2026 Schnals Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in September)

#worthitornot High above the Schnalstal/Val Senales in South Tyrol lies the Hauslabjoch ridge—the exact spot where Ötzi the Iceman was discovered in 1991. I rode the cableway from Maso Corto/Kurzras to the Grawand summit (€18 round trip). From there, a marked but strenuous 2-hour hike leads toward the Italian–Austrian border and the memorial site near Giogo Alto (Tisenjoch). The trail climbs from 3,212 m to 3,210 m (yes, slightly downhill overall, but with steep rocky ascents). I carried microspikes; by July, patches of ice remained on north-facing slopes. The landscape is lunar—gray scree, rust-colored iron oxide deposits, and the occasional Edelweiss clinging to cracks. A stone cairn marks the discovery site, accompanied by a bronze plaque embedded in rock. Standing there, wind whipping across the ridge, I imagined Ötzi’s final moments 5,300 years ago. It’s profoundly moving. The nearby Ötzi Glacier Tour hut sells hot tea (€3) and apple strudel (€5)—cash only, as cards occasionally fail at altitude. I made a mistake: I didn’t apply SPF 50 liberally enough, and my nose burned despite the cold. The hike is worth itnot for grand vistas alone, but for the connection to human prehistory. However, note that the actual body is in Bolzano’s museum—this is purely the outdoor context. Question: does knowing the historical weight of a place deepen your appreciation, or do you prefer landscapes free from human narratives?

#hellohalloween The unique geology of the Dolomites gives them specific characteristics that distinguish them from other parts of the Alps, such as the crystalline central Alps. Formation: While the main Alps were formed by the intense collision of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, the Dolomites were part of an ancient tropical seabed that was later uplifted. This allowed the sedimentary rock to remain relatively undeformed compared to the jagged, heavily folded peaks of other Alpine sections.

#hellohalloween Similaunhütte is a private mountain hut located at an elevation of 3,019 meters on the border of Austria and Italy in the Ötztal Alps. The hut is a popular base for hiking, mountaineering, and ski tours. It is known for its proximity to the Niederjoch pass, a historic border crossing, and the discovery site of "Ötzi" the Iceman. The location where Ötzi was found is about a one-hour walk from the hut. The hut is typically open from mid-June to late September for the summer season and from early March to the end of April for the ski touring season, depending on weather conditions.

#hellohalloween The Stone Age village is a key feature of the outdoor archaeological museum at the archeoParc Val Senales in South Tyrol, Italy. Located in Madonna di Senales, the park features a faithful reconstruction of prehistoric huts that show how Ötzi the Iceman and his contemporaries lived over 5,000 years ago. What to see and do The outdoor area and its recreated Stone Age settlement are designed for hands-on, interactive learning for visitors of all ages.

#hellohalloween The Ötztal Alps are a high, glaciated mountain range located in the Central Eastern Alps, spanning the border between the Austrian state of Tyrol and the Italian province of South Tyrol. The range is known for its stunning high-alpine scenery, numerous 3,000-meter peaks, and significant glaciers. Highest peaks: The range's highest summit is the Wildspitze, which, at 3,768 meters, is also the highest mountain in North Tyrol. Other major peaks include the Weißkugel and the Similaun