Adventure & outdoor sports in the Oetz Region

River rafting

In the Oetz Region vacationers like to swim with the current: beginners slip into their wetsuit and paddle through the breathtaking Imst Gorge on their river rafting boat. For a good reason, the approx. 14 km stretch between Imst and Haiming ranks among the most frequented river sections in Europe. Advanced water fans can prove their rafting experience at the wild water rodeo on Ötztaler Ache mountain brook. Always on board and everything under control: the professional, certified guides who promise safe white water adventures thanks to insider knowledge, humor and appropriate safety equipment.

Canyoning

Hiking experience of a different kind - in narrow ravines, through waterfalls, including jumps, abseiling adventures and a good dose of thrills. The Oetz Region has an absolute highlight when it comes to challenging canyoning sports: Auer Klamm gorge enjoys the reputation as one of the most beautiful canyoning tours in Europe. Divided into various difficulty levels, it offers sections for the less experienced but also extreme water slides, high abseiling areas through waterfalls and 5 to 16 meter high jumps for fearless experts. A wonderful canyoning adventure with mostly easy stretches is available for newbies and beginners in the area above Auerklamm ravine. There are some abseiling sections and great water slides. Both fun and nature exploration are absolutely in the foreground.

Experienced outdoor companies with certified mountain sports guides provide all the necessary equipment and profound local knowledge which is indispensable.

Kayaking/Canoeing

White water is Ötztal's middle name. From May to October, the glacier-fed mountain brooks are rushing out of the valley, inviting kayak fans and canoeists to get ready for paddling. Technical challenges of all kinds await you within the area, depending on the water level and the river section. In Oetz slalom specialists are particularly welcome. Passionate canoeists and clubs find ideal training and competition conditions on a 350 m long, professional canoe route with dozens of sliding gates and a finish house.

Geocaching

The perfect way to get to know the Oetz Region from truly unusual perspectives. Equipped with a treasure hunting map available from the nearest information office, you explore the surroundings of Oetz, Sautens and Ochsengarten where several loop walks of different length await little adventurers. Also at the "Kanzel" (Oetz/Piburg) and at scenic lake Habicher See caches are hidden and can be tracked via GPS data. True nature explorers are looking for the "9for5 & 5for1" caches throughout Ötztal.

AREA 47

At AREA 47, a unique Europe-wide highlight at the entrance to Ötztal, enterprising vacationers can try out more than 35 outdoor sports and exciting activities. Attractions include a water park with slides, diving tower, cannon ball ramp, blobbing area and water ramp above the climbing area, separate wakeboard lake with lift (5 towers), trendy (E-)mountain bike tours - not to forget river rafting, canyoning and caving: whatever makes your heart beat faster - the AREA 47 has it on the program! The adventure park also features lodgings, themed gastronomy and a couple of fun parties for all those in search of challenges by night.

Paragliding

Tandem flying in Oetz is - and nowhere else does this turn of phrase fit better - the highlight of every holiday. Ötztal is considered a dreamlike area in the international paragliding scene, thanks to challenging thermal currents and unique panoramic views between Zugspitze and Wildspitze. The specially equipped gondola cabins of the mountain lifts transport hang gliders, pilots and passengers comfortably to paraglide launch points in Hochoetz and other spots within Ötztal.