Looking for that perfect getaway to reconnect with nature, take a breather, and get your body moving in the process? Ischgl in Austria promises all that, and more. This mountainous region is traditionally known as a Winter destination, but you might be surprised at the wealth of activities on offer during Summer in Ischgl.
In a world where we are connected 24/7, where success is measured by the size of one’s paycheck or the amount of fabulous holiday destinations ticked off the neverending bucket list, there is something to be said for a bucolic escapade into the Tyrolean Alps in Austria.
If the name Ischgl rings a bell, chances are you are thinking of wooden chalets adorned with red and white checked tablecloths, oompah bands, and an impressive ski arena. While all of the above might be true, yours truly is not a snow bunny and thus I will take your word for it.
Instead, I traveled to Ischgl in Summer and spent an adventure-filled 3 days cruising around on an e-mountain bike, hiking, ziplining, and even venturing into a glorified Mario kart whizzing down the side of a mountain. Read on to find out why Summer in Ischgl, Austria is simply unbeatable.
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Where is Ischgl located?
First things first, where can one find this magical adventure paradise? The village of Ischgl is located in the Paznaun Valley, in the Tyrol region of western Austria. Nestled in the heart of the Alps, Ischgl is surrounded by the dramatic Silvretta, Samnaun, and Verwall Mountains.
The village sits near the border with Switzerland, making it a popular gateway for exploring Austrian and Swiss alpine adventures. The nearest large city is Innsbruck, approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) to the east, which serves as the regional capital of Tyrol and a major hub for travelers in the area.
GOOD TO KNOW | All the activities below can be undertaken within the 40-kilometer stretch known as the Paznaun Valley. This valley is home to a smattering of little villages including Galtür, Kappl, See, and of course Ischgl.
6 Things to do in Ischgl Austria during Summer
1. Take to the trails with an e-bike
Come Summer, mountain biking is pretty much THE outdoor activity in this part of the country. With the sweeping vistas and endless supply of well-maintained cycling tracks it is not hard to see why. Ischgl is traditionally a destination that attracts a wide range of visitors, this is also reflected in the cycling paths which range from easy family-friendly (Galtür SILVA Trails) to the hardcore Enduro and Ironbike trails (check out routes on Komoot).
We rented our bikes in Ischgl and cycled to Galtür along the Trisanna River. This picturesque ride was but the appetizer for the real breathtaking vistas at higher altitudes. Popping our bikes on the cablecar (Bergbahn Silvretta) we rode up to the very top which in Summer is the start of the Galtür SILVA TRAILS amongst other trails.
I feel a few words of caution should be inserted at this point. The term “easy” is highly subjective. As a city dweller with (I must admit) a startling lack of coördination, the “easy” family trail in Galtür was a smidge too adventurous for me.
SILVRETTA CARD PREMIUM | The Silvretta Card Premium is the Summer version of a ski pass. This specific card allows you to take unlimited public transportation (including cable cars), use all mountain railroads in the valley, and a host of other activities. Bikes are permitted in the cable cars! We received our card upon checking in to our hotel.
BIKE HIRE | We hired our e-mountain bikes from Sport Bründl in the center of Ischgl. Bike rental starts at €36 (US$39) per person for adults while e-bikes start at around €59 (US$65) per person. Protective gear (gloves and helmet) are available upon request and cost additional. Unless you are gunning for sore glutes, I would opt for the e-mountain bike. Most of the cycling trails have a fair amount of altitude.
SAFETY FIRST | Before whizzing off on your e-bike and finding yourself toppling over, it might be worth testing out your new ride in the newly constructed E-Bike Riding Centre. Here you can put your skills to the test in an obstacle course. The team running the E-Bike Riding Centre is the same as the Sport Bründl where you can rent your bike. Simply book your test ride online or in the store when picking up your bike (costs €5 per person).
2. Explore the many hiking paths around the Pauznan Valley
Despite growing up in Belgium, arguably one of the flattest countries in the world, I find myself inexplicably being called towards the mountains. Having extensively hiked around the Dolomites in Italy, and Picos de Europa in Asturias (Spain), I was positively itching to lace up my hiking boots and explore the Tyrolean Alps.
On our second day in Ischgl, we decided to head out to the Heidelberger Hütte located just across the border in Switzerland. Reaching the hut from Ischgl can be done via one of two ways: biking or hiking. The adventurous souls I traveled with opted to go for the former, cycling across serpentine paths cutting through the Alps and offering the most staggering vistas. Beware these routes are not for the faint of heart.
Hiking boots at the ready we opted to hike instead. If you are looking to hike from Ischgl to the Heidelberg Hütte and back, it is a full-day affair. Depending on the route chosen the hike is anywhere between 26 and 40 km (to and back), consider booking an overnight stay in the hut. Book in advance!
Sadly we did not have a full day to complete the hike, and so we booked a taxi (Alpen Taxi) to drop us off at the Gampen Bahn, leaving us a solid 1h30 hike to the Hut. The hike is relatively easy from this point on with only a slight elevation gain. As we pass the Philosopher’s Stone, the Fimbatal Valley widens and we make friends we a trio of donkeys and a couple of horses lazily grazing.
Crossing a few sleepy brooks and a small sign indicating we have now passed from Austria into Switzerland, we keep hiking in the direction of a small white building, at the foot of the 3,399-metre-high Mt. Fluchthorn. The only sound that accompanies us is the crunch of the gravel underfoot and the whistle of Marmots sounding the alarm.
The Hut itself marks the end of the Fimbatal Valley. Despite being located in Switzerland, you can pay with Euro. They serve typical alpine dishes (vegetarian options available). We are lucky to have stumbled upon a folkloric festival and the lëderhosen are on in full display!
INSPIRATION FOR HIKING ROUTES | Komoot has a host of hikes for all levels (download the GPX files for ease of use), or check out the tourism website of Tyrol for a range of hikes.
3. Defy gravity at 85 kilometers/hour on the Skyfly
The Skyfly is a trio of ziplines that start at 1.683 meters high and end in the village of Ischgl at 1.376 meters. Spanning 2 kilometers, the Skyfly reaches speeds of up to 84 km/h, descending from the Silvrettabahn mid-station down to the valley in Ischgl.
Ever met a person with a crpipling case of vertigo who will do anything for a view? Hi! It’s me. When I heard there was a zipline cutting through the Silvretta mountains, there was no way I was going to miss out! After purchasing the tickets, signing a safety waiver (slight panic!), and being hoisted into a harness (“Are you sure this is tight enough?”) we made our way up the iron staircase leading to the first zipline.
The first thing I spot at the top is not the 50-meter drop, but Ischgl’s slogan Relax. If you can. Someone had a lot of fun coming up with those 4 seemingly innocent words. The zipline features two parallel cables, which is a neat feature as you get to soar above the ground with a friend right next to you.
Despite my initial trepidation, I have to admit gliding over the valley is one of the coolest activities to do in Ischgl. The first zipline offers the best views, so if you are looking to snap any pictures aim to do so on the first leg of the journey. The Skyfly is open year round and I bet it must be absolutely spectacular in Winter too when the mountains are dusted with a thick layer of snow.
PRACTICAL INFO | Address: Pardatsch-Idalpe 1, 6561 Ischgl, Austria // Opening hours: Tue-Sun: 11 am – 6 pm // Price: €39 (US$42) per adult; €25 (US$26) per child. The ticket window is located at the mid-mountain terminal of Silvrettabahn Gondola.
4. Enjoy real-life Mario carts, the Alpine version
No summer in Ischgl, Austria is complete without a ride on the Medrig Moutain Carts in the nearby village of See. These little three-wheeled, gravity-powered carts instantly reminded me of Mario carts, albeit in a much more picturesque setting and without the risk of getting pelted by banana skins.
Starting at the Medrigalm station, you navigate a 3.5-kilometer forested trail with the most spectacular vistas. The gravel trail has a set of curves, little jumps, and varying gradients which are easily navigated for all ages and experience levels.
We purchased our tickets by the Zeinisbahn Valley Station cable car at a small stand right in front of the turnstiles. Next, we hopped on the cable car up to the Zeinisbahn Mountain Station, where we headed straight for the smattering of little gray carts. After grabbing a helmet and carefully listening to the safety briefing it was time to head down the mountain. Runs from mid-June to mid-October.
PRACTICAL INFO | Address: Mountain station of Zeinisbahn Cable Car, See // Price: Silvretta Card Premium holders €13,5 (US$15); without the Silvretta Card €18 (US$19)
5. Indulge in a little me-time at the Silvretta Therme
My father always told me there were but two certainties in life: Death and taxes. I would like to add a third: Finding a spa with a sauna (usually with panoramic views) in even the remotest alpine village. The Silvretta Therme in Ischgl proves my point beautifully.
This luxurious wellness complex opened in December 2022. Spanning multiple levels, the Therme features a vast array of pools, including indoor and outdoor thermal pools with panoramic mountain views. Key facilities include a large sauna area with various themed saunas, steam baths, relaxation zones, and a fitness center.
The complex also houses a restaurant and a rooftop bar, which I might add has a good selection of cocktails and delicious food (vegetarian options available).
GOOD TO KNOW | Upon purchasing our ticket, we received a large bag with a selection of towels in varying sizes, slippers, and a robe. Bathing clothing is prohibited in the large sauna area but may be used in the downstairs swimming pools.
PRACTICAL INFO | Address: Brandweg 2, 6561 Ischgl, Austria // Price: Start at €52 (US$54) p.p. // Opening Hours: Mon-Thur: 11 am to 11 pm, Fri – Sunday: 10 am to 10 pm.
6. Bring out the lederhosen and dirndls
The Alpine cliché of lederhosen, ice-cold Almduddlers – or larger-than-life pints of beers and/or an assortment of schnapps and vibrant music were on full display when we visited Ischgl in Summer. Our visit coincided with a folkloric festival both in the Heidelberg Hütte and a small village festival in Ischgl itself which had all the allure of an après-ski without the “ski”.
With an event calendar that rivals the nearby city of Innsbruck, the villages of Ischgl, Galtür, Kappl, and See seem deadset on making the best out of every season. Keep an eye out on the Pauznan Summer and Winter program to see what’s cooking when you plan on visiting.
Where to Stay in Ischgl
Ischgl is one of Austria’s leading ski destinations. As such, the high season runs between November to April, sometimes bleeding into May. Traditionally many of the hotels would close their doors over the Summer. In recent years this has slowly started to change, however, there is still a slimmer selection of accommodations during Summer in Ischgl.
WHERE WE STAYED: Hotel Olympia
This family-run hotel is located 150 meters from the Pardatschgratin Cable Car in the center of Ischgl. Guest staying here receive the Silvretta Card Premium. On site, you can enjoy a meal in the on-site restaurant which works with local producers or relax at the wellness facilities including sauna, infrared cabins, and steambath.
CENTRAL LOCATION: Hotel Jägerhof
A cozy family-run hotel smack in the center of Ischgl. We ended up having dinner in their restaurant which was serving traditional Austrian Alpine cuisine using ingrediënts cultivated at their own farm. Facilities include on-site wellness and a gym.
LUXURY PICK: Boutique Hotel Montanara B&B
Only 400 meters away from the Silvretta Cable Car, Boutique Hotel Montanara B&B enjoys a quiet location on the outskirts of Ischgl and offers a modern, 200 m² spa area with a Finnish sauna, a bio sauna, a herbal and a salt-water steam bath, an infrared cabin, an ice grotto, and a waterfall. There are also 2 relaxation rooms with waterbeds.
How to get to Ischgl
FLY + TRAIN: Ischgl, Austria is well-connected and accessible from various European cities. For international travelers, the nearest airports are Innsbruck (100 km), Munich (230 km), and Zurich (200 km). From these airports, you can reach Ischgl by train to nearby Landeck-Zams, about 30 km from Ischgl, followed by a taxi ride ((Alpen Taxi) or bus. Every 30 minutes, Bus No. 260 runs from Landeck-Zams station to Ischgl.
TRAIN: For the most sustainable travel option, consider taking the train. European rail networks offer extensive connections, allowing you to travel from major cities like Zurich, and Munich, or even further afield with minimal environmental impact. In fact, we traveled from Brussels to Ischgl by train. Get the cheapest train tickets via Omio.
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