Triumph of Elemental Powers

Umhausen has given a very special name to its variety of attractions: “Urkraft” means elemental power. Quite rightly! The “source” of inspiration is a 159-meter high, cascading waterfall – the biggest of its kind in all Tirol. The mighty Stuiben Falls attract visitors from near and far. The thundering mountain waters of Horlachbach brook are rushing down from Niederthai to the valley floor, leaving behind huge clouds of water spray.

There is nothing comparable to that, not even a stage production. What’s best, visitors can experience it at first hand. Much closer than from a seat in the box: a scenic hiking tour takes you to a footpath with no less than 700 steps, several vantage platforms and a 80-meter long suspension bridge over the waterfall –a weekly guided lantern hike to the illuminated waterfall is scheduled as well in the summer season.

A via ferrata featuring about 450 altitude meters promises panoramic climbing fun at the edge of the Stuiben Falls. It is suitable for sporty families with ambitious and highly disciplined children over 10 years. Novice hikers are recommended to take part in one of the guided via ferrata tours – equipment rental included – in Umhausen or the mountain village of Niederthai. Last but not least: the water spray has many positive effects, especially for asthmatics or allergy sufferers. According to research studies of Salzburg’s Private University, one daily hour close to the waterfall can enhance your pulmonary function up to 58 %.

Everyday stress and routine will for sure vanish during your Ötztal holidays, simply visit the Ötzi Village in Umhausen: an archaeological open-air park that takes you on a travel back in time to some 5000 years ago. Get to know more about Ötzi – The Iceman and his daily life in the Stone Ages.

The fantastic park displays stone-age buildings and handicrafts, ancient ovens, hay barns and granaries. Authentic workshops give an insight into farming, old crafts, fishing, hunting and survival techniques at the times of Ötzi. Additional, ancient domestic animal species can be found in a separate precinct.

Soon you will notice that there are only few essential items in life, which have accompanied us for thousands of years already! Lean back and relax – there is one thing for sure: the elemental power of human beings is a part of us and will always be with us.

A young griffon vulture is the latest attraction of the Birds of Prey Park in Umhausen, situated right next to the Ötzi Village. Although he looks a bit fierce he is a very nice “guy”. What’s more, the vulture griffon is a critically endangered bird of prey species!

The Alpine menagerie is full of majestic birds like the magnificent European eagle, the heraldic animal of Tirol and Austria. Fortunately, the eagle and all endangered birds of the same species have found a perfect habitat in Umhausen’s Bird of Prey Park. If you want to read more about falconers and their feathered friends simply take a closer look at one of the recent blog articles. We warmly invite you to join a marvelous bird show according to Umhausen’s slogan: elemental power gives you wings!

In the foothills of the Stuiben Falls, in close vicinity to the Ötzi Village and the Birds of Prey Park, you’ll find another place of elemental power: the swimming lake is waiting for families and children in Umhausen. Water fun of a very different kind is absolutely guaranteed as you swim in pure drinking water which has soothing effects on your skin (water hardness: 0). Its temperature reaches up to 24 degree Celsius.

A large sunbathing lawn offers rest and relaxation in abundance while activity fans can play beach volleyball or tennis. Children get together on the diving platform and the playground. A pizzeria caters to hungry water fans. On top of that, Umhausen’s newly designed Kneipp area at Bischoffsplatz features basins for feet and arms, a drinking fountain and a herb snail invigorating all senses: elemental power fed by ice-cold, clear mountain spring water.

Isolde von Mersi comes from South Tyrol's Pustertal valley and lives in Vienna now. As a popular reporter and book writer for Austrian and German magazines and publishing houses, she explores a huge variety of cultural, culinary and naturalistic treasures of the Alpine countries and its people.

She has been feeling at home in Ötztal for many years already as she contributes to the ÖTZTAL MAGAZINE on a regular basis. And she has found many friends in the valley.