Walking and hiking in the Pitztal Valley is a magical experience. The region's excellent network of trails leads past quiet lakes, over craggy peaks and through lush pastures. In summer the landscape shimmers in a thousand shades of green, while in autumn it is an explosion of reds, yellows, oranges and browns. All in all there are 380 kilometres of walking and hiking trails around Mandarfen, from easy strolls for families to tough mountaineering expeditions for experienced alpinists.
Hiking holidays in the Pitztal Valley
Discover the luxury of simplicity
What do you need for a luxury holiday? Not much, if you ask us! Just a pair of sturdy walking boots and a beautiful place to explore! The rest happens all by itself! Rushing rivers turn into precious jewels, the mountain panorama into a priceless painting, the colours of autumn into real gold. And at the end of it all an open-air picnic under the starry sky which is no less memorable than a visit to the finest of award-winning restaurants. Sometimes, luxury can be found in simplicity. Welcome to the Pitztal Valley.
Hiking in the Pitztal Valley
Wanderlust
Hiking highlights at our hotel:
- Four guided walks and hikes per week (June until October) with trained guides led by Benedikt Walser
- Free hire of hiking poles
- Hiking rucksack included in room price
- Tips and advice on the best places to walk and hike
- Free shuttle bus to the best hiking spots in the valley
Peter Habeler, Austrian mountaineer
"I climb a mountain – and when I come back down again I am a different person."
Hiking trails in the Pitztal Valley
Easy to extreme
There is no feeling quite like climbing a mountain and looking down at the world below. Guests at DAS VIER – Sports & Wellness Hotel are spoilt for choice when it comes to walking and hiking, with the surrounding region offering everything from easy strolls suitable for families and older walkers to extreme climbs at over 3,000 metres above sea level.
Top walks and hikes
Our recommendations
- Pitztal Legends Trail: A great experience for the young and the young-at-heart. This adventure trail takes about 30 minutes to complete and leads through lush pastures to the Gletscherstube hut, recounting many myths and legends from the Pitztal Valley along the way. At the hut you can then take the Legends Quiz and win a prize.
- Hiking near Rifflsee lake: Hop on the cable car and whizz up into the Rifflsee hiking area in a matter of minutes. The trails here, high above the hotel, are particularly good for families and those who like to take it easy while walking. There are also more challenging trails further up which can be accessed from Rifflsee.
- Glacier hiking: The Gletscherexpress and Wildspitzbahn cable cars whisk hikers into the high mountains at the end of the valley. Don't miss out on the chance to sip on a cappuccino at the Café 3.440, Austria's highest café, with views of 50 mountains over 3,000 metres. There are even hiking routes on the glacier itself, though these are only recommended in the company of a guide.
- Top of the Tyrol: Experienced hikers can climb Austria's second-highest mountain, the ice-capped Wildspitze at 3,768 metres, in the company of a guide.
Kaunergrat Nature Park
Up close with nature
The Kaunergrat Nature Park is home to some of the highest mountains in Austria – ice giants where the snow never melts, even in the height of summer. Use your stay at DAS VIER to explore this protected area of natural beauty and marvel at the majesty of nature.
Indoors and outdoors
Nature park highlights
- Flora and fauna: Ibex, wild sheep, golden eagles, deer and marmots are just some of the animals native to the Alps which can be seen in the Pitztal Valley, which is home to the largest ibex colony in Austria.
- Kaunergrat Nature Park Centre: Enjoy an interactive walk for all the senses from the valley floor to the glacier.
- Piller Moor: One of the most beautiful wetland areas in Europe. The moor can be accessed by wheelchair users and offers a fascinating insight into the wonderful landscape of the Pitztal Valley.
- Free guided walks with experienced Nature Park guides.
For more walks and hikes check out our interactive hiking map.
FAQs
Good to Know about the Pitztal Valley
The Pitztal stretches over approximately 40 kilometers. Key villages include Wenns, nestled in a mountain basin, and St. Leonhard, the gateway to the Pitztal Glacier. Other picturesque places are Arzl, located at the entrance to the valley, and Jerzens. All of them offer a wide range of leisure and outdoor activities.
At 3,440 metres above sea level, the Pitztal Glacier is Austria’s highest glacier ski area. Often referred to as the “roof of the Pitztal”, it offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountain landscape.
Top attractions in the Pitztal include the Pitztal Glacier and the Gletscherstube viewing platform, offering stunning views of the glacier and surrounding peaks. The Pitztaler Alpenhaus info center gives fascinating insights into the glacier world and alpine nature.
For mountaineers, the Wildspitze, Tyrol’s highest mountain, is a true highlight. Nearby, the Rifflsee invites visitors to hike, stroll, or simply relax in a breathtaking setting. If you're craving action, don’t miss the PitzPark Wenns – an adventure park with activities like flying fox, climbing wall, and archery.
Wanderlust?
Step by step towards a new you!
Hiking holidays at DAS VIER – Sports & Wellness Hotel!
