From A for Alm to Z for Zirbe — summer in Austria’s Pitztal valley

Holidays in the Pitztal valley mean wonderful hiking trails, rustic huts and pure mountain bliss. Surrounded by mighty 3,000 metres (10,000-ft) peaks where glaciers can still be admired today, the Pitztal is only a short distance from Innsbruck. Traditional villages on the banks of the Pitze are the starting point for incredible hikes of all levels. From family walks with children to the challenging via ferrata, you will find everything your hiking heart desires.

In this Collection, we present six Tours that will amaze you. You will rarely find so many secluded places as you do in the Pitztal mountains. On the hikes, rustic and modern mountain huts await you whilst the thought of Tyrolean gröstl (a traditional meat and potato dish), spinach dumplings, curd strudel and Swiss stone pine schnapps are guaranteed to make you cover the last few metres extra quickly.

Apart from the culinary delights, a special treat is the Pitztal Summer Card (Sommercard) which is provided for free if you stay in one of the 100+ participating accommodation establishments. This colourful card opens the doors to several attractions and mountain railways in the Pitztal valley and the surrounding area.

In this Collection, the Three Lakes Hike takes you to remote mountain lakes on the ‘roof of Tyrol’, as the Pitztal is also called. The panoramic Sechszeiger loop, which is also suitable for children, takes you past a stunning reservoir to the summit of the Sechszeiger. You can also easily shorten the descent with the chairlift. On the Pitztaler Almenweg you hike from highlight to highlight; several huts, wide views and the new Ibex Centre await you.

The hike to the Mittelberglesee lake is a short but challenging Tour: the water colour will amaze you and its temperature will certainly refresh you. The Cottbuser Höhenweg trail meanwhile, has some climbing sections and takes you from the dreamlike Rifflsee lake up to the Kaunergrat hut. Finally, the Venet circular hiking trail connects several alpine pastures and peaks, which you can split into two days if you fancy.

Some of the starting points can be reached directly by car or bus and bus tickets are included in the Summer Card. Other Tours start at fantastic heights, which are accessible in a relaxed fashion by catching chairlifts and gondolas – you can also use these for free with the card so nothing stands in the way of your summer holiday in the Pitztal valley!