Our favourite huts in the Ötztal
Favourite spots between Kaiserschmarrn, mountain views and pure nature
There are these special places in the mountains you never forget. A sun terrace with a view of the peaks. The aroma of Kaiserschmarrn after a hike. Cool wooden benches in the morning sun. And that feeling of having truly arrived. Alpine huts are exactly that kind of place – and in the Ötztal they are simply part of summer.
Sometimes comfortably accessible, sometimes high-alpine in the heart of the mountains. But always connected to what makes the Ötztal so special: nature, indulgence and joie de vivre.
Below is a small selection of the loveliest huts and alpine pastures around Hotel Johanna.
FARST – THE CLASSIC ABOVE UMHAUSEN
Farst is one of those places that immediately feels like the Ötztal.
Set high above Umhausen with a beautiful view down into the valley, this small hamlet is a perfect destination for everyone who wants to hike leisurely and truly switch off.
The path leads through forest stretches and later up several serpentines straight in the sun. In high summer, the hike can therefore become quite demanding.
Tip: Better set out early in the morning or in the late afternoon. The atmosphere is particularly lovely then and the sun much more pleasant. Sun cream and enough water should not be missing.
At the top, calm, nature and a view await that almost automatically keep you sitting longer than planned.
Particularly lovely:
• leisurely hike directly from Umhausen
• stunning valley view
• perfect morning or afternoon tour
• wonderful for stopping by and enjoying
Particularly in the late afternoon, a very special mood arises up there.
LARSTIGALM – FAMILY-FRIENDLY, SHADED AND DELIGHTFULLY RELAXED
The Larstigalm in Niederthai is one of the loveliest places for relaxed hiking days.
The path leads pleasantly shaded through the forest, again and again along the stream. Especially on warm summer days, this is particularly lovely.
And the best part: the hike is pram-friendly and therefore perfect for families, connoisseurs and anyone who prefers to be out leisurely.
At the top, real alpine atmosphere awaits:
• traditional ambience
• beautiful nature
• plenty of calm
• a place where you happily stay longer
Simply a hike that does everyone good.
AMBERGER HÜTTE – HUT LOVE IN THE SULZTAL
For many, the Amberger Hütte is among the loveliest huts in the Ötztal – entirely rightly so.
Even the path through the Sulztal is impressive. Surrounded by mountains, water and expanses, the hike feels almost meditative.
The hut itself combines alpine cosiness with an incredibly beautiful location.
Perfect for:
• extended hikes
• nature lovers
• hut enjoyment with panorama
• anyone who loves the high-alpine without being extremely out and about
And after a good Brettljause (traditional snack platter), the way back tastes doubly lovely anyway.
WURZBERGALM – A COSY STOP WITH A BEAUTIFUL CIRCULAR HIKE
The Wurzbergalm near Köfels is one of those places that immediately slow you down. Cosy. Quiet. Genuine.
Particularly lovely is the option to do the hike as a circular tour via Lake Winkelberg. A relaxed alpine mood is thus combined with stunning views and a really varied hike.
The tour offers:
• beautiful nature
• wonderful views
• cosy stop-overs
• many quiet spots to take a breath
Exactly the right mix of movement and indulgence.
FELDRINGALM – A BEAUTIFUL HUT WITH THE OPTION OF A SUMMIT
The Feldringalm is already a wonderful destination on its own for a relaxed day in the mountains. The sun terrace, the view and the cosy alpine atmosphere make it truly special.
Anyone who would like to add a small summit experience can wonderfully combine the hike with the ascent of the Faltengartenkögele.
And that is exactly what makes this tour so lovely: first a cosy stop, then once again higher up.
At the top, an impressive view over the mountain world awaits that definitely rewards the additional altitude. Perfect for everyone who wants to combine indulgence with a mountain experience.
BRESLAUER HÜTTE – HIGH-ALPINE AND IMPRESSIVE
Anyone who wants to experience the high-alpine Ötztal hardly comes past the Breslauer Hütte. Here the mountain world changes noticeably – rougher, mightier, more impressive.
The hut sits at over 2,800 metres and is an important starting point for alpine tours around the Wildspitze. But even without a summit goal, this place is something special.
The landscape up there impressively shows how fascinating the mountains can be. For many, a visit to the Breslauer Hütte is not simply a hike, but a true mountain experience.
ERLANGER HUTTE – WHERE A PIECE OF JOHANNA’S HISTORY LIVES
Some places are more than just beautiful spots in the mountains. The Erlanger Hut is certainly one of them.
High above the Ötztal Valley, surrounded by alpine lakes, rugged rocks and an impressive mountain landscape, it sits at over 2,500 metres above sea level and is considered one of the most spectacular mountain huts in the region.
For many hikers, it is a rewarding destination. For our family, however, it is also a place filled with memories. Part of our roots can be found here, along with countless stories that have been passed down through generations.
Even the ascent is an experience in itself. With every step higher, the mountain world opens up a little more. Everyday life stays behind in the valley, while up here you are welcomed by silence, vastness and the feeling of truly being in the heart of the Alps.
What makes it so special:
• breathtaking high alpine scenery
• stunning views of mountain lakes and surrounding peaks
• authentic mountain hut atmosphere far away from the crowds
• a place rich in history and personal memories
A visit to the Erlanger Hut reveals the Ötztal in its most original form. Rugged, authentic, powerful and at the same time incredibly peaceful.
Perhaps that is exactly why this place means so much to us. Because here, nature, joy of life and a sense of home come together in a truly special way. The very same values that have shaped Hotel Johanna for generations.
HUTS ARE MORE THAN JUST A DESTINATION
Perhaps huts in the Ötztal are so special precisely because they are much more than a stopping option.
They slow things down. They combine movement with indulgence. They bring people together.
And often the loveliest holiday memories arise exactly there: with a Kaiserschmarrn in the sun, with tired legs after the hike or simply with a view of the mountains.
BACK TO HOTEL JOHANNA AFTER THE HIKE
The loveliest thing about a day in the mountains? Coming back. Taking off the shoes. Taking a breath. Eating well. Letting the day end slowly.
At Hotel Johanna, being active and finding recovery come together in a relaxed way: experiencing nature outdoors and enjoying honest indulgence indoors.
More about the break in the middle of the Ötztal on the page Hotel Johanna in the Ötztal.
And whoever would like to truly indulge after the hike will discover the kitchen here: Cuisine at Hotel Johanna.
Because mountains and good food simply belong together in the Ötztal.
Photo: Ötztal Tourism, Bernd Ritschel