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Innsbruck and the tirol, Austria

Austria's Tirol isn't just about skiing

Five thousand years ago, a lone traveler perished in a sudden storm on the Similaun glacier. In this episode, Mark & Julie trek across the glacier and stand in the very spot where the frozen body of the "Ice Man" was discovered. With archeologists as guides, they uncover significant clues to our Stone Age past.

In the Oetz Valley, Julie & Mark challenge any fear of heights on the Klettersteig - a series of bolts, set by climbers, into a sheer rock face with a raging waterfall alongside.

Next, they join a multinational group of guides to raft the white water of the Inn river. In Innsbruck, they explore the historic city center and take a bone rattling ride on the Olympic bobsled course with the ex-Austrian team captain.

TIPS for TRAVELERS to INNSBRUCK & AUSTRIA

Hiking trails in Austria are well marked with signs telling you both the distance and average hiking time to your destination. In the Oetztal, (tal means valley) the hike up the Simalaun Glacier begins in the village of Vent.

Your best bet is to stay in one of the small hotels in the village, then depart early in the morning. After several hours of trekking, reaching the summitt, you will cross the border into Italy, and find the monument dedicated to "Oetzi".

The Stone Age man's 5,000 year old body was uncovered here by the receding glacier.

Don't bother to weigh yourself down heavily with provisions, (just the basics) as there is a great "mountain hutte" for lunch, offering regional specialties like "Tiroler groestle" and "Kaiserschmarn" - slices of pancake smothered in berries and whipped cream - one of my favorites!.

If you are hungry for more adventure, head down to the village of Langenfeld to arrange a guide who will provide harnesses and climbing gear for the "Klettersteig."

This natural climbing wall parallels an enormous waterfall, the mist of which becomes your constant companion while you battle your way to the top.

At the summit be sure and sign your name in the visitors book, joining the others who have conquered the Klettersteig.

Further down the valley is the Inn River and the village of Imst, where you can shoot the rapids with Feelfree rafting company.

Shopping is also very good in Zell am See!

For more on Austria click on the Trip Tips for:
Winter in the Arlberg, Hiking & Soaring in the Austrian Alps,
Sud Tirol, and
Ziller Valley.

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