Obergurgl: Alpine Nature and Unique Mountain Experiences

Obergurgl lies in the Gurgler Valley at an altitude of 1,930 m and is surrounded by an alpine landscape. The village combines impressive mountain scenery with themed trails, viewpoints and experiences for different kinds of holiday days. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Obergurgl can tailor their stay to their own interests: among Swiss stone pine forests, glacier views, summer in the mountains, winter sports and regional cuisine.

Swiss Stone Pine Forests, Woodland Trails and High-Alpine Views

South of Obergurgl lies the Swiss stone pine forest, which has been protected as a natural monument in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve “Gurgler Kamm” since 1963. Some of the trees are up to 400 years old. A dedicated themed trail provides information about the “queen of the tree line” at 15 information boards and interactive stations. At the entrance to the Swiss stone pine forest, there is also the Zirben Alm children's playground with a slide, swing and various climbing elements.

Nature can also be experienced in a special way at the Ochsenkopf. The “Forest Bathing at the Ochsenkopf” discovery trail begins and ends in Obergurgl and leads via the Ochsenkopf and Poschach. Twelve stations combine breathing exercises and meditations accessed through a web app. The forest experience also includes a treehouse and platforms in the middle of the forest that invite visitors to linger.

The 8-passenger Hohe Mut cable car takes you in two sections from the valley station in Obergurgl directly to the Hohe Mut Alm at an altitude of 2,670 m. From there, you can enjoy views of the Ötztal glaciers and a total of 21 peaks over 3,000 m high. The “Glaciers – Climate – High-Alpine Research” information point provides interesting facts about geology and the changes in the mountain landscape. The Piccard Bridge crosses the remains of the Gurgler Ferner glacier tongue. A monument in Obergurgl commemorates Auguste Piccard’s balloon landing on the Gurgler Ferner on 27 May 1931, when he set a new altitude record.

Excursions with Children and Active Holiday Days

Obergurgl offers families several specific places to visit. The Kressbrunnen children's playground at the tennis courts has a slide, a sandbox, various wobble elements and two large trampolines. The “Zirbenwald” via ferrata, considered suitable for families, is located 150 m from the Davidshütte at the beginning of the Swiss stone pine forest. Free parking is available at the car park by the Festkogelbahn; from there, the Zirbenwald hiking trail leads via the Davidshütte to the start of the via ferrata.

Mountain bike tours can also be planned according to their different routes. The tour to the Langtalereckhütte starts in Obergurgl, is 13.66 km long and includes 560 metres of elevation gain. It leads deep into the Ötztal glacier world. The Gurgler Ache Trail, by contrast, is a short, family-friendly mountain bike tour along meadow and gravel paths. It starts at the Pill settlement and follows the Gurgler Ache upstream to Obergurgl; the route is 7.65 km long and includes 130 metres of elevation gain.

In summer, guests appreciate glacier tours to the Rotmoosjoch in the Obergurgl-Hochgurgl area. The Obergurgl Alpine Centre offers insights into summer in the Ötztal mountains. In the cold season, Obergurgl is considered a snow-sure winter sports destination. The culinary offerings include international specialities and Alpine cuisine, so in addition to active days, culinary discoveries can also be part of the stay.

Choose Obergurgl as a Suitable Base

The choice of accommodation therefore depends primarily on which experiences are to shape your holiday. A holiday apartment in Obergurgl is suitable for a trip centred on trails in the village, the Hohe Mut Alm, the Swiss stone pine forest or the surrounding mountains. Families can take playgrounds, the family-friendly via ferrata and the shorter mountain bike tour into consideration. Those looking for longer excursions and high-alpine impressions will find further inspiration for planning their trip in the tour to the Langtalereckhütte, the Rotmoosjoch and the glacier views.

If you would like to compare other places, you can also find Hochsölden, Vent, Hochgurgl, Bodenegg and Zwieselstein here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Sölden.