Have you ever hiked in Tyrol?
I have. So has this man. We were about 5 000 years apart, so we didn’t bump into one another. Sadly.
Oetzi
Oetzi (or Ötzi) the Iceman is probably the most famous mummy around, outside of Egypt. He lived during the Alpine Bronze Age, and was discovered in 1991 by two hikers in the mountains here, on the border between Austria and Italy. Examining Ötzi’s bone structure, researchers have determined he must have spent much of his time hiking in hilly terrain. This wasn’t typical of Europeans of that era, so it’s not unreasonable to assume he was a high-altitude shepherd.
Oetzi’s present home is the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano. He was found just across the border, and is therefore deemed an Italian ‘citizen’, or, at least, Italian property. Oetzi, no doubt, walked these mountains completely disregarding future international borders.
Hiking in Tyrol
He may very well have strolled about in these particular hills, just like I did last summer. That thought continues to fascinate me. I had it much easier than he did, though. Oetzi climbed all the way. I took the cable car.
After a blogger conference in very agreeable Innsbruck, nine fellow bloggers and I were invited to retreat to nearby Oetztal to… well, retreat – and have a closer look at this enchanted valley. The Easy Hikers and I decided to forgo a bit of pampering at the fabulous Bergland, to instead check out the mountains above Sölden. The things I do for you, dear reader…
Hopping off the Bergbahn; I was tempted to run. Something about being cooped up in a small space makes me want to really stretch my legs. However, I’ve done that so many times now, I seem to finally have learnt the lesson: above 3 000 metres altitude, resist the temptation.
The landscape is harsh up here
A solitary hiker in a massive, jagged panorama.
A bit further down is Gaislachkoglmitte – the midpoint station, easier on the eyes, legs and lungs. Trails head off in different directions giving you numerous hiking options. We settled on a short, leisurely hike towards Hühnersteign.
Cocky cows
Three quarters of the way, we walked past cows and horses grazing lazily on the mountainside. It was a pleasant scene. All the more so for the sweet memories of my childhood stories. Heidi and Peter could easily have come running and laughing up the hill at any time.
I decided to investigate further, so our ways parted. The Easy Hikers continued along the trail, while I tried to get up close and personal with livestock. The horses were my goal, but I had little success as these beastly bovines wouldn’t let me pass. I was too intimidated to challenge their stares.
Heading back towards the Bergbahn, I ran into this much more peaceful girl. I sat down in the grass for a chat, but she ignored me completely. Cows and I, we just don’t seem to speak the same language. Wonder if Oetzi had better luck…
Where have you hiked?
Disclosure: I was in Ötztal as a guest of the Austrian Tourist Board. As ever, all opinions are mine, all mine.
I don’t know who looks most scary – Oetzi or the Alpine cows – but the views are breathtaking.
Haha! My 10-year-old is a bit scared of mummies and refuses to go to Bolzano to see him in the museum. Have to wait a few years, I suppose.
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One thing that I always love about your blog is that I find myself saying, “ooh, I want to go there!” and it is always somewhere I have never heard about before. Love the cow photos- such unique creatures- funny looking almost.
Thanks, Jade 🙂
Gorgeous scenery and pictures. Although, the Iceman is a bit creepy but very interesting. I always walk away from your blog with a nice geography lesson. Thanks for sharing this wonderful place. It looks like the hike was well woth it.
Thanks, Mary 🙂
I sometimes wonder how I would have reacted if I had been the one stumbling upon him up there, unaware. Hopefully, the curious part of me would win.
I love the alpine cows. They have a special charm!
Charming. Or a little scary…
We had just been talking about Oetzi with friends last week – and then voila. Great post Sophie – and I also love the cow photos. It’s easy to be intimidated by them.
I found the signage in the mountains in Europe last summer to be excellent – and interesting how they do it in Europe with the time – not the distance marked.
Yes, paths are very well signed in the Alps at least. Never really hiked in the Americas. Is it very different?
Great views! The cows are too cute… but aren’t those a bunch of horses in the first pic? or are my eyes playing tricls on me?
Mostly horses – and a few cows 🙂
Great photos. I’ve hiked in the Tyrol, but not in the exact area where you were. I’m glad I wasn’t the one that found Oetzi – that would have been freaky!
Thanks. Freaky, yes – but I think it would have been OK if someone else (alive) was along.
What a beautiful place for a hike – particularly now that Oetzi has been safely removed to safer quarters. I’m pretty sure that if I had been the one who stumbled upon him that I would have run off screaming in the opposite direction. 🙂 I love the photo of the solitary hiker sitting on the peak – what a spectacular spot to just sit and think!
Yeah, beautiful spot, but in a rugged, rough sort of way.
Great pictures Sophie! This is a part of Austria/Italy I really want to explore. Your photos have piqued my interest even more. Love the cows too but understand how intimidating they can be. We have a local hike where cows will show up and I try to sneak by without looking eye to eye with the ones that are close to or on the trail 🙂
It’s funny how something as ordinary as a cow or two can be intimidating, isn’t it? Perhaps we’ve become too far removed from nature.
interesting post and beautiful pictures !
please send my regards to Oetzi :p
Haha. I will when I bump into him… in the next life, probably 🙂
What a beautiful place, hiking is one of the best activity this coming vacation… I can’t wait to try it…
I’m sure you’ll enjoy it, Rose 🙂
Looks just like a scene out of Heidi….well minus that mummy guy.
Jessica – I know. Like turning back the clock to a simpler time…
Great little story and photos!
Thanks, Dick 🙂
What a pleasant hike. Like you said, poor Oetzi wouldn’t have had it so easy by a long shot. Slome of those cows look a little mean! 🙂
They do, don’t they…
These pictures are fantastic – I love the one of the hiker looking out over everything!
~Becca
Thanks, Becca. Yeah, I like that one, too. Must have taken some effort getting up there.
I always love your articles and photos, but this one is particularly outstanding in the “Takes you there” department! Lovely!
Thank you, Vera Marie. Very kind!
Archaeology and forensics are so amazing – I can’t believe they were able to tell from a skeleton that the person did a lot of hiking. Makes me wonder how it affects bone structure…. and what about things like marathon running or bungee jumping? Would that be apparent?? 🙂
Interesting question. I’ve read that running long distances may impact the structure of the skeleton, because of the physical stress on the body.
What stunning and diverse scenery. Would love to have taken this hike with you and the Easy Hikers. Very interesting about Oetzi.
Next time you’re over here, we could all do a little hiking together, Cathy 🙂
Mountains are mountains! What can be better?!
Very nice shots.
Thanks for reading 🙂
This is such an interesting story. We read about it in one of my classes, and everyone was intrigued about how he died and what kind of life he lived. The nature there looks amazing.
It’s a fascinating mental exercise, isn’t it – picturing this man and his surroundings 5 000 years ago…
such a beautiful landscape! something to add to my list of places to go when my plan to visit Austria finally pushes through ^_^
though i’m kinda scary to see oetzi…
No worries, he’s safely ensconced in Bolzano 🙂
Really enjoyed your Tirol post, Sophie! I might just get myself up my local mountains and inspect our cows and horses – the lovely Lipizzaners!