Nature + Culture

Protected areas

Ötztal Nature Park was formed as an umbrella organization for all protected areas in the Southern Ötz valley following the decree of the Tyrolean federal government issued on September 19th, 2006. It spans an area of 380 km² and covers mainly alpine and high alpine areas in the Ötztal and Stubai Alps within the Municipality of Sölden. It is home to several areas that are particularly worthy of protection.

Obergurgl Swiss Pine forest

The Obergurgl Swiss Pine forest of (1950 m-2100 m) is an intact 20 hectares (ca. 50 acres) forest of Swiss Pines and includes some individual pines more than 300 years old. An interpretive alpine trail guides you through the impressive forest.

"Ruhegebiet Ötztaler Alpen"

The protected area within the Ötztal Alps covers almost only alpine and high alpine territory.

"Ruhegebiet Stubaier Alpen"

The protected area covers a large part of the Stubai Alps and reaches from the eastern Ötz valley to Ranalt in the Stubai valley.

Windach valley Natural Forest Reserve

Natural Forest Reserves (NFR) are forested areas where the natural development of the forest ecosystem is observed without human interference.

Biosphärenpark Gurgler Kamm

The name “Biosphere Park/Reserve” is above all used for areas with outstanding relevance for nature research and protection, but it is also awarded for model regions which show how man and nature can live together.