LONG-LIVED TRADITION AT THE HOTEL GURGLHOF

Gurgl is situated in the Ötz Valley Alps near the main ridge of the Alps and is surrounded by peaks reaching up to 3,500 m and several glaciers. The settlements are located in the Gurgl Valley at an altitude of 1,770 metres. Obergurgl is located at 1,930 metres and is known as the highest church village in Austria. The Gurgl Valley branches off to the south at the end of the Ötz Valley near Zwieselstein, representing the continuation of the Ötz Valley with the Venter Valley branching off at the same point. The last village in the 10 km long Gurgl Valley is Obergurgl - the Gurgler Glacier forms the end of the valley. The Timmels Valley branches off from the Gurgl Valley to the east, which together with the Timmelsjoch forms the link between the Ötz Valley and South Tyrol with the Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road. Much of the valley lies in the Ötztal Alps, with the Gurgler Ache forming the border to the Stubai Alps to the east below the mouth of the Timmelsbach.

The Gurgl Ice Lake broke through in the 18th and 19th centuries and devastated the Gurgl Valley and the Ötz Valley. The valley floor in the middle section around Obergurgl is relatively wide and level. The valley becomes narrower again above and climbs further up to approx. 2,200 m, where the glacier zone begins. A mountain ridge separates the valley in the west from the Venter Valley and Nieder Valley. The eastern side of the valley is not as steep and, in contrast to the western side, is broken by several side valleys. The Gurgl Glacier forms the valley head in the south. Today the valley is strongly dominated by tourism and boasts an extensive ski area on the east side (Obergurgl-Hochgurgl). Obergurgl is interesting, steeped in history and breathtakingly beautiful. You can see for yourself by visiting us during one of your next holidays.

HISTORICAL SETTLEMENT

The name "Gurgl" was first documented in 1250 in the name of a servant of the Lords of Montalban from the Vinschgau: “Heberhardus von Gurgele”. The name can be traced back to the term "Gurgall": "village in the glacier crown." The first traces of settlement can be found as early as 7,500 BC. People have probably always been aware of the special location and beauty of Gurgl and Obergurgl. Approx. 200 people lived in Gurgl around 1760. They lived on agriculture, especially livestock breeding. Other activities, such as weaving, played an important role back then. An article in the "Tiroler Bote" from 1821 reported that almost all farmers in the Ötz Valley worked as linen weavers or loden knitters during winter. Flax was primarily used for this purpose, which was cultivated in the valley and sold over the Timmelsjoch into the Passeier for spinning. However, the change in consumer behaviour that began in the 19th century meant that the existence of farmers could no longer be guaranteed. This is why the population in Obergurgl declined so rapidly - it dropped to just 39 people. It was only possible to counteract this trend in the early 20th century with the emergence of alpinism and the development of a winter sports resort that still exists today. The special climate and location have contributed to the development of Obergurgl. Obergurgl not only captivates as a skiing paradise, but also as a hiking paradise, with Obergurgl and the surrounding region being very popular. With partial source and info: Alpine Research Centre Obergurgl, University of Innsbruck.

OBERGURGL FASCINATES IN EVERY ASPECT

Our hotel is situated in a prime location in Obergurgl, directly on the ski slopes and just a few steps from the mountain railways. It is a true dream ski resort and is not called the diamond of the Alps for nothing. The valley also stands out thanks to its fascinating mountain scenery all around. Likewise, there is no shortage of wonderful buildings and architectural highlights. The parish church of St. John of Nepomuk and the monument erected to commemorate the emergency landing and rescue of Auguste Piccard in 1931 deserve special mention.