Discover Umhausen: Stuibenfall, Nature and Culture

Umhausen offers several different themes to consider when planning your trip: the hike to Stuibenfall, nature and wildlife experiences, and archaeological and ecclesiastical sites. If you are looking for a hotel in Umhausen, the mix of interests you have planned may play a role in your choice. The key is whether hiking, wildlife watching or culture will shape your stay.

Hiking at Stuibenfall

Stuibenfall, near Umhausen in the Ötztal, is 159 metres high and the tallest waterfall in Tyrol. The hike from Umhausen to Stuibenfall takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes and covers about 2.8 kilometres. The duration and distance give you two different points of reference for planning your day.

The trail to the upper section of Stuibenfall passes several viewing platforms and around 700 steps. The suspension bridge at Stuibenfall is about 80 metres long and runs directly alongside the 159-metre-high waterfall. This means the hike can be assessed not only in terms of time and distance: the steps, platforms and bridge also shape the route to the upper section.

To reach Umhausen, first take the train to Ötztal station and then bus route 320. Check the timetable before travelling so you can plan your journey accordingly.

Nature and Wildlife

The steep Engelswand rises above the hamlet of Platzl near Umhausen. It was designated a nature reserve in 2008. This makes a striking cliff with protected-area status a focal point here, while Stuibenfall is associated with a described hike and specific trail features.

Daily flying demonstrations with eagles, buzzards, falcons and kites take place at the Umhausen Bird of Prey Park. An educational trail provides information about falconry. The entire site is accessible, including for pushchairs and wheelchair users. The demonstrations and educational trail offer different highlights: wildlife watching and learning about falconry.

Umhausen swimming lake is filled with pure drinking water; beach volleyball is also available. This offers another way to enjoy nature and leisure activities, distinct from the hike at Stuibenfall and the Bird of Prey Park’s attractions.

Culture and History

The Ötzi Village in Umhausen is an archaeological open-air park offering insights into Neolithic history and inviting visitors to take part in activities. It features authentically reconstructed huts, tools, weapons and historic domestic animals. There is also a 1:1-scale replica of the site where “Ötzi” was found. The exhibition thus combines the connection to the discovery site with a range of objects and building types on display.

The Gothic parish church of St. Vitus in Umhausen is the oldest church in the Ötztal and is mentioned as early as 1220. The church features Gothic frescoes dating from 1330, which were discovered during restoration work in 1964. These dates refer to different historical milestones: 1220 marks the church’s first mention, 1330 the age of the frescoes, and 1964 their discovery during restoration.

Farst is also part of the valley’s settlement history: it is one of the oldest settlements, and a Schwaighof farm was established there as early as the 13th century. On the east side of the Gasthof Krone is a fresco depicting the Wedding at Cana; it dates from before 1627.

The Baroque church in Niederthai is dedicated to St. Anthony and was consecrated in 1698. The parish church in Tumpen was consecrated to St. Martin on 17 May 1666 by Auxiliary Bishop Jesse Perkhofer. Its façade features three Rococo frescoes depicting the weather saints and the Good Shepherd. The different consecration dates and fresco subjects each offer their own points of reference for exploring ecclesiastical history.

Discover more destinations: Tumpen, Niederthai, Östen, Roppen, Sankt Leonhard Im Pitztal, Haiming, Karrösten, Köfles.

Go to the main travel overview: Imst.