Umhausen: Accommodation for Nature and Cultural Experiences

Umhausen combines impressive nature experiences with archaeological history, church art and special excursion destinations. If you are looking for accommodation in Umhausen, you can plan your stay around whether you want to hike to Stuibenfall, visit Ötzi Village, observe birds of prey or explore historic buildings. The village also offers several clearly distinct focal points for travel planning involving different interests.

Hiking to Stuibenfall: Route and Key Points

Stuibenfall near Umhausen in the Ötztal Valley is 159 metres high and is considered the highest waterfall in Tyrol. The hike from Umhausen to the waterfall takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes and covers approximately 2.8 kilometres. When planning your day, therefore, take into account both the stated distance and the time given for it.

Those wishing to reach the upper section of Stuibenfall pass several viewing platforms and around 700 steps. Another distinctive feature is the approximately 80-metre-long suspension bridge that runs directly alongside the 159-metre-high waterfall. These details will help you assess whether the hike suits your personal preferences and the composition of your travel group.

Ötzi Village and Bird of Prey Park

Ötzi Village in Umhausen is an archaeological open-air park that offers insights into Neolithic history and invites visitors to take an active part. On display are authentically reconstructed huts, tools, weapons, historic domestic animals and a 1:1 replica of the site where “Ötzi” was found. The visit is therefore particularly suitable for travellers who want to learn about history not only through exhibitions, but also through reconstructed living environments.

At the Bird of Prey Park in Umhausen, daily flight demonstrations take place featuring eagles, buzzards, falcons and kites. The educational trail provides information about training falcons. The entire park is accessible and suitable for pushchairs and wheelchair users. This means the visit can be planned as a separate item on your itinerary, regardless of your interest in hiking to Stuibenfall.

Churches and Historic Local Details

The Gothic parish church of St Vitus in Umhausen is first mentioned as early as 1220 and is the oldest church in the Ötztal Valley. It features Gothic frescoes from 1330, which were discovered during restoration work in 1964. Above the hamlet of Platzl near Umhausen, the steep Engelswand rock face also rises; it was designated a nature reserve in 2008.

The surrounding area also offers historical points of interest: Farst is one of the oldest settlements in the valley; a Schwaighof farm was established there as early as the 13th century. The Maria Schnee Church is a Baroque building with magnificent Rococo furnishings. It was built around 1796 and consecrated on 5 August 1797. On the eastern side of the Krone inn is a fresco depicting the Wedding at Cana, dating from before 1627.

In Niederthai, the church is dedicated to Saint Anthony; it is considered a small Baroque gem and was consecrated in 1698. The Tumpen Parish Church was consecrated to Saint Martin on 17 May 1666 by Auxiliary Bishop Jesse Perkhofer. Its façade features three Rococo frescoes depicting the weather saints and the Good Shepherd. The destination page for Östen adds to the selection of further local information.

Lake and Getting There

Umhausen swimming lake is filled with pure drinking water; there is also beach volleyball at the lake. Alongside the waterfall, open-air park and church art, this provides another clearly defined area of interest. To travel to Umhausen, first take the train to Ötztal railway station and then continue on bus route 320. Take this sequence into account when choosing your connection.

For further comparison with other pages, you can also visit Stams, ski accommodation in Imsterberg, Nassereith, Jerzens and Karrösten. This allows you to continue your accommodation search based on the type of trip you want to take in each destination.

For the higher-level travel overview: Imst District.