Stubai Valley | Glacier & Top of Tyrol Observation Deck

We’ve compiled all the most important information about the Stubai Valley and its attractions. You can navigate through the article by clicking on the links in the table of contents:

The Main Villages in the Stubai Valley
Weather
Main Attractions – General Summary
What to Do in the Valley in Summer?
Top of Tyrol Observation Deck
Stubai Mountain Coaster
Via Ferrata Trails
STUBAY Water Park
White Water Rafting
Birds of Prey Park
Ice Cave in Neustift
Schlick2000 Visitor Center Observation Deck
Europe Bridge
Hiking Trails
What to Do in the Stubai Valley in Winter?
Additional Essential Information
Other Nearby Places

The Main Villages in the Stubai Valley

1. Neustift im Stubaital

This small village is well-known in Tyrol, especially for its proximity to the Stubai Glacier. It’s a preferred accommodation spot for many travelers who come to ski on the snow of the enormous glacier – the largest in Austria. This area boasts around 109 mountain peaks over 3,000 meters high. Check out recommended accommodations in Neustift on Booking.

2. Schönberg im Stubaital

This village is located at the foot of the high Serles mountain, just 10 kilometers from Innsbruck. The village sits at an altitude of 1013 meters and is essentially where the Wipptal Valley and the Stubai Valley converge. The village is situated at an important point along the trade route between north and south, with the main road leading to Italy passing nearby. This road crosses the beautiful and high Europe Bridge (a popular spot for bungee jumping). In the mountains adjacent to the village, there are a variety of hiking and cycling trails. In winter, a ski resort operates in the area. Check out recommended accommodations in Schönberg on Booking.

3. Mieders

This small village is also located at the foot of Mount Serles, about 11 kilometers south of Innsbruck. The first settlers in the village arrived as early as the Middle Ages and established a thriving mineral mining area. As a result, beautiful ancient buildings with impressive Baroque ceiling paintings can still be seen, serving as a reminder of the valley’s prosperous past. If you pass through this valley, it’s worth stopping at the village’s old water mill (Alte Mühle). From the village, there’s also an open cable car that quickly takes you to the summit of Mount Serles at an altitude of 2718 meters, offering panoramic views of the area and beautiful scenery.

A popular attraction in this village is the long mountain coaster (2.8 kilometers) that starts from the upper cable car station. You can slide down at high speed back to the valley.

For nature lovers, a hike to Mount Blaser, rich in diverse and impressive alpine vegetation, is recommended. During the winter months, ski slopes operate in the Serlesbahnen area or in the nearby Schlick 2000 complex.

Check out recommended accommodations in Mieders on Booking.

4. Fulpmes

This small village gained fame mainly because its residents speak a unique dialect different from the rest of Austria. Only here will you hear the rolling “R” and completely understand that you have no idea what they are saying. Apart from the residents’ unique dialect, another attraction is the old electric train that connects the village to Innsbruck. This train has been operating for about 100 years (of course, it has been renovated since its establishment). The famous ski jumper Gregor Schlierenzauer was born in this village. Check out recommended accommodations in Fulpmes on Booking.

Weather

Most activities in the Stubai Valley are outdoors, so it’s a good idea to be prepared and check the weather forecast on the day you arrive. The weather can change quickly, so you can’t really rely on the days leading up to your visit. It often happens that overnight the temperature completely flips, and a sunny, warm day turns into a gloomy, cold one.

Generally, winter months have more dry days, while summer has more rainy days. Winter temperatures in the heart of the valley range from -1 to -4 degrees Celsius. Of course, temperatures on the snowy peaks are lower, not to mention the frozen glacier area. During summer, temperatures are comfortable, ranging from 16 to 25 degrees Celsius. The Stubai Valley area is not particularly rainy, and on average, summer days may have about 13 rainy days.

You can check the current temperatures here.

In any case, it’s always advisable to bring an umbrella and dress in layers – thinner, shorter clothing underneath, topped with longer clothing (preferably rain and windproof).

Main Attractions

The beautiful valley offers a variety of recommended attractions and activities, whether you visit in winter or summer. The valley is suitable for everyone – travelers who love hiking in nature or those who simply want to relax and enjoy the mountain scenery and fresh air. In summer, many hikers come to do the famous trail called Stubaier Höhenweg (translation: Stubai High Trail). This is a very long trail that takes between 8 and 9 days. The hiking trail is circular and starts from the village of Neustift. Most of the trail is at an altitude of 2,000-3,000 meters above sea level.

Throughout the peaks surrounding the valley, there are 8 hikers’ huts, plenty of places to refresh and rest, and also beautiful trails such as Wilde WasserWeg. This trail leads to the magnificent Grawa Waterfalls.

In winter, the snowy slopes transform into 4 excellent ski resorts with a variety of trails for all levels. The most famous ski resort is, of course, the Stubai Glacier – the largest in Austria.

Additionally, there are exciting attractions such as the ice cave on the Stubai Glacier and the Birds of Prey Park near the village of Telfes.

When the lower ski resorts are not active and the snow that covered them throughout the season has melted, you can ascend them and enjoy wonderful hiking trails and good viewpoints over the entire area, such as Schlick2000 or Elfer mountain. These peaks can be reached easily and comfortably by cable car. Another absolutely amazing observation deck is called Top of Tyrol (highly recommended!) and is located at the edge of the incredible Stubai Glacier. This observation deck is considered one of the best in the world!

If you are staying in Stubai, ask your guesthouse host for the Stubai Guest Card so you can enjoy discounts and benefits during your stay.

What to Do in the Valley in Summer?

The summer season is perfect for nature and water excursions. The Stubai Valley is abundant with hiking trails, via ferrata climbing routes, and water attractions. To reach some of the attractions and trails, you will need to take one of the cable cars that operate during the summer months.

The 10 best attractions are:

1. Top of Tyrol Observation Deck (Recommended!)

An amazing observation deck like this you’ll probably only see in 9 other places worldwide. And it’s not just a random number we chose; this observation deck was selected as one of the 10 most beautiful in the world! The spot is located at an altitude of 3,210 meters above sea level. The observation deck protrudes about 9 meters from the edge of the mountain, offering views of the entire area, even reaching the Dolomites.

This is the view you can expect from the observation deck:

2. Stubai Mountain Coaster

A thrilling and fun experience. This is the steepest alpine coaster in the world, located in the village of Mieders. The track is 2.8 kilometers long, and the maximum speed you can reach is 42 km/h. To comfortably reach the start of the mountain coaster track, you need to take the cable car from Mieders village.

Watch the video and decide if it’s for you:

Cable car cost: Adult (one way) – 9.90 Euro per ride. Child – from 6.7 Euro.

Mountain coaster ride cost: Adult 9.90 Euro per ride. Child – from 6 Euro.

Cable car address: Waldrasterweg 1, 6142 Mieders

Mountain Coaster address: Koppeneck, 6142 Mieders

Map:

3. STUBAY Water Park

A water park with several indoor and outdoor pools, a slide, and a children’s pool. The park also has a sauna complex, a gym, and a restaurant. The location is in the village of Telfes.

Official website:

Cost: A two-hour entry costs 9.80 Euro for an adult and 6.70 Euro for a child. You can, of course, stay longer for an additional fee.

Address: Landesstraße 111, 6165 Telfes im Stubai

4. Via Ferrata Trails

Adventure climbing enthusiasts can find a variety of challenging and enjoyable options in the Stubai Valley. These trails are characterized by combining ladders, iron steps on the sides of the mountain, and iron ropes. To do these trails, special equipment is required, which can be rented from various shops throughout the valley. Some of the trails are suitable for beginners, while others are for experienced climbers. A list of trails can be found on the valley’s official website.

5. White Water Rafting

The rushing Ruetz River is especially suitable for extremely challenging rafting. In small groups of up to 8 people, with a dedicated guide and professional equipment, you can paddle down the river and tackle the mighty current. Rafting takes place during the summer season from May to September.

Meeting point: Parking lot 11, at Moos 12, Neustift

Trail length: 6 kilometers

Difficulty level: Medium

Requirements: Ability to swim, basic physical fitness, age 16 and above

Price: 39 Euro per person (includes transfer to the starting point, rafting, and safety equipment)

More information on the website.

6. Birds of Prey Park in Telfes (Greifvogelpark)

This park is actually a rehabilitation and recovery center for birds of prey that have been injured or fallen ill. After the treatment and recovery period, the birds are released back into nature. In the park, you can see about 50 birds of prey of various types, such as eagles or owls. Most of the birds are European species, and only one eagle originates from America. A visit to the park is an opportunity to learn about the world of birds of prey and at the same time help their rehabilitation. The park is mostly funded by visitor entrance fees.

Address: Telfes, Tirol, 6165 Österreich

Official website:

Opening hours: Mid-May to end of October, daily from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Birds of prey flight show at 3:00 PM.

Cost: Adult – 7 Euro. Child (from age 6) – 4 Euro.

7. Ice Cave in Neustift

Beneath the edge of the Stubai Glacier lies a hidden, frozen world about 30 meters below the surface. In this attraction, you will enter a world of ice and frost, 3,000 meters above sea level. The ice is preserved all year round, and you can visit the cave in summer or winter. The bluish color of the ice gleams throughout the deep cave, naturally sculpted over hundreds of years. In the cave, you can learn about the world of glaciers and their impact on the alpine environment. Please note, you should come dressed warmly and equipped with suitable shoes. The cave can be reached by an easy walk from the upper station of the Eisgratbahn cable car.

Operating hours: End of December to early May, July to end of September. Daily from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

Cost: Adult – 6 Euro. Child (ages 10 to 18) – 3 Euro. Children under 10 enter for free.

Official website: https://www.stubaier-gletscher.com/en/glacier/the-ice-grotto/

8. Schlick2000 Visitor Center Observation Deck

The beloved ski resort transforms into a magnificent observation deck in summer, offering breathtaking views of the entire area and serving as a starting point for enjoyable hiking trails. Comfortably reach the top of the mountain by cable car and walk towards the StubaiBlick observation deck, from which you can overlook the entire valley and the magnificent surrounding peaks.

9. Europe Bridge (Europabrücke)

This bridge is located south of Innsbruck and crosses the Wipp Valley just before the beginning of the Stubai Valley. The bridge is 777 meters long and serves as part of the Austrian A13 motorway connecting Western Austria to South Tyrol in Italy. The bridge offers impressive views of the Alps. From the bridge, you can bungee jump from a height of 192 meters – this is the 5th highest bungee jump in the world.

This is what a bungee jump from the bridge looks like (for the brave only!):

Operating hours: You can jump from the bridge from May 5th to October 21st. Every Saturday and Sunday. Off-season from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and in-season from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Cost: A jump booked in advance costs 159 Euro.

More information on the official website.

Address: Europabrückenplatz 1

10. Hiking Trails

Stubai is a paradise for nature lovers. The combination of the high Alps and the large valley creates countless possibilities for excursions throughout the region. The hiking trails are suitable for all types of hikers. There are simple and short trails for those who don’t like to walk much, and also long multi-day trails for true trekkers. At the end of the hiking trails, you can rest and refresh in the hikers’ huts and gaze at the magnificent view from the window. The recommended trails are:

Easy Trails:

Seduck – Stöcklalm Guesthouse – Oberissalm Guesthouse Trail

The trail starts from Seduck, where you can park. From the starting point, walk through the Oberberg Valley, across the bridge, and through the fields. In the valley, cross the stream and continue towards the Stöcklalm Guesthouse. You can stop at the guesthouse to refresh or simply continue along the stream on the left side of the valley. The signs along the way will lead you towards the Oberissalm Guesthouse. You can return the same way.

Duration: 2 hours without breaks

Starting point: Seduck

Ending point: Seduck

Suitable season: During the summer months when there is no snow

Guesthouses are open from May to October.

Wiesenweg Neder – Fulpmes Trail

The trail starts from the parking lot behind the bus station in Neder. From the starting point, walk along the Wiesenweg path to Kampler Lake, which has playground facilities for children. At the lake, continue across the bridge to the left side of the valley towards Fulpmes. Pass the Rastbichlhof Guesthouse, then turn left after the small bridge. From there, continue past the Gröbenhof Guesthouse towards the center of Fulpmes village. When you reach the village church, which is after the fire station, turn and walk towards the Gasthof Jenewein Guesthouse and from there to the valley. After passing Medraz, return to the Wiesenweg path and make your way back towards the starting point.

Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours without breaks

Starting point: Neder

Ending point: Neder

Suitable season: All year round

Guesthouses are open all year round.

You can return from Fulpmes by bus.

Medium Difficulty Trail:

WildeWasserWeg (Wild Water Trail)

This trail is divided into 3 parts, and you don’t have to do all of them (the first part is simple and accessible for strollers). You can do only the first part of the trail and reach the waterfalls in less than an hour’s walk. Experienced hikers can continue along the trail to the impressive glacier.

Part 1: From Tschangelair Alm to Grawa Waterfall

The trail begins on the banks of the Ruetz River and leads into the valley. The path is surrounded by beautiful vegetation and fruit trees. Continue along the valley until you reach a bend, after which the highlight of this trail will be revealed before your eyes – the impressive Grawa Waterfalls. These waterfalls are the widest of all the waterfalls in the Eastern Alps and are certainly impressive in their beauty. The flow of the waterfall is greatly affected by the seasons; while the flow is minimal in autumn, in summer, with the melting snows, the waterfall appears in its full glory. You can stand on the specially built “balcony” and watch the beautiful waterfalls rapidly descend to the ground.

Please note: This part of the trail is also suitable for strollers and older hikers. If you are in a wheelchair, you will need assistance from an escort.

Duration: 45 minutes.

Starting point: Tschangelair Alm (parking available nearby).

Part 2: Grawa Waterfall – Sulzenau Alm – Sulzenauhütte

After stopping to marvel at the beautiful waterfalls, you can continue to the more challenging part of the trail, ascending above the waterfalls to see the glacier and the equally beautiful waterfalls called Sulzenaufall. This is a trail that requires good fitness and suitable hiking shoes. After about an hour’s walk, you reach Sulzenegg, and from there, continue along the straight path to the Sulzenaualm hikers’ hut. Along this path, you can enjoy the wonderful view of the glacier. From the hut, continue towards the powerful Sulzenaufall waterfalls. The waterfall’s water falls in a steady stream from a height of 200 meters into the open, green area. Especially in the early afternoon, the waterfall’s water appears in a variety of colors with the sun’s rays. From there, the trail continues to the Sulzenauhütte hikers’ hut, where you can sit, rest, and refresh. The view from there is absolutely beautiful.

Duration of this part: 2.5 hours

Part 3: Sulzenauhütte – Sulzenauferner

The last part of the trail will lead you from the hut towards the Sulzenauferner Glacier. After a short walk, you will reach the glacial lake Blaue Lacke, and from there, continue along the valley. You can admire the glacier in this area. Additionally, at the end of the trail, you will have a wonderful view of the snowy Zuckerhütl peak.

Duration of this part is 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Difficult Trails:

Seven Summits

This is actually not one single trail but simply climbing the seven highest peaks of the valley. You can climb the mountains: Zuckerhütl (soaring to 3,507 meters), Wilde Freiger (soaring to 3,418 meters), Habicht (soaring to 3,277 meters), Rinnenspitze (soaring to 3,003 meters), Serles (soaring to 2,717 meters), Burgstall (soaring to 2,611 meters), and Elfer (soaring to 2,505 meters).

Stubaier Höhenweg

This trail is considered one of the most beautiful in the Alps, but due to its serious length (100 kilometers) and high altitude, it poses a challenge. This trail is suitable for hikers in good physical condition with the ability to climb high mountains. More detailed information can be found on the Stubai region’s website.

What to Do in the Stubai Valley in Winter?

During the winter months, the valley is covered in pristine white snow, transforming the area into a bustling and highly active ski resort. In fact, there are 4 ski areas throughout the valley:

Schlick2000: Twenty-six kilometers of diverse slopes with varying difficulty levels. More information on the official website of the ski resort.
Elfer Mountain (Elfer): Challenging ski slopes for experienced and professional skiers. More information on the official website of the ski resort.
Serles Mountain: Easy slopes primarily suitable for families with children and beginner skiers. More information can be found on the official website of the ski resort.
Stubai Glacier: The largest glacial ski resort in Austria! Snow-covered from October to June!

The Stubai Glacier ski resort is not just for professionals; families and beginners can also enjoy its snowy slopes (this resort is considered one of the best for families among Tyrol’s ski resorts). The ski resort is located at an altitude of 3,210 meters above sea level, right at the end of the Stubai Valley.

For families, this is a real attraction. There are children’s areas with professional staff who will supervise the children while parents ski, children’s restaurants, a nice obstacle course, and a snow carousel.

For experienced skiers, there are plenty of options with challenging and diverse slopes.