The Similaun Glacier is located along the borderline of South Tyrol and North Tyrol, strictly speaking between Val Senales and Sölden
Image gallery: Monte Similaun
Since the year 1991, the Monte Similaun (3,599 m a.s.l. - Similaun in German) might not only have been connected with mountain tours, but also with the most famous glacier mummy of the world, the Iceman. Near Passo di Tisa, on South Tyrolean terrain, this mummy was detected by a German couple. Today the mummy of the Iceman can be admired in the Archaeologic Museum of Bolzano.
From Vernago Lake in Val Senales you can perfectly see the Monte Similaun, as it is considerably higher than the mountains in its surroundings. The ascent from the lake (1,650 m a.s.l.) takes about 5.5 hours and also leads to the Rif. Similaun (3,017 m a.s.l.). Up to this point, the tour is to be considered a mountain tour, from the mountain refuge to the summit glacier equipment and a rope partner are necessary. About one hour from the mountain hut, there is the place of discovery of Oetzi, the famous Iceman, marked with a monument to the Neolithic man.
Once you have reached the summit of the Monte Similaun you will be amazed by the panoramic view on the Ötztal Alps and the Gruppo di Tessa. The ascent from North Tyrol, Vent (Sölden) leads you via the the Martin Busch Mountain Hut and takes about 7 hours.