Stretching between the Kaunertal and Ötztal valleys, Pitztal is a spectacular alpine valley in the Austrian state of Tyrol. It is largely protected within the Kaunergrat Naturpark and renowned for its ski resorts, with the most famous being the 3,440-metre-high Pitztal Glacier area.
If you’re feeling brave, you can bungee jump from the Benni Raich Suspension Bridge, a 94-metre-high landmark that spans the Arzl Pitzeklamm Gorge. It is named after the locally born ski racer and is traversed by a hiking route that connects to the ever-popular Luis-Trenker Trail.
In the village of St. Leonhard is the Alpine Ibex Centre, which offers a fascinating insight into the lives of these Tirol natives. It occupies the strikingly designed Haus am Schrofen on one of the oldest farmsteads in Pitztal. Discover how ibex were hunted to extinction before being reintroduced to the valley, then watch the animals gracefully jumping from rock to rock on the adjacent mountainside.
Getting there
Pitztal is around an hour’s drive from Innsbruck and Innsbruck Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Buses connect to Pitztal while renting a car will give you greater freedom to explore the valley.