Nowhere else is the density of climbing gardens as high as in the Tyrolean Oberland. The Imst vacation region in particular offers climbing opportunities in abundance. We introduce you to climbing gardens there and in Ötztal:
Climbing gardens in the Imst vacation region Tarrenz Walchenbach
The Tarrenz Walchenbach climbing garden is perfect for beginners and families. Many easy routes with short hook distances. After rain, the wall dries out very quickly due to its south-facing location. There is a route overview board in the climbing garden, many routes are marked at the start and there is a very nice picnic area.
Climbing gardens in Ötztal Oetz
Climbing in the Oetz climbing garden
The Oetz climbing garden is a very nice climbing garden for beginners and advanced climbers alike. There are many easy routes in the left section. Perfect for the first few meters of rock climbing or lead climbing. The "twin crack" (7b+) in the right-hand section of the wall is popular with advanced climbers.
Oetzerau
Jonas Bader climbs the "Bausparen" route, 7b+, in the Oetzerau climbing garden
If you drive a little way from Oetz towards Kühtai, you will find the top climbing garden Oetzerau hidden in the forest. As the rock is not visible from the road, it took a little longer for the first routes to be bolted there. For a long time an insider tip of the Ötztal climbing scene, now known far beyond Ötztal. However, there is one small drawback: if you are not at least 7th or better 8th French grade, you will unfortunately not find any routes there. Information and topo can be found in the Ötztal climbing guide.
Tumpen (Engelswand) and Oberried
The climbing gardens in Tumpen (Engelswand) and Oberried are probably the most popular in the entire Ötztal. And rightly so. Almost no approach, a flat meadow at the start and tours of all levels of difficulty. What's more, the Tumpen climbing garden faces west and the Oberried climbing garden faces east. So you can follow the sun or the shade as you wish. Depending on temperature, season, mood and desire.
Leisure tips
There is plenty to do in Ötztal even on days when you are not climbing: you can relax in the Aquadome thermal spa. For more action, it is worth visiting Area 47, Austria's largest outdoor leisure park, right at the entrance to the valley. From wakeboarding and water slides to a high ropes course, there is plenty to do.
You can enjoy nature on a hike to the Stuibenfall, the highest waterfall in Tyrol. From the starting point in Umhausen, where a detour to the Ötzi village is recommended, it's a leisurely half-hour hike to the waterfall. If you still haven't had enough, you can continue on the spectacular panoramic trail up to the waterfall. A real insider tip is the hike to Lake Piburger See. The idyllically situated bathing lake is one of the warmest bodies of water in the country.
Arrival and accommodation
The Ötztal is very easy to reach by car via the A12 highway, Ötztal exit. Most of the climbing gardens can also be reached by public transport. The best option is to take the train to "Ötztal Bahnhof" station and then take the bus into the valley. You can find more information on how to get there at www.oetztal.com.
There is plenty of accommodation in Ötztal to suit every budget. Information is available at Ötztal Tourismus.
