Umhausen offers a variety of highlights for a stay: a hike to the Stuibenfall, insights into the Neolithic period and historic churches. The bird of prey park and Engelswand are also among the village’s notable attractions. When planning your trip, it’s worth deciding first whether you’d like to allow more time for hiking or for culture and individual sights.
Hiking to the Stuibenfall
The Stuibenfall near Umhausen in the Ötztal valley is 159 metres high and the tallest waterfall in Tyrol. The hike from Umhausen to the Stuibenfall takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes and covers about 2.8 kilometres. The route to the upper section of the waterfall passes several viewing platforms and around 700 steps. The duration and distance refer to the hike from Umhausen to the Stuibenfall; the number of steps describes the route to the upper section. These are different considerations when planning your day. The suspension bridge at the Stuibenfall is around 80 metres long and runs directly alongside the waterfall.
Ötzi Village and bird of prey park
The Ötzi Village in Umhausen is an open-air archaeological park offering insights into Neolithic history and opportunities for hands-on participation. Visitors can see authentic reconstructions of huts, tools and weapons, historic domestic animals, and a life-size replica of the site where “Ötzi” was found. The various features give the visit a clear focus on archaeology and prehistory.
Daily flight demonstrations featuring eagles, buzzards, falcons and kites take place at the Umhausen bird of prey park. An educational trail provides information about falconry. The entire site is accessible and suitable for pushchairs and wheelchair users. Alongside the flight demonstrations, visitors will therefore find a dedicated, related attraction and clear information to help them plan routes around the site.
Churches and historic traces
The Gothic parish church of St Vitus in Umhausen is the oldest church in the Ötztal valley and was first mentioned as early as 1220. The church features Gothic frescoes dating from 1330, which were discovered during restoration work in 1964. These dates provide different points of reference for the building’s history: the church dates back to a mention in the 13th century, while the frescoes are from the 14th century.
The Church of Maria Schnee represents a different era: this Baroque building was constructed around 1796 and consecrated on 5 August 1797; its furnishings are classified as Rococo. Farst is also part of the municipality’s historical context. The settlement is among the oldest in the valley, and a Schwaighof farmstead was established there as early as the 13th century. A culture-focused stay can therefore take in different histories of buildings and settlements.
Landscape and other interests
The steep Engelswand rises above the hamlet of Platzl near Umhausen. It was designated a nature reserve in 2008. Umhausen bathing lake is filled with pure drinking water and also has beach volleyball. These places offer a different focus from the hike to the waterfall or the historic sights: Engelswand is designated as a landscape feature and protected area, while the lake is notable for its specific water quality and beach volleyball.
Planning your journey and stay
To reach Umhausen, first take the train to Ötztal station, then continue on bus route 320. Check the timetable before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Niederthai, Tumpen, Östen, Wenns, Sautens, Nassereith, Oetz, Tarrenz.
To the main travel overview: Imst.
