Timmelsjoch mountain pass Due to its location, the Ötztal valley is perfect for excursions both to Italy (via the Timmelsjoch mountain pass) and to Tyrol’s capital Innsbruck (via the Inntal motorway).
If you decide to cross the winding mountain pass and find yourself in Italy, don’t miss out on the beautiful town of Merano, boasting the typical Italian dolce vita with cappuccinos and palm trees. Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, spring starts early here. But don’t worry if the weather isn’t on your side – the Terme Merano thermal bath provides for relaxation and recovery.
With its quaint old town, Innsbruck is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Austria. Cultural highlights include the Imperial Palace and the Golden Roof, while shopaholics will be spoilt for choice on Maria-Theresien-Straße and at the Kaufhaus Tyrol shopping centre. Innsbruck has a unique alpine urban atmosphere: The Nordkettenbahnen funicular takes you up to the Seegrube station at over 2,000 metres above sea level or even higher to Hafelekar directly from the city centre.
Did you think that playing golf would be impossible in the mountains? Well, golfing is actually a particular highlight against the backdrop of the impressive alpine landscape. Sun-kissed Mieming Plateau has 27 fairways and is known as a golfer’s paradise. Take in the stunning views of the Mieming mountain range and enjoy the sheer tranquillity you find there.
The famous iceman known as Ötzi is one of the world’s oldest mummies. He was found by hikers close to Hauslabjoch in the border region between Tyrol and South Tyrol in 1991. You can learn more about him and his curious story at the South Tyrolean Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano.
