Toprecommended route
Stage 2
Ötztaler Urweg E2 Oetz - Niederthai
Ötztal Tourismus Verified partner Explorers Choice
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/Photo: Ötztal Tourismus -
/Photo: Ötztal Tourismus
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/ OetzPhoto: Ötztal Tourismus
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/ Oetz KirchePhoto: Ötztal Tourismus
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/ TumpenPhoto: Ötztal Tourismus
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/ FarstPhoto: Ötztal Tourismus
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/ StuibenfallPhoto: Ötztal Tourismus
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/ StuibenfallPhoto: Ötztal Tourismus
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/ NiederthaiPhoto: Ötztal Tourismus
STAGE 2:
OETZ –> Weller Bridge –> Habicher See –> Elisabeths Höhe –> Tumpen –> Engelswand –> Lehn Platzl –> Maria Schnee –> Farstrinne –> Wienersteig –> Steppsteig –> Stuiben Falls –> NIEDERTHAI
FROM A SECLUDED MOUNTAIN LAKE TO THE RUSHING WATERFALLS
The old village center of Oetz is characterized by historical façade paintings. This stage travels right through this picture-book area deeply rooted in the valley's history. One of the authentic places is Habichen's former "Ice Cellar" near the small Habicher See lake fed by ice cold mountain waters: the cold air is led through tiny underground tunnels into a small rock crevice.
At the height of Tumpen the Ötztal is a wide open valley with green meadows in full bloom, surrounded by steep rock faces. On the next kilometers the route travels past the picturesque little Maria Schnee church, a popular place of pilgrimage! From quiet forest paths and meadow trails you now proceed towards an extremely turbulent white water area – the Stuiben Falls, Tirol's biggest waterfall. Huge masses of mountain waters are rushing into the cleft, only a stone's throw away from the hiking trail and the vantage platforms which make for a memorable experience. Once on top, the sunny Alpine plateau of Niederthai invites you to enjoy a well-deserved rest.
Safety information
Surefootedness, a good physical shape, stamina
No major difficulties
Tips and hints
Did you know that…
... the "Ice Cellar" of Habichen was still used as a refrigerator to store perishable food until the 1960s because of its ice cold air streams coming from the underground.
More details about hiking In Ötztal: https://www.oetztal.com/wandern
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
From the central car park, turn right into Achrainweg and follow the path parallel to Ötztaler Ache river. You walk comfortably on a gravel trail along the rivershore and the meadows until you get to the edge of the forest and the splendid Weller Bridge. At the Weller Bridge you keep left and follow the signs towards Habichen.
A few steps lead into the forest and after a shorttime to the western part of the hamlet. There you follow the route across the meadows, keeping to the right in front of the underpass.
After crossing the bridge, you turn right at the next fork-off and immediately leave the settlement behind you. Past Habichen‘s Ice Cellar you reach hidden lake Habicher See. From there you walk slightly uphill, and later on a level trail, along the shore of Tumpenbach brook. Branching off to the left, the route leads steeply uphill to Tumpen via Elisabeth‘s Höhe. Followed by a leisurely walk along the forest path, past Engelswandrock face, the hamlets of Lehn Platzl and the Maria Schnee chapel.
After the bridge crossing Farstrinne you turn left (uphill) into the dense forest to Wienersteig trail. Later Steppsteig takes you straight up to the foot of the mighty Stuiben Falls - Tirol‘s biggest waterfall. Countless stairs in close vicinity to the falling water masses finally take you up to the hamlet of Niederthai.
Note
Public transport
Enjoy a both comfortable and relaxing train ride to the train station in Ötztal Bahnhof. You get off the train in ÖTZTAL Bahnhof where you change to a public bus or local taxi. The current bus schedule can be found at: http://fahrplan.vvt.at
Getting there
Oetz is located in the western part of Austria in the state TYROL, in a southern side valley of the Inn valley - the ÖTZTAL. For your arrival by car, you can plan the best route from your home town with the route planner online at https://www.google.at/maps
Parking
The following parking facilities are available in Oetz:- Parking Acherkogelbahn - free for guests of the gondola lift, camping prohibited
- Parking lot Raftingeinsteinstelle (at the end of Oetz on the right side) - free, but limited parking (alternatively Acherkogelbahn 150 m), camping prohibited
- Oetz parking area (subject to a charge)
- Parking at night during several days' tours: Central parking place Oetz, The ticket is available at the information office Oetz.
Coordinates
Equipment
Standard hiking equipment, sturdy hiking bootsBasic Equipment for Long-Distance Hikes
- Sturdy, comfortable and waterproof hiking boots or approach shoes
- Layered, moisture wicking clothing
- Hiking socks
- Rucksack (with rain cover)
- Protection against sun, rain and wind (hat, sunscreen, water- and windproof jacket and suitable legwear)
- Sunglasses
- Hiking poles
- Ample supply of drinking water and snacks
- First aid kit
- Blister kit
- Bivy / survival bag
- Survival blanket
- Headlamp
- Pocket knife
- Whistle
- Cell phone
- Cash
- Navigation equipment / map and compass
- Emergency contact details
- ID
Camping Equipment
- Tent (3- or 4-season)
- Stove (including fuel and utensils)
- Sleeping mat. Sleeping bag with suitable temperature rating.
- Food
- Toiletries and medication
- Toilet paper
Things to Bring if Staying in a Mountain Hut
- Toiletries and medication
- Quick-drying towel
- Ear plugs
- Sleeping bag liner
- Sleepwear
- Alpine club membership card if applicable / ID
- Coronavirus mask and hand sanitizer
- The 'basic' and 'technical' equipment lists are generated based on the selected activity. They are not exhaustive and only serve as suggestions for what you should consider packing.
- For your safety, you should carefully read all instructions on how to properly use and maintain your equipment.
- Please ensure that the equipment you bring complies with local laws and does not include restricted items.
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