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.
Travel safe and comfortable with the train to the Ötztal Bahnhof train station. Last stop and exit point is the train station Ötztal Bahnhof. Afterwards you can travel smoothly and quick with the public transport or our local taxi companies through the valley to your desired destination. Please find the current bus timetable here: http://fahrplan.vvt.at
The following parking facilities are available in Oetz:
- Acherkogelbahn Parking Lot | chargeable | Camping prohibited
- Rafting Entry Point Parking (located at the outskirts of Oetz on the right side) | chargeable, but limited spaces available (Alternatively, Acherkogelbahn parking 150 m away) | Camping prohibited
- Oetz Town Center Parking | chargeable
- Overnight parking during multi-day tours: Oetz Town Center Parking | The ticket is available at the Oetz Information Office.
Ötztaler Urweg E2 Oetz - Niederthai
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