Geocaching
ON A TREASURE HUNT IN THE MOUNTAINS
Whether with or without digital help, a treasure hunt is always exciting. In Sölden you can go searching with a treasure map (including a finder's reward, of course) and/or set off for the 9for5 & 5for1 geocaching hunt through Ötztal with a GPS device. Here you will find out how to get the treasure map and coordinates - and ultimately your treasure...
This is how the treasure hunt works
Along the marked route you will find small caches (treasure boxes), each containing one of six secret numbers and/or one of two colors. Enter the numbers and colors on your treasure map. Once you have found all the caches and thus know the secret numbers in the matching colors, you can open the locks of the treasure chest at the Sölden Information desk.
Ötz-Taler
Our "9for5 & 5for1" caches are hidden throughout Ötztal. The treasure hunt is not only worth it because of the beautiful landscape experience - whoever finds 5 of the 9 caches gets the coveted Ötz-Taler, our geocoin. Here you can find the individual coordinates for the 9 caches or go to the Geocache Community website at www.geocaching.com. Download it directly to your GPS device. For an overview of the single cache locations and the stamp card, you will find a printable map here.
There are various marking clippers in the single cache boxes. Each one creates a unique pattern. With 5 different clipper markings you can pick up the ultimate Ötz-Taler at the information office in Längenfeld. There is also a special folder for the markings.
Gampe Thaya
The High Alpine Ecology Theme Trail, leading to Gampe Thaya, gives an insight into the local fauna and flora. Special information panels are spread along the route.
Get to know more about Alpine plants and animals and how they can survive in Ötztal's high Alpine. The splendid trail travels mainly along the natural timberline located right between the subalpine forest and alpine shrub zone, the lower part of the varied high Alpine ecosystem.
Trail details
- First, drive along the glacier road until you reach the toll station. Follow the trail towards Hochsöldenstraße and the junction to Gampe. A leisurely trail takes you to Gampe Thaya. (Walking time: ½ hour)
- By bus to Hochsölden: nice hiking tour to Gampe Thaya via Sonnblick (5 min from the bus stop). After a leisurely 40-minute walk you reach a trail-fork where you keep to the left in the direction of Gampe Thaya.
Useful hint: Maybe there is something behind the big triangle of stones!
Sahnestüberl
Starting point is the road between Zwieselstein and Untergurgl. Next to the signpost "Sahnestüberl" there is a parking area. 5 minutes from here you also find the typical wooden mountain huts – called "Tajen" in dialect – belonging to the Alpine pasturelands of the local farmers. The Gurgler Ache mountain brook and the mountain forest also make an ideal grazing area. A very atmospheric and romantic place for all those in search of peace and relaxation. The two mountain huts at 1640 meters above sea level are widely known as "Sahnestüberl", a truly authentic snack station.
Alternative trail:
- From Zwieselstein Bridge/Gurgler Ache a steeply ascending gravel trail is winding up the slope. Later the path flattens out and takes walkers through a wooded area and past a scenic waterfall to the mountain hut. (Walking time: approx. 1 1/2 hours)
- By bus: from the bus stop Zwieselstein/Sahnestüberl in about 5 walking minutes to Sahnestüberl.
Please take care of nature on your walking and treasure hunting tour. Walk in single file on the edge of the meadow if the grass is high, and please don't leave the already existing/marked trails.
Useful hint: A quite big rock on your way to Zwieselstein...
