as you ascend. About halfway along the route, you will pass a fork in the road. The path branching off to the right is the technically easier one. The path continues straight ahead directly to the ridge and from there through more exposed terrain to the summit. For all those who are sure-footed, the short, crisp ascent is easily manageable. We needed just under an hour for the ascent (or less than two hours for the way there and back).

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The detailed route description including downloadable GPX data can be found here: Mountain tour to the Mittagskogel

5. Traumkulisse & Flösserspass am Rifflsee

Just how diverse the Pitztal is is shown by the direct comparison between the barren, rocky landscape around the Wildspitze area and the lush green scenery at the Rifflsee, covered with bright flowers. Both areas are accessible from Mandarfen by cable cars and could not be more different in terms of landscape. An easy, one-hour hiking trail leads around the Rifflsee – worthwhile as a leisurely afternoon detour followed by a stop at the Sunna Alm at the mountain station of the Rifflseebahn or as a full-day family excursion. Twice a day (or once a day in September and October) you can experience the Rifflsee from a special perspective. Then a 140 m² wooden raft sets off for a 45-minute round trip.

6. Overnight stay in a hut with a view of the glacier

We watch Europe’s highest raft ride from the top of the hill and at the same time admire the magnificent mountain scenery around the mountain lake. Less than a 15-minute walk from the Rifflsee mountain station and accessible via a path suitable for prams is the Rifflseehütte. It scores with a panoramic location with a view of the Taschach Valley and the glaciers of the Ötztal Alps and at the same time offers a rustic hut experience. There is a choice of double rooms, multi-bed rooms and dormitories. And in addition to the half-board menu, there is also the option of ordering a typical Tyrolean speciality from the daily menu in the evening.

Please note: due to hygiene regulations, there are currently no blankets available in Austria. A silk sleeping bag, which is usually used for overnight stays in huts, is therefore usually not sufficient and it is recommended to take a “real” sleeping bag with you.

7. Bad weather tip: Steinbockzentrum Tirol

We had not planned the overnight stay in the Rifflseehütte without ulterior motives. Actually, we wanted to hike from here early in the morning via the Fuldaer Höhenweg to the Taschachhaus and from there cycle back to Mandarfen by bike. A panoramic 17-kilometre-long hike-and-bike combination tour. Unfortunately, the weather was not kind to our plans and greeted us after a restful night in the Rifflseehütte with a cloudy and quite humid Pitztal mountains. With the announced continuous rain, I also lose the desire to hike and therefore we rearranged our daily plans without further ado.

Last summer, the Pitztal Ibex Centre opened in Schrofen. The interactive visitor centre is dedicated to the reintroduction of the ibex in the Pitztal and at the same time there is the opportunity to observe the ibex up close in the freely accessible wildlife enclosure. A detour that is also worthwhile in bad weather – especially because there is a nice café on the lowest floor of the architecturally exciting visitor center.

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Practical tips for your trip to Pitzal

• The Pitztal can be reached from Switzerland by public transport via Landeck-Zams / Imst with the Railjet (depending on the connection, directly or with one change).
• From Imst there are hourly Postbus connections to Mandarfen (unfortunately no regular timetable).
• We spent the night in Mandarfen at the Hotel Zirbenhof directly opposite the valley station of the Rifflseebahn. Room rates start in the summer season at 65 euros (incl. half board) per person / night.
• At selected partner companies, you will receive the Pitztal Summer Card for one night or more, with which you benefit from various inclusive services (including daily use of the mountain railways). More information can be found here: Pitztal Summer Card
• The duration of the summer season and operating times of the Hochzeiger cable cars and the Pitztal Glacier vary. It is best to consult the operating hours on the official website in advance.
• With 19 signposted trail running routes, the Pitztal is considered the number 1 trail running region in Austria. The route network covers more than 260 kilometres at alpine altitudes.