The famous Oetztal Alps, one of the largest mountain ranges of the East Alps, extend in North and South Tyrol
Image gallery: Oetztal Alps
The Oetztal Alps are known for their multitude of mountains that are higher than 3,000 m, offering a wide variety of excursion destinations for those who are experienced Alpinists. Furthermore there are several protected areas in this mountain range. As the Oetztal Alps comprise a vast surface and several climatic zones, its flora and fauna is really rich in species. To mention some of the protected areas, there are the Kaunergrat-Pitztal-Kaunertal Nature Park, the special protected area Oetztal Alps and the protected area Pitzeklamm, all of them stretch in North Tyrol. In South Tyrol, however, there is the Gruppo di Tessa Nature Park, providing a series of fabulous mountain trails such as the famous Alta Via Meranese high path.
The most popular tourist destinations in the Ötztal Alps are Merano and surroundings in the province of Bolzano, and Sölden in Oetztal, North Tyrol. The highest summit of the Oetztal Alps is the Wildspitze (3,768 m). Further high summits are the Monterosso (3,337 m), the Punta di Finale (3,514 m) and the Monte Similaun, where the glacial mummy Iceman has been found in 1991. The Passo del Rombo connects the Oetztal Alps with the Stubai Alps.