Zirbenwald Nature Treasure and Stone Pine Trail
This ultimate theme trail at the heart of the Ötztal Nature Park was signposted, focusing on the interaction of ecological circumstances in the high Alpine environment. Discover on your own the many facets of this nature treasure boasting an infinite variety of rare fauna and flora amidst this wonderful mountainscape. The great Forest & Water Theme Trail takes hikers further on to glacier brooks, the rushing Rotmoos waterfall and the Rotmoostal high-altitude marshlands (ask for the Zirbenwald Stone Pine Trail folder which is available at the Information Office).

Archeological Circuit Trails and Prehistoric Journey in Time 'The sensational discovery of the Ice Man skeleton that was freed from the ice after 5300 years at the glacier near the Hauslabjoch amid Ötztal's main Alpine chain at an altitude of 3210 m has given fresh impetus to the research on human traces in high-altitude areas. Since summer 2002 archeological excavations have been carried out in the surroundings of Gurgl's Beilstein at an altitude of 2117 m. Burning layers, arrowheads, findings of silex and flint devices prove that this resting place was used by shepherds long before the time of the Ice Man. A new archaeological circuit trail to the Beilstein nature treasure (trail no. 9, 9a, 37 and 38), which connects to the Ramolweg trail and the Lehnerkar - Soomsee route, invites to a prehistoric journey in time.

Prehistoric Culture Landscape
Pollen analysis near Karlsruher Hütte in the Gurgler Alm pasturelands, where the shepherd Alfons tends his sheep and goats today, have proven that pastures have been used since 4300 B.C. Research experts of the University of Innsbruck found traces of pasture usage within the Alpine marshlands at Langtalereck area near Karlsruher Hütte as early as 4360 to 4510 B.C. Copper steles along these old trails invite hikers of today to reflect on this yet unspoiled and awe-inspiring mountain area.

Detailed program and contact:
VEREIN NATURPARK ÖTZTAL
Gurglerstraße 114
A-6456 Obergurgl
T +43 664 121 0350
www.naturpark-oetztal.at
info@naturpark-oetztal.at