The winter hiking trails of Galtür

The starting point of the ‘Friedrichshafener Hütte car park’ situated in the district of Valzur between Ischgl and Galtür can be accessed by car or bus (Piel bus stop – then a short walk out of the valley). The winter footpath towards the Friedrichshafener Hütte in Paznaun in Tyrol impresses with sensational views of the surrounding mountains of the Silvrettagebirge. The route follows lots of twists and turns and a moderate incline up to the edge of the forest. Destination. Return journey along the same path.

From there, take the footway to the "Rifugio" holiday homes and then a short bit along the A-road, before continuing left back onto the steamrolled winter hiking trail. Above the road, hike through the woodland until walking down to the wildlife park along Valzurbach stream. After a short climb, continue along level terrain through the forest until getting to the romantically located forest chapel, and then the hamlet of Tschaffein, before arriving back in Galtür again. The entire circuit of a total of 9 km (from and back to Galtür) does require some fitness - but any effort is soon forgotten when taking in the views of the mighty Ballunspitze (2,671 m) rising up from Galtür. Those who think this is too far can shorten the circuit by hiking only to the wildlife park and taking a bus back to Galtür from there.

The trail leads across flat terrain along the Vermunt stream and into the valley, until you get to Wirl district and the lower terminus of the Birkhahnbahn cable car. Experience the snow-covered scenery in Galtür, the highest located township in Paznaun, at just below 1,600 m and sheltered by the soaring mountains of the Silvretta Group. Numerous 3,000-metre peaks are within touching distance here and the scenery is shaped by the prominent peaks. Galtür means "Experiencing high alpine winter sports!" This tour is especially recommendable on Wednesday evenings when the lights of the night-time skiing light up the Silvapark.

Linger for a while in one of the loungers to take in a view which will take your breath away. Follow the signposted trail into the valley. The hike passes the Faulbrunnalm and Fluchthornalm mountain restaurants. Enjoy the wonderful sunshine on the terraces at the mountain restaurants and indulge in some delicious Tyrolean food. After a lovely hike through the SILVAPARK ski area you reach the hamlet of Oberwirl. From here you still have the opportunity to take the winter hiking trail which proceeds to Galtür. 

Note: Walks on the hiking trail are carried out at your risk. Skiers/snowboarders use the entire area, so watch out for them, particularly when crossing the pistes.

The enjoyment comes easy on the sun-kissed Bielerhöhe pass (2,040 m) with its awesome Silvretta reservoir! The tour starts in the Galtür district of Wirl, directly by the lower terminus of the Birkhahnbahn. A steady climb for some 9 km to the Bielerhöhe pass, where the impressive Silvretta reservoir is located. Away from the hustle and bustle, relaxing here comes easy. The way back is along the same route. No short-cut by bus is possible.

By the border between Tirol & Vorarlberg, impressive views of the sheltering giants of the Silvretta group await. The route starts in Wirl district opposite the St. Antonius chapel – just before Hotel Wirlerhof. Past the alpine farm, a steady climb on the old Zeinisstraße leads towards Zeinis or Kops. The last bit before the two lakes is level again. First you'll get to the smaller Zeinis reservoir, then Kops reservoir. An impressive backdrop for all winter sports fans opens up here! Please note that no rest stops with food or drink are available up here. A total of 11.5 km is to be negotiated on this route. No short-cut by bus is possible.

With 5 km of level routing, it is not overly demanding yet leaves you with the feeling of actually having done something. The hiking trail starts right by the Silvretta parking lot and is marked with a sign (entry point to cross-country skiing trail). In the beginning, a short walk leads directly along the cross-country skiing trail before the route branches off onto a separate trail in the hamlet of Paznaun. The trail continues across level terrain for 2.5 km in direction of Mathon. Having arrived at the recycling yard, the following options are available: either take the same trail back (total length of hike 5 km) or take the bus back to Ischgl or continue hiking towards Galtür, where you can get on the Mathon winter hiking trail.

The route immediately starts off with a short climb, but then levels out again and continues on the gallery and then close to the forest to Mathon. When exiting the village, cross the Valzur stream and walk to the wildlife park located below. Here you can stop off at the inn or take a bus for the return trip. Alternatively, hike along the now opposite side of Trisanna stream back to Ischgl. The route proceeds almost exclusively level along the banks back to the starting point. Of course, the route can also be hiked in the opposite direction.

After the Silvretta parking lot, cross a small bridge and follow the signs for "Winterwanderweg Ebene". Shortly after, cross the rushing Madlein stream and the districts of Versahl, Vergröß, Platt and finally Ebene follow. On this path, slightly above the Trisanna, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the lifestyle metropolis and enjoy the snow-covered scenery. In the hamlet of Ebene, there is a bus stop allowing you an easy return trip back to Ischgl. Those who still have some energy can hike back along the same route.

From up here you have wonderful views across all of Ischgl and can observe the lively goings-on at a distance. The wide path winds uphill for 2.5 km, rewarding those getting to the top with great views. From the Silvretta cable car, walk past the parking lot and after crossing the bridge follow the signs for Mutta. On the way back, the route can be extended a bit and some sunshine caught by not walking back in direction of the parking lot again after Jungmann Inn, but taking the turn-off before and hiking to the hamlet of Paznaun. A few benches beckon to put in a rest, offering fine views of Ischgl town centre. From the hamlet of Paznaun, it's back to the village again.

The winter footpath towards the Friedrichshafener Hütte in Paznaun in Tyrol impresses with sensational views of the surrounding mountains of the Silvrettagebirge. The route follows lots of twists and turns and a moderate incline up to the edge of the forest. Destination. Return journey along the same path.

The level trail from Paznaun secondary school to Nederle is ideal for a leisurely walk through the Kappl winter scenery. From the secondary school in the hamlet of Lochau, keep heading into the valley along Trisanna stream until passing the Kappl cable cars. Then walk through the districts of Höferau, Sinsner Au to finally reach the hamlet of Nederle after Hotel Höllroah. Getting back to Kappl village is easy by bus. Those who want can also hike back the same way.

This tour can be adapted to your fitness level. You can decide by yourself whether you want to do the entire route by cable car and chairlift, or put in some sections of hiking. An experience of the special kind. From Ischgl village centre, either take the Fimba (A3) - or Silvretta cable car (A1) up to the Idalp at 2,300 m. Then take the Flimjoch chairlift (B2) to the Viderjoch hiking area at 2,700 m, which forms the border between Austria and Switzerland. Next take the Flimsattel chairlift (N1) to get to the Alp Trida Restaurant on Swiss soil. After a few metres on foot you'll reach the lower terminus of the chairlift "Alp Trider Sattelbahn" (N6). From up there, the double-deck aerial tramway (L1 or L2) goes back to Samnaun, where numerous shops are waiting to be explored. Please note: Begin return trip in Samnaun no later than 14:30, to make sure you can get back to Ischgl by lift all the way.

but in turn provides breath-taking views of lower Paznaun valley. It starts off at Kappl village square. Below the church, hike in direction of Hotel Dorfstadl to the Diasbahn turn-off. A meadow path leads to the left down to the Diasbahn lower terminus. Here you cross the road across Kohlplatz bridge, from where the forest path to Rotweg chapel begins. Somewhat steep to begin with, the hike leads through snowy winter scenery until getting to the small chapel, from where you have nice views of the village and various hamlets. When a thick blanket of snow has fallen onto the roof of Rotweg chapel and the sun makes the snow sparkle, that's when winter is showing its best side.

Enjoy the peacefulness of nature on a walk along the winter hiking trail from See to Kappl. The trail starts at the Kappl cable car and crosses a bridge at Hotel Mallaun, then heading out of the valley for a short bit before the forest path begins heading into the valley towards Kappl. The route leads past the hamlets of Schnatzerau, Habigen, Sesselebene and Holdernach, through forest and meadow paths alternating with sealed sections. Before getting to Kappl, you'll also hike through Platti, Untermühl and Schmiedsegg. The route is very varied and you'll get to see the individual – in part very original hamlets – along the way. If you want to hike just one section, you can get back from Kappl to See easily with the bus.

Enjoy the peacefulness of nature on a walk along the winter hiking trail from Kappl to See. The trail starts at Kappl church and initially leads along the municipal road through the hamlets of Schmiedsegg, Untermühl and Platti. Continue heading out of the valley, repeatedly alternating between forest roads and sealed sections after the Holdernach turn-off. Pass the districts of Holdernach, Sesselebene and Schnatzerau, until finally getting to the finish at the See cable car. The route is very varied and you'll get to see the individual – in part very original - hamlets along the way. If you want to hike just one section, you can get back from See to Kappl easily.

Hover up to 1,830 meters on the Diasbahn lift, where the trail starts. Going through the tunnel will take you to the Sunny Mountain Restaurant and then on a trail that leads around the reservoir. This short detour from the hike is well worth the effort, as benches provide a chance to put in a well-deserved break. Having circled the small reservoir, a rolled winter hiking trail up to the left from the restaurant and below the Dias alpine inn leads into peaceful Sesslad valley. After about half an hour, you'll get to the end of the trail, from where it's back along the same way. All in all, a peaceful and leisurely tour for those who like to take things a little slower.

The first section leads downhill along the piste, before getting onto the toboggan run. Through the snow-covered forest you'll get to the lower terminus of the Gongall twin-seater chairlift after a while. From here, take the forest path towards Oberhaus and hike along the municipal road through the hamlets of Stadlen, Hof, Obermühl, Grubegg and Larchi all the way down to the village. Of course, this route can also be hiked in the opposite direction.

This winter hiking trail leads through snowy forest, across romantic clearings, past a wildlife feeding station to the shooting club. Here the peacefulness can be optimally enjoyed while relaxing at ease. About 500 metres after the shooting club, switch to the other side of the road. Then keep left and after some 100 metres take the route in direction of Platti. On the sealed road, continue via Untermühl back to Kappl village centre. All in all, a leisurely circuit which is not too demanding.