Over the glacier and through the glacier is what it's all about at the end of Tyrol's Kaunertal Valley! In addition to skiing and glacier hikes with sensational views of three countries, a hike through a crevasse leads into the middle of the Eternal Ice.
The Kaunertal Glacier in western Austria is literally the crowning glory of the Kaunertal Valley in Tyrol and is one of our top 10 sights in the Imst-Pitztal-Kaunertal Glacier Park. Probably because of its secluded location, the Kaunertal Glacier with its fascinating mountain and natural landscape is one of the most pristine and relaxing holiday destinations in Tyrol!
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Pictures: Kaunertal Glacier in Tyrol
Photo gallery: Kaunertal Glacier in Tyrol
Approach via the Kaunertal Glacier Road
Even the journey to the Kaunertal Glacier is an experience in itself. It leads over the toll Kaunertal Glacier Road into the middle of the high mountains. In just under an hour's drive, Tyrol holidaymakers can experience all levels of vegetation on one of the most beautiful panoramic roads in the Alps, from lush alpine pastures to the edge of the Eternal Ice.
Tip: Winter sports enthusiasts do not have to pay a toll for the journey on the Kaunertal Glacier Road - the price for this is already included in the ski pass.
Kaunertal Glacier Ski Area - Winter Sports at the Highest Level
Most Tyrol holidaymakers come to the Kaunertal Glacier for skiing and snowboarding. Thanks to the altitude, the winter sports season lasts from September to June. 8 lifts or cable cars lead to almost 30 kilometres of prepared pistes and just as many freeride routes. The extensive glacier slopes at 2,150 to 3,160 metres above sea level offer enough space for everyone. There are also hardly any waiting times at the lifts.
Fasten your seatbelts right at the glacier restaurant. This is where the ski lifts start on the Weißseeferner, where the well-known Kaunertal Funpark is also located. The annual ski opening also takes place on the Weißseeferner.
The slopes at the Nörderjoch lifts include the FIS race course and in part run directly along the glacier break. The descent from the Karlesspitze to the Ochsenalmbahn is also particularly popular, covering almost 1,000 metres in altitude and leading through a 140m-long ski tunnel with artificial lighting.
On the Steinbockwand with 75% gradient, even ski pros still get an adrenaline kick! You can also park your car at the valley station of the Ochsenalmbahn in winter and spring.
Tip: The ski passes for the Kaunertal Glacier are also valid in the neighbouring ski area at Fendelsberg. The small but fine skiing area is especially known for its many children's and beginners' slopes.
Hiking on the Kaunertal Glacier
At the end of the Kaunertal Glacier Road, the Karlesjochbahn takes you up to over 3,000 metres above sea level. From the mountain station, the spectacular Kaunertal Glacier with its icy sights and attractions is only a few steps away. Hikes on the Eternal Ice are done on the Kaunertal Glacier on your own and without mountaineering experience.
Protection against the summer sun
Measures are being taken to ensure that the Kaunertal Glacier retains its uniqueness as a recreational area for even longer. When the summer sun hits the glacier too hard, it is protected from the heat with huge tarpaulins. The glacier may no longer be as photogenic, but it should be preserved for longer.
Walkable crevasse - safely through the eternal ice
The Kaunertal Glacier has a unique attraction in store from the beginning of July to mid-September. Where else can you deliberately and in complete safety walk into a real glacier crevasse? Right by the car park at the end of the Kaunertal Glacier Road, a comfortable walkway leads through a V crevasse of the mighty Weißseeferner.
During guided tours (meeting point on the terrace of the glacier restaurant), the 100-year-old glacier ice can be viewed up close and even touched. Meanwhile, visitors learn interesting information about the formation and melting of the glaciers. You should allow a good half hour for the walk through the glacier. Completely free, absolutely fascinating and ideal on hot summer days!
Three-country view - Sensational views
One foot in Austria, one in Italy, the view falls all the way to Switzerland! This unique combination is possible at the Dreiländerblick in Kaunertal and is one of the most beautiful panoramas in the entire Alpine region.
From the valley station of the Karlesjochbahn cable car, the gondola takes you comfortably to the mountain station at an altitude of over 3,000 metres. From there, a path well paved with wooden planks - direct and even barrier-free - leads to the unique 3-country view.
Tip: If you want to earn the magnificent view a little harder, you can tackle the four kilometres from the Weißsee glacier restaurant to the Karlesjoch on foot - duration approx. 2 hours.
The impressive viewing platform is located at 3,108 metres above sea level, so Tyrol holidaymakers encounter the mighty three-thousand-metre peaks of three countries at eye level. The view falls on the impressive Kaunertal Valley Glacier as well as the 3,712m high Weißkugel and the 3,518m high Weißseespitze. In Italy, South Tyrol's highest mountain, the mighty Ortler, is enthroned, and in Switzerland, the Bernina Group stretches its peaks into the sky.
Pictures: 3-country view in the Kaunertal valley in Tyrol, Austria
Photo gallery: 3-country view in the Kaunertal valley
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