Pitztal – Roof of Tyrol and Alpine Sanctuary
Located deep in the Tyrolean Alps, Pitztal is a highland sanctuary where the air is fresh and the peaks are legendary. This 40-kilometer-long valley, known as the “Roof of Tyrol”, offers an authentic Alpine experience that balances raw glacial power with warm Austrian hospitality.
Description and Accommodation
Pitztal is characterized by its dramatic verticality, stretching from the lush meadows of Arzl at the valley entrance to the eternal ice of the Pitztal Glacier at its summit. It is a place for those seeking “slow tourism” and preferring peace and nature to crowded resorts.
Whether you are looking for a cozy base for hiking or a luxurious winter retreat, the valley offers a variety of high-quality holiday homes.
History
Historically, the Pitztal was a remote agricultural region. Its survival depended on mountain farming and the movement of livestock. Although the valley has been modernized, its history is still visible in the Platzhaus in Wenns, a 16th-century building decorated with Renaissance frescoes, and the curious "Earth Pyramids" formed by millennia of erosion.
The opening of the Pitztal Glacier Cable Car in the 1980s transformed the valley into a world-class destination, while preserving its traditional roots.
Typical dishes
Tyrolean cuisine is hearty and designed to fuel a day on the slopes or trails.
Kasspatzln
Soft egg noodles drizzled with melted mountain cheese and topped with crispy fried onions.
Tiroler Gröstl
A savory casserole of potatoes, onions, and speck (smoked ham), often served with a fried egg.
Zirbenschnaps
A local liqueur made from the cones of the pine tree (Zirbe), known for its distinct woody aroma.
Kaiserschmarrn
A fluffy, grated pancake served with plum compote – the ultimate Alpine dessert.
Year-round activities
Pitztal is a year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts.
Winter activities
Home to the Pitztal Glacier – Austria’s highest ski resort at 3,440 metres – which guarantees snow from September to May. Activities include glacier skiing, ice climbing on frozen waterfalls and cross-country skiing.
Summer experiences
The valley transforms into a hiking paradise in summer. The Wildspitze (3,774 meters), North Tyrol's highest peak, attracts mountaineers, while families enjoy the ZirbenPark and the crystal-clear Rifflsee, one of the highest mountain lakes in the Alps.
Festivals and traditions
Life in the valley is characterized by seasonal traditions and authentic Tyrolean culture.
Almabtrieb
The colorful cattle drive in autumn, where cows are decorated with flower crowns as they return from high pastures to the valley.
Pitztal Schneefest
A spring snow festival in Mandarfen with live music, traditional brass bands and outdoor parties.
Advent in the mountains
Traditional Christmas markets with a focus on local crafts, wood carving and atmospheric music.
Nature and Wildlife
The nature here is untouched and largely protected in the Kaunergrat Nature Park. You will encounter a diverse range of wildlife, including the majestic Alpine ibex, which has a dedicated visitor center in the valley.
From the lush green larch forests to the harsh blue-white ice of the glaciers, the landscape is a masterclass in alpine biodiversity.