Gurgl insider tips
Highlights in both summer and winter – Today I would like to reveal my secret highlights in Gurgl. For several years I have been living in Obergurgl, this picturesque little village at almost 1900 meters above sea level at the rear end of scenic Ötztal. As a native German, I also know Gurgl from a tourist perspective. That's why my list of highlights includes both the insider tips of real locals and the most fabulous experiences for visitors. Come with me and discover my Gurgl insider tips.
My special tips in Winter
Ski area
The high alpine altitude of Gurgl not only provides fresh air to breathe deeply in summer, but also offers prime slope conditions throughout the winter season. Winter in Gurgl stands for absolute snow guarantee from mid-November to late April. Both beginners and true experts can let off steam on 112 immaculate slope kilometers. In Gurgl there are no waiting times at the ski lifts and all skiers have enough space. Thanks to this fact and the altitude, the ski runs are still perfect in the afternoon. True to the motto "Business before pleasure", some meetings are only taking place in the morning so that the participants can explore the ski area in the afternoon.
Top Mountain Motor Experience
Especially in winter, dreamlike days in the snow with warm sunshine are the order of the day. But of course, it snows and storms in Gurgl. On such days (but also when the sun is shining) I can highly recommend a visit to the Top Mountain Motorcycle Experience. Not only motorcycle aficionados are amazed by the more than 450 exhibition pieces. In addition to the exhibits, there is a whole adventure world including 4D cinema, motor wall, technology simulations, etc. In the fabulous simulator, the spectacular Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road can be explored by bike even without a motorcycle driving license.
Untergurgl toboggan run
Sport and fun bind together. Both are involved on the toboggan run from Hochgurgl to Untergurgl. The route is open during the opening hours of the ski area by day and once a week also in the evening. Night tobogganing on the floodlit track makes a true highlight for all ages. To warm up afterwards, you enjoy a hot chocolate or something high-percentage at Downhill Grill with umbrella bar. All hard-working tobogganers have really earned the stop-off after 3 fun-packed kilometers and 25 exciting curves.
Fondue or hut evening
Gurgl and jovial get together - it's a match. Especially in winter, the cozy atmosphere in the village invites you to dream and enjoy. And since mountain air always makes hungry, the best way to end the day is with a gourmet dinner menu. At panoramic Hohe Mut Alm there is a weekly hut evening with live music. Rustic ambiance awaits you at quaint Zirben Alm, which is also easily accessible for non-skiers on foot or by car. Truly cozy moments are guaranteed at Hotel Enzian. The fondue served in the family-run hotel is legendary and known far beyond Gurgl's borders.
Top Mountain Star
Finally, I will reveal a real HIGH-light. At 3080 meters, the futuristic bar is towering high above the ski area. In an exposed location you enjoy memorable 360-degree panorama views of the Ötztal Alps and the striking peaks of Italy’s Dolomites. Whether for a coffee break in between or for a relaxed sundowner, this place simply has something magical. You can also rent the Top Mountain Star exclusively. Discover all other top-class event locations in Gurgl.
My special tips in summer
Zirbenwald via ferrata
No matter if you are alone or in a group, the via ferrata in Obergurgl’s stone pine forest makes a unique experience. Right at the start you have to cross a footbridge at dizzying heights, then the path leads up the mountain and towards the rocks. Adrenaline is guaranteed on this tour, as is the awe-inspiring view. Below you, the waters of Ötztaler Ache meander through the valley with a soothing murmur and at the rear end of the valley you can make out the silhouette of Schalfkogel peak and its magnificent glacier. Incidentally, the Schalfkogel seminar hall at Gurgl Carat was named after this stunning mountain.
Timmelsjoch
The panoramic Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road leads straight to Italy over a 2474 meter high alpine pass. From the village center of Obergurgl you reach the pass road in about 10 minutes by car. Along the route - in addition to the magnificent view – you drive past six stations belonging to the “Timmelsjoch Driving Experience”. The popular excursion site used to be a route for smuggling goods between Italy and Austria. At the stations you can find out everything about the eventful history of the road. My special tip: combine your car or motorbike trip with a visit to the Crosspoint in Hochgurgl. The “Kaiserschmarrn” tastes particularly good on the large sun terrace.
Langtalereckhütte
Quaint Langtalereckhütte mountain hut is equally popular with locals and tourists. The hut is in a secluded location surrounded by what was once a glacier landscape. The reddish-brown rock formations give a vague idea of the elemental force with which the glacier shaped this alpine valley. Today you can admire the glacier comfortably from the scenic sun terrace of Langtalereckhütte – an unbeatable experience, especially in combination with a hearty dumpling soup. The best way to get to the hut is by (e-)bike. A wide gravel trail leads from the village to the hut. This tour is one of the most popular side programs of Gurgl Carat and makes a splendid team event.
Sagenhütte
Check it out - now I am going to tell you a real secret. In Gurgl’s hamlet of Untergurgl, tranquil Sagenhütte is located next to a small pond. The locals refer to the pond simply as “frog puddle” (= pond in which many frogs live). The hut features many exciting legends about Gurgl. My favorite story is about the sunken village of "Tanneneh", which is said to have been located where the Gurgl Glacier can be found today. You can reach the hut via a leisurely trail leading from Obergurgl to Untergurgl, which is also suitable for mountain bikes.
Hohe Mut
The base station of Hohe Mut mountain gondola is only 200 meters away from Gurgl Carat. The modern gondola takes you up to 2670 meters above sea level. Once on top, Hohe Mut Alm invites you to marvel (view of 21 summits higher than three thousand meters!) and enjoy (Austrian delicacies!). Hohe Alm is therefore perfect for lunch during the conference or a small break-out session in between. How about a gondola pitch, for example? Or a brainstorming session overlooking the unique mountain backdrop? However, it is not for nothing that Gurgl and Gurgl Carat are called an “Alpine room for inspiration”.
Author
Lara Brunner is a freelance copywriter and specialist in content marketing. As a studied Germanist, she writes about all topics related to Gurgl Carat in the Carat.Blog. The Tirolean-by-choice seeks and finds inspiration for her texts amid unspoilt nature in Gurgl. That is why she spends most of her free time in the Ötztal mountains. With hiking boots or on skis, she prefers to explore the many three-thousand meter high summits in the immediate vicinity of Gurgl Carat.
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