Sautens

It is home to just over 1,500 inhabitants and lies on a slope overlooking the Ötztaler Ache, a tributary flowing into the nearby Inn. The main road through the Ötztal Valley is on the opposite side of the river, meaning that residents and visitors in Sautens enjoy absolute peace and quiet. The village’s mild climate and sunny location make it ideal for growing fruit. As a consequence, it is also home to a number of small distilleries where this fruit is turned into delicious schnapps. Many visitors come to Sautens to enjoy the large network of hiking trails and many other outdoor activities on offer, for example watersports on the Ötztaler Ache and the Inn. Whitewater rafting, canyoning and caving are also available at the nearby Area 47 extreme sport adventure park. In Sautens itself there is the Ötztaler Outdoor Parcours, a forest obstacle course leading over the waters of the Ötztaler Ache and comprising thrilling elements such as high rope bridges and a 200m long rope slide. During the warm summer months, visitors can cool off in the local open-air swimming pool or visit the nearby Lake Piburger See, one of the warmest swimming lakes in Tirol. In winter, families will enjoy the ski resort of Hochoetz, whose slopes are so close that they can be seen with the naked eye from Sautens.