Obergurgl offers a range of ways to enjoy a trip focused on nature, culture and high-alpine themes: the Swiss stone pine forest with its very old trees, a GPS-guided Archaeological Circular Trail and the nature park information point at Hohe Mut Alm. Which of these suits your plans also depends on the time of year. The ski season, winter hiking trail and ice rink appeal to different interests than the parish church’s historical details or the stops along the themed trail through the Swiss stone pine forest. When choosing your holiday apartment, it is therefore worth considering which of these highlights you actually want to enjoy.
Swiss stone pine forest and trails
The Swiss stone pine forest is a protected natural monument in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve “Gurgler Kamm”; its trees can be up to 400 years old. Near Obergurgl, a continuous 20-hectare Swiss stone pine forest stretches across the northern slopes of Schönwieskopf at an elevation of 1,950 to 2,100 metres. Along the themed trail through the forest, trees up to 300 years old line the path. The Obergurgl Swiss Stone Pine Forest themed trail introduces visitors to the “queen of the tree line” with information boards and interactive stations. The protected forest and its natural features take centre stage, while the information stations add context to the landscape.
The GPS-guided Beilstein – Küppele Alm – Sohm Archaeological Circular Trail leads to nine waypoints. Another trail option is the Obergurgl Winter Hiking Trail No. 3: it leads to Obergurgl and continues to Zirben Alm at the foot of the natural monument. In places, it runs along both banks of the Gurgler Ache. One trail brings together archaeological waypoints; the other combines a winter hike with the stream and Zirben Alm. Check trail status and conditions before your trip.
Church and cross-country skiing
The parish church of St. John of Nepomuk was consecrated in 1737. Its ceiling paintings were created by Rudolf Margreiter in 1930. This brings together two different points in time: the consecration of the church and the creation of the paintings. It is also possible to access a cross-country ski trail below the church on Schalfkoglweg.
Hohe Mut Alm and high-alpine themes
The Hohe Mut cable car is an eight-person gondola lift that travels in two sections from the valley station in Obergurgl directly to Hohe Mut Alm at an elevation of 2,670 metres. From Obergurgl, it provides access to numerous hiking opportunities around the alm. The nature park information point there covers glaciers, climate and high-alpine research. The lift ride, hiking opportunities and information point make this a clear focus for a trip centred on high-alpine themes. The lift operates seasonally; check the timetable and operating days for your travel dates.
Winter activities and travel dates
The ski season in the Gurgl ski area runs from November to April; the season starts in mid-November, with conditions lasting until the end of April. The Top-Express connecting lift links the slopes of Obergurgl and Hochgurgl. Check the ski area’s opening and closing dates for your specific travel dates. The Obergurgl ice rink covers 1,000 m²; skates and equipment can be rented on site. Rentals are seasonal and should be confirmed before you arrive.
When choosing a holiday apartment in Obergurgl, your travel dates are therefore a practical point of reference: coordinate them with the lift timetable, ski season dates and seasonal ice-skate rentals. The Swiss stone pine forest, themed trail and parish church complement the winter activities with options for nature and culture enthusiasts.
Discover more destinations: Thannrain, Sautens, Jerzens, Stams, Rietz, Köfles, Obsteig, Tarrenz
Go to the overview of the wider region: Imst.
